Berry Perry
Berry Perry (born c. 1955 in Marengo County; died February 13, 2018), also known as Peanut Man or Speedy, was a peanut vendor who operates from the plaza outside the Mel Bailey Criminal Justice Center in downtown Birmingham.
Perry was the son of Annie Lee Perry. He was born with cerebral palsy and was never admitted to school in Marengo County. He was taught basic skills by his mother, grandmother and three brothers, and lived on his own throughout his adulthood. Perry moved to Birmingham in the early 1990s because of the city's transit facilities. He rented a house in Wylam and commuted by MAX bus to the city. He purchased peanuts wholesale at the Peanut Depot and also stocked bottled water and canned drinks from a cooler. He operated in the UAB area before finding shade and friendly workers at the downtown courthouse.
Perry's income from selling peanuts and drinks supplemented his disability checks and food stamps. He worked five to six hours a day regardless of the weather before returning home on the bus.
Perry was a plaintiff in several lawsuits aimed at improving access and safety for persons with disabilities. He was named in a lawsuit that the city of Birmingham settled, agreeing to identify and improve sidewalk access. Another suit, naming the Birmingham Housing Authority as defendant, was also settled out of court.
In November 2017 Perry was robbed by a man who had offered to help him at home in exchange for a place to stay. Roy Ward Jr was arrested and charged with third-degree robbery. In early 2018 he moved to an apartment in North Birmingham. He was found dead there, apparently from natural causes, in February 2018.
References
- Faulk, Kent (September 4, 2013) "Berry Perry, the peanut man, doesn't let disability get in his way." The Birmingham News
- Hrynkiw, Ivana (November 30, 2017) "Berry Perry, city's beloved peanut salesman, robbed of more than $500." The Birmingham News
- Hrynkiw, Ivana (February 13, 2018) "Berry Perry, beloved peanut salesman, found dead in his home." The Birmingham News