ABOUT THE TALK:
African Americans with ties to Alabama have made a significant contribution to the state, nation, and world, and the bicentennial provides an excellent medium to highlight their achievements in such areas as business, education, entertainment, military affairs, religion, and sports.

While all of the individuals under consideration have ties to the state, many were native born and remained in Alabama, although others departed the state for various reasons. A third group journeyed to Alabama to make a lasting contribution.

“They Too Call Alabama Home” also features a local flavor by focusing on some persons who may not have attracted national or international attention. Equally of note, the presentation will rely on audience feedback to showcase area persons who have escaped local notoriety.

ABOUT RICHARD BAILEY:
A native of Montgomery, Richard Bailey received his BS and MEd from Alabama State University in 1971 and 1972, an MA from Atlanta University in 1973, and a PhD from Kansas State University in 1984. He received a joint fellowship from Cleveland State University (Ohio) and the University of Massachusetts to travel and study in Europe and Africa. His research and speeches have focused on Alabama Reconstruction and Alabama African American history. His Neither Carpetbagger Nor Scalawags: Black Officeholders during the Reconstruction of Alabama, 1867-1878 marked only the second occasion in state history that a book by an African American was adopted by the state board of education as a supplemental text for classroom use. His thirty-year career with the civil service ended with his retirement from Maxwell Air Force Base in 2011.

DRAUGHON SEMINARS IN STATE AND LOCAL HISTORY:
This lecture series is a part of the Draughon Seminars in State and Local History, sponsored by the Caroline Marshall Draughon Center for the Arts and Humanities in the College of Liberal Arts at Auburn University. The series is funded by the Kelly Mosley Endowment in honor of Dr. Ralph B. Draughon, president of Auburn University from 1947 to 1965. Draughon was a historian with a deep commitment to both state history and public education.