Jefferson County Citizens Coalition: Difference between revisions
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The '''Jefferson County Citizens Coalition''' is a political organization of African American Democrats which mobilized and influenced black voters in central Alabama to vote as a bloc. The group was founded in [[1977]] by then-[[Mayor of Birmingham]] [[Richard Arrington, Jr]], who split with the statewide [[Alabama Democratic Conference]] and formed the new group as a chapter of the [[Alabama New South Coalition]]. Later the Jefferson County Group split with the New South Coalition to become an independent organization. | The '''Jefferson County Citizens Coalition''' is a political organization of African American Democrats which mobilized and influenced black voters in central Alabama to vote as a bloc. The group was founded in [[1977]] by then-[[Mayor of Birmingham]] [[Richard Arrington, Jr]], who split with the statewide [[Alabama Democratic Conference]] and formed the new group as a chapter of the [[Alabama New South Coalition]]. Later the Jefferson County Group split with the New South Coalition to become an independent organization. | ||
The Coalition became known for the "'''blue ballot'''" pre-marked sample ballots its volunteers distributed outside polling places. JCCC-backed candidates enjoyed reliable success in majority-black districts. | |||
The Coalition's dominance of local races met its first major upset with [[Bernard Kincaid]]'s successful campaign to unseat Arrington's appointed interim-mayor [[William Bell]] in [[1999]]. Kincaid is a leader in the older [[Jefferson County Progressive Democratic Council]]. | The Coalition's dominance of local races met its first major upset with [[Bernard Kincaid]]'s successful campaign to unseat Arrington's appointed interim-mayor [[William Bell]] in [[1999]]. Kincaid is a leader in the older [[Jefferson County Progressive Democratic Council]]. | ||
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The coalition is currently chaired by [[Berrick Roseman]]. | The coalition is currently chaired by [[Berrick Roseman]]. | ||
In [[2009]] Arrington and [[Earl Hilliard]] launched a [[New Jefferson County Citizens Coalition]], preparing to support candidates in the [[2009 Birmingham City Council election]] and the [[2011 Birmingham mayoral election]]. | In [[2009]] Arrington and [[Earl Hilliard]] launched a [[New Jefferson County Citizens Coalition]], preparing to support candidates in the [[2009 Birmingham City Council election]] and the [[2011 Birmingham mayoral election]]. In the [[2009 Birmingham mayoral election]] to fill the seat left vacant by the conviction of [[Larry Langford]], the JCCC endorsed [[Patrick Cooