Charles Langford facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Charles Langford
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| Member of the Alabama Senate from the 26th district |
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| In office November 9, 1983 – November 6, 2002 |
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| Preceded by | Don Harrison |
| Succeeded by | Quinton Ross |
| Member of the Alabama House of Representatives from the 77th district |
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| In office November 8, 1978 – November 9, 1983 |
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| Preceded by | Rufus Lewis |
| Succeeded by | John Buskey |
| Personal details | |
| Born | December 9, 1922 Montgomery, Alabama |
| Died | February 11, 2007 (aged 84) Montgomery, Alabama |
| Political party | Democratic |
| Alma mater | Tennessee State University |
| Profession | Attorney |
Charles Douglas Langford (December 9, 1922 – February 11, 2007) was an important lawyer and politician from Alabama. He is well-known for representing Rosa Parks in a famous civil rights case. Mr. Langford served in the Alabama Legislature for many years. He was a State Representative for District 77 in Montgomery County from 1976 to 1983. Later, he became a State Senator for District 26, also in Montgomery County, from 1983 to 2002. He was one of only two Black lawyers in Montgomery during that time.
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Early Life and Education
Charles Langford was born on December 9, 1922. He was the sixth child of Nathan G. and Lucy Brown Langford. He started his college education at Tuskegee Institute.
Serving in World War II
During World War II, Langford joined the United States Army. He served overseas as a truck driver in Europe. He received an honorable discharge from the Army in 1946.
Becoming a Lawyer
After the war, Langford continued his studies. He earned his first college degree from Tennessee State University in 1948. Later, he went on to earn his law degree from The Catholic University of America. In 1953, he was allowed to practice law in Alabama. He opened his own law office in Montgomery. He also became a partner in a law firm called Gray, Langford, Sapp, McGowan, Gray and Nathanson.
Fighting for Civil Rights
Charles Langford was a key figure in the Civil Rights Movement. He used his legal skills to fight for justice and equality.
Representing Rosa Parks
One of his most famous cases was representing Rosa Parks. On December 1, 1955, Rosa Parks was arrested for refusing to give up her seat on a Montgomery bus to a white man. Langford was her lawyer. This event helped start the Montgomery Bus Boycott.
Desegregating Schools
In 1964, Langford took on another important case. He represented a student named Arlam Carr in a lawsuit against the Montgomery Board of Education. This lawsuit helped to end segregation in the city's public schools. This meant that Black and white students could go to school together.
Ending the Confederate Flag Display
In 1993, Langford continued his fight for civil rights. He represented a group of Black lawmakers. They worked to stop the Confederate battle flag from flying on top of the State Capitol building in Montgomery. This was an important step in removing symbols of racial division.
A Career in Public Service
Charles Langford stayed in Montgomery and kept working on civil rights cases. He was dedicated to helping African Americans in his community.
Serving as a Senator
He served five terms as a State Senator before he retired in 2002. This means he was a senator for about 20 years. As a senator, he helped make laws for the state of Alabama.
Later Years
Charles Langford passed away on February 11, 2007, at his home in Montgomery. He was 84 years old. His niece, Audrey Anderson, shared that he died peacefully in his sleep. He left behind his sister, Mattie Lee Langford.
