Albert Turner (activist) facts for kids

Albert Turner (born February 29, 1936 – died April 13, 2000) was an important American leader in the Civil Rights Movement. He worked closely with Martin Luther King Jr. and helped organize big events like the Selma to Montgomery voting rights march. He was even hurt during a famous event called Bloody Sunday.

Early Life and Education

Albert Turner was born in 1936 near Marion, Alabama. He was one of 12 children in his family. He grew up on a farm in Perry County. He later went to college and graduated from Alabama A&M.

Fighting for Civil Rights

Albert Turner tried to register to vote in 1962. Even though he had a college education, he could not pass the literacy test. This test was often used to stop African Americans from voting. This unfair experience made Turner want to help others. He started organizing efforts to register voters. He also taught people about the tricky voter registration tests.

In March 1965, Turner was one of the main leaders of the Selma to Montgomery march. This march was very important for voting rights. Dr. King was not there for part of the march, so Turner helped lead the way.

Leading the SCLC

From 1965 to 1972, Turner was the State Director for the SCLC. This was a major civil rights organization. After Dr. King was assassinated, Turner helped lead the "mule train" that carried King's body to its burial place.

Helping Farmers and Communities

In 1978, Turner managed the Southwest Alabama Farmers Cooperative Association. He worked to help farmers in the area. He even found a way to make cheap fuel from corn for cars. This showed his dedication to helping his community in many ways.

Voting Rights Challenges in Alabama

In the Black Belt region of Alabama, many white voters used special absentee ballots. These ballots helped them keep control of local elections. This happened even when more Black people registered to vote. Some people even joked about how easy it was for white voters to cast ballots.

Local civil rights groups, like the Perry County Civic League (PCCL), worked hard. They helped Black citizens register to vote. They also helped them use absentee ballots. This was important because many Black voters lived far from polling places. Also, some older Black voters had not received good schooling. This made it hard for them to vote at the polls.

Standing Up for Voters

In the 1980s, there were investigations into how Black voters were being helped. Some officials thought there was fraud. However, civil rights activists said they were just helping people vote. They said the investigations were meant to scare Black voters.

Albert Turner led the PCCL. He and his wife, Evelyn, along with Spencer Hogue Jr., were accused of changing votes. They were called the "Marion Three." They said they only helped voters as allowed by law. They said voters asked them for help.

Albert Turner believed the accusations were meant to stop Black people from making political progress. He said:

This whole FBI investigation of absentee voting and the scheduled trials were set up to stop the political progress of black people in the Alabama Black Belt. The power structure wants to turn back the hands of time in Perry County and throughout west Alabama. I would encourage black people not to let my indictment stop them or discourage them. We need to vote in even larger numbers because they are trying to take our right to vote away again.

The Marion Three went to trial in 1985. Many lawyers who fought for civil rights helped defend them. The jury decided that Albert Turner, Evelyn Turner, and Spencer Hogue Jr. were not guilty on all charges. This was a big victory for voting rights.

Later Life and Legacy

Albert Turner passed away on April 13, 2000. His youngest son, Albert Turner Jr., took his father's place on the Perry County Commission.

A road in Perry County is named the Albert Turner Sr Memorial Highway. There is also an elementary school named after him. These honors remember his important work for civil rights and his community.

See Also

• Civil Rights Movement
• Selma to Montgomery marches
• Southern Christian Leadership Conference