Constitutional Reform
July 4th Press Conference
Each Fourth of July, United States citizens celebrate our nation’s independence and the democratic process ensured by our federal Constitution. During the 2005 July 4th weekend, Alabamians were asked to also reflect on the many ways the 1901 Alabama Constitution denies the people of our state full participation in our democracy. That morning, there was a gathering on the steps of the state capitol in Montgomery to proclaim in a united voice that Alabamians are bringing democracy home. The speakers present addressed the problems perpetuated by our state constitution such as the racist language, the unfair tax system, lack of citizens access to government, lack of home rule, and many more issues facing Alabama’s citizens.
To listen to what each speaker had to say during the press conference, please click on the names below. (Note: These may take a few moments to load.)
| Speaker Name | Organization |
|---|---|
| Scott Douglas |
Executive Director, Greater Birmingham Ministries (GBM) |
| Lenora Pate | Board Co-Chair, Alabama Citizens for Constitutional Reform (ACCR) |
| Kristi Thomson | Wife of the late Bailey Thomson (Founder of ACCR) |
| Stephen Black | President & Founder, IMPACT Alabama |
| Pres Harris | Organizer, Alabama Arise |
| Paul Vercher | Director of Public Policy, Birmingham Regional Chamber of Commerce |
| Judge Pete Johnson | Director, American Legion Alabama Boys State |
| Amy Sedlis | Constitution Reform Volunteer |
| Lawrence Wofford | Director, The Democracy Project |
During the press conference, Greater Birmingham Ministries’ Constitutional Reform Education Campaign also unveiled a quilt top illustrating the shared hopes and concerns of citizens throughout Alabama. We encourage everyone in Alabama to sign the Alabama Citizens for Constitutional Reform petition calling for a citizens’ constitutional convention, lead an Alabamians Bringing Democracy Home training session or sign a quilt square and mail it to:
Alabamians Bringing Democracy Home
2304 12th Avenue North
Birmingham, Alabama, 35234
