Freddie Rogers

Freddie C. Rogers (born February 15, 1922 in Sumter County - died December 29, 2004) was a steelworker and the first mayor of Roosevelt City when it incorporated in 1967.

Rogers attended Howard High School in Chattanooga, Tennessee and earned a certificate in dry-cleaning and also studied business at Fairfield Vocational School.

He served in World War II and married the former Pearlie McCarthy in 1953. For 35 years he worked for U. S. Steel, where he was also active in the United Steel Workers of America, championing civil rights for black workers.

Active as an entrepreneur in numerous businesses, Rogers also helped to incorporate Roosevelt City. By his election to mayor, he became the first African American mayor in Jefferson County and the second in Alabama. He helped to found the Alabama Conference, Southern Conference, National Conference and World Conference for Black Mayors. He left office in 1984.

Rogers was an active member of the First Baptist Church of Roosevelt. He died in 2004 of complications from Alzheimer's Disease. He was survived by his wife, Pearlie, three daughters and a son, 13 grandchildren and 5 great grandchidren.

References

• Rogers, Mayor Freddie C. (January 2, 2005) Obituary. Birmingham News