The Alabama Democratic Conference (ADC) is an African-American political league, co-founded by

Orzell Billingsley Orzell Billingsley (October 24, 1924 – December 14, 2001) was one of the first ten African-Americans admitted to the Alabama Bar; he was also known for his work in civil rights litigation, and he was one of the lead lawyers for Martin Luther ...

and others, in cooperation with the national

Democratic Party Democratic Party most often refers to: *Democratic Party (United States) Democratic Party and similar terms may also refer to: Active parties Africa *Botswana Democratic Party *Democratic Party of Equatorial Guinea *Gabonese Democratic Party *Demo ...

. Formed in 1960 as the Black Political Caucus of Alabama, it was the first statewide political organization in

Alabama (We dare defend our rights) , anthem = " Alabama" , image_map = Alabama in United States.svg , seat = Montgomery , LargestCity = Huntsville , LargestCounty = Baldwin County , LargestMetro = Greater Birmingham , area_total_km2 = 135,7 ...

for African Americans, and was designed in an effort to bring newly registered blacks into the Democratic ranks. The organization was co-founded by civil rights attorney Arthur Shores, activist Rufus Lewis, Tuskegee teacher C.G. Gomillion, salesman Q. D. Adams, dockworkers' union leader Isom Clemon, Tuskegee teacher Beulah Johnson and attorney

in order to support

John F. Kennedy John Fitzgerald Kennedy (May 29, 1917 – November 22, 1963), often referred to by his initials JFK and the nickname Jack, was an American politician who served as the 35th president of the United States from 1961 until his assassination ...

's bid for the Democratic nomination for

president President most commonly refers to: *President (corporate title) * President (education), a leader of a college or university *President (government title) President may also refer to: Automobiles * Nissan President, a 1966–2010 Japanese f ...

. Given the resistance of many white conservative Democrats to civil rights goals and participation of African Americans in the state party, many of the ADC activists, such as

John L. Cashin, Jr. John Logan Cashin Jr. (April 16, 1928 – March 21, 2011) was an American dentist, civil rights campaigner, and politician. He was the founder and leader of the National Democratic Party of Alabama. Born in Huntsville, Alabama, Cashin received his ...

, later left the

Alabama Democratic Party The Alabama Democratic Party is the affiliate of the Democratic Party in the state of Alabama. It is chaired by Randy Kelley. The Alabama Democratic Party was once one of the most successful political organizations in the United States. Even af ...

. They formed the National Democratic Party of Alabama in 1968, which was modeled after the

Mississippi Freedom Democratic Party The Mississippi Freedom Democratic Party (MFDP), also referred to as the Freedom Democratic Party, was an American political party created in 1964 as a branch of the populist Freedom Democratic organization in the state of Mississippi during the ...

, and ran Cashin for governor against

George Wallace George Corley Wallace Jr. (August 25, 1919 – September 13, 1998) was an American politician who served as the 45th governor of Alabama for four terms. A member of the Democratic Party, he is best remembered for his staunch segregationist an ...

in 1970. It was designed to enable African Americans to participate in local and state politics, and to develop and elect their own candidates for office.National Democratic Party of Alabama
''Encyclopedia of Alabama'' The ADC continues to make endorsements in statewide races and has many county chapters. Dr.

Joe L. Reed Joe Louis Reed Sr. (born 1938) is an American politician, activist and educator. He is the current Vice-Chair of Minority Affairs of the Alabama Democratic Party and, since 1979, chair of the Alabama Democratic Conference (ADC). He also served as p ...

, the former associate executive secretary of the

Alabama Education Association The Alabama Education Association (AEA) is a statewide professional organization that represents public school Public school may refer to: * State school (known as a public school in many countries), a no-fee school, publicly funded and operate ...

, has served as chair of the ADC since 1979.

References

External links

* Politics of Alabama African-American history of Alabama African Americans' rights organizations Alabama Democratic Party {{Alabama-stub