They Too Call Alabama Home
They Too Call Alabama Home: African American Profiles, 1800–1999
They Too Call Alabama Home by Dr. Richard Bailey documents the lives, achievements, and contributions of African Americans with important connections to Alabama. Spanning more than a century of Alabama history, this book brings together profiles of individuals who made their mark in education, business, politics, government, the military, religion, entertainment, sports, and other areas of public life.
For students, educators, genealogists, researchers, and anyone interested in African American history in Alabama, They Too Call Alabama Home provides a valuable look at the people whose accomplishments helped shape the state and its communities.
About They Too Call Alabama Home
They Too Call Alabama Home began with a presentation Dr. Richard Bailey delivered at a local university in October 1983. His presentation, titled “Prominent Blacks in Twentieth-Century Alabama,” examined African Americans who had achieved distinction while calling Alabama home.
Following the presentation, Dr. Bailey committed himself to expanding the research into a book-length study. The project eventually developed into a much broader examination of African American achievement and Alabama history.
The completed book includes individuals who were born in Alabama and established themselves within the state, people born in Alabama who went on to achieve success elsewhere, and individuals who came to Alabama and made meaningful contributions to its history.
By bringing these individuals together in one volume, They Too Call Alabama Home helps preserve stories that may not have received the recognition they deserved.
African American History in Alabama Through the Lives of Its People
Alabama history is shaped not only by major events, political movements, and famous historical figures, but also by the accomplishments of individuals who built careers, communities, institutions, and legacies across the state.
They Too Call Alabama Home explores this history through individual profiles. Rather than focusing on a single profession or period, the book covers a broad range of careers and accomplishments.
Profiles include African Americans connected to:
- Education
- Business
- Politics
- Government service
- Military service
- Religion
- Sports
- Entertainment
- Community leadership
This broad approach provides readers with a more complete picture of African American life and achievement in Alabama.
African American Profiles from 1800 to 1999
The profiles in They Too Call Alabama Home span from 1800 through 1999, covering nearly two centuries of African American history.
The book recognizes both widely known figures and individuals whose accomplishments have received less public attention. Their stories demonstrate the many ways African Americans contributed to Alabama communities and, in some cases, went on to make an impact far beyond the state.
Some individuals profiled were born in Alabama and built their careers there. Others left Alabama but achieved distinction elsewhere. Still others came to Alabama and became part of the state's history through their work, leadership, or accomplishments.
Together, these profiles provide a broad historical record of African American achievement connected to Alabama.
What You'll Find in the Book
Education and Academic Achievement
Education has played a central role in Alabama's history. The book profiles African Americans whose careers and accomplishments in education helped shape students, schools, colleges, and communities.
Business and Entrepreneurship
African American business owners and professionals have contributed significantly to Alabama's economic and community development. Their stories illustrate the determination and achievement of individuals who built careers and businesses despite significant barriers.
Politics and Government
The book also examines African Americans who became involved in Alabama politics and government service, documenting individuals who helped expand representation and participation in public life.
Military Service
African Americans with Alabama connections have served their country in the military and achieved distinction through their service. Their experiences form another important part of the history preserved in this book.
Religion and Community Leadership
Churches and religious institutions have long played an important role in African American communities throughout Alabama. The book includes individuals whose religious leadership and community involvement contributed to the development of those communities.
Sports and Entertainment
African American athletes, performers, and entertainers with Alabama connections are also represented. Their accomplishments demonstrate the national influence of individuals who were born in, lived in, or otherwise had meaningful ties to Alabama.
Research Behind They Too Call Alabama HomeResearch Behind They Too Call Alabama Home
Dr. Richard Bailey's work on They Too Call Alabama Home was based on extensive historical research.
To develop the individual profiles, he consulted newspapers, journals, magazines, books, historical collections, and other research materials. He also contacted nearly 200 individuals in an effort to gather additional information and give people an opportunity to contribute current or personal details to the profiles.
