In the tumultuous aftermath of the American Civil War, known as Reconstruction, former African American slaves were cast into sudden political power. Their presence was significant in the legislative branch of Alabama government and in Alabama's representation in Congress. Former Confederates were disenfranchised, and the Alabama courts of the time were dominated by a new breed of politicians known as the Scalawags and Carpetbaggers. No African American judges were present at that time. However, Greene Shadrack Washington Lewis, a politician of the period, stated in 1873 "the day is not too far distant when you will find on the bench of the Supreme Court of the state a man as black as I am." That "not too far distant" day finally came in 1980 with the appointment of Oscar William Adams, Jr. to the Supreme Court of Alabama as well as his elections to the position in 1982 and 1988. Not only was he the first black appellate judge, but also the first black person elected to a statewide constitutional office.
Since Justice Adams, Alabama has had two more African American justices. Justice Ralph Delano Cook was appointed to the Supreme Court of Alabama in 1993 to complete the unexpired term of Justice Adams becoming the second African American to sit on the Supreme Court of Alabama. Justice John Henry England, Jr. was appointed by the Governor in 1999 to serve as Alabama's third African American appellate judge.
Black History Month evolved through the efforts of Dr. Carter G. Woodson, a Harvard University graduate. Throughout his studies, he was discouraged by the fact that the accomplishments and contributions to the history and development of this country made by African-Americans were omitted from the recorded history of the nation. As his way of righting this wrong, he undertook the challenge of developing the organized study of the African American history of the country and the introduction of that history into the chronicles of the history of this nation. He founded the Association for the Study of Negro (later changed to Afro-American) Life and History in 1915. The following year, he founded the Journal of Negro History. In 1926, he initiated Negro History Week to bring national attention to the significant contributions made by African American people throughout the nation's history. Over time, the week set aside to focus on the achievements of Black Americans grew into a full month. It was Dr. Woodson's dream that out of mutual understanding and respect, the races within the United States would be drawn together.
Some of the most highly qualified African American attorneys in the State of Alabama were elected or appointed to serve in the trial courts of Alabama. These individuals have earned the respect of their peers and the citizens whom they have served. The character, scholarship, and work ethic displayed by these judges are an inspiration to many and have set an example for future generations. Oscar Adams, Ralph Cook, and John England, three of the most highly qualified African American attorneys in the State of Alabama, were appointed to serve on the Supreme Court of Alabama. Each of these individuals was chosen to serve this state's judiciary based not only on his impressive credentials, but also his dedication to equality and fair treatment of all citizens.