The research extended beyond Alabama as well. Dr. Bailey sought information from libraries, archives, museums, universities, historical organizations, and other institutions across the United States.
Within Alabama, his research involved organizations and individuals connected to institutions including the Alabama Department of Archives and History, Alabama Historical Commission, Alabama Music Hall of Fame, Alabama Sports Hall of Fame and Museum, Birmingham Public Library, Talladega College, Alabama Agricultural & Mechanical University, and other historical and educational organizations.
The result is a collection of profiles built from extensive research and contributions from numerous individuals and institutions.
A Resource for Students, Educators, Genealogists, and Researchers
They Too Call Alabama Home was created not only as a historical record but also as a resource for people who want to learn more about Alabama and its people.
For Students
Students studying Alabama history, African American history, or potential career fields can use the profiles to explore the educational and professional paths of people who achieved distinction in different fields.
For Educators
Teachers and educators can use the book as a supplemental resource when discussing Alabama history, African American history, local history, and the contributions of Black Americans to the state.
For Genealogists
Genealogists researching Alabama families and communities may find valuable information about individuals, careers, communities, and historical connections documented throughout the book.
For Historians and Researchers
Researchers interested in Alabama history, Southern history, African American history, or individual communities can use the book as a starting point for further research into the people profiled.
Preserving the Stories of Black Alabamians
One of the central purposes of They Too Call Alabama Home is to bring greater attention to people whose accomplishments might otherwise be overlooked.
Throughout Alabama's history, African Americans have persevered through social, economic, and political challenges while contributing to their communities and the broader state. Many of these individuals lived significant lives without receiving widespread public recognition.
Documenting their stories helps preserve Alabama's history for future generations.
The people represented in this book demonstrate that Alabama's history is made up of countless individual stories of achievement, perseverance, leadership, and service.
Can you identify these prominent Alabamians?
Meet the Historian
About Dr. Richard Bailey
Dr. Richard Bailey is a Montgomery, Alabama historian, author, lecturer, and preservation advocate whose work focuses on Alabama history and African American heritage.
His research and writing have addressed African American history, Reconstruction, civil rights history, historic preservation, and the people and communities that have shaped Alabama.
Through his books, historical research, public presentations, and preservation efforts, Dr. Bailey continues to document and share important stories from Alabama's past.
Order They Too Call Alabama Home
If you are looking for a book about African American history in Alabama, They Too Call Alabama Home offers a collection of historical profiles documenting the achievements and lives of African Americans connected to the state.
The book is available for students, educators, genealogists, researchers, historians, and anyone interested in learning more about Alabama's African American heritage.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is They Too Call Alabama Home?
They Too Call Alabama Home is a book by Dr. Richard Bailey documenting African American individuals connected to Alabama and highlighting their achievements across a wide range of professions and areas of public life.
What years are covered in They Too Call Alabama Home?
The book covers African American profiles from 1800 through 1999, providing a broad look at nearly two centuries of Alabama history.
What subjects does the book cover?
The book covers African American achievements in education, business, politics, government, military service, religion, sports, entertainment, and other areas of Alabama life.
Is They Too Call Alabama Home useful for genealogy research?
Yes. Genealogists and family historians researching Alabama individuals and communities may find the profiles and historical information in the book useful as a research resource and starting point for further investigation.
Who is They Too Call Alabama Home for?
The book is intended for anyone interested in Alabama history and African American history, including students, educators, genealogists, historians, researchers, and general readers.
How was the book researched?
Dr. Richard Bailey researched the book using newspapers, journals, magazines, books, historical collections, and information gathered from individuals and institutions. He also sent nearly 200 inquiries to obtain additional information for the profiles.
Why is African American history important to understanding Alabama?
African Americans have played a central role in the development of Alabama's communities, institutions, economy, politics, education, culture, and public life. Documenting these experiences provides a more complete understanding of Alabama history.
Where can I purchase They Too Call Alabama Home?
They Too Call Alabama Home can be ordered through Pyramid Publishing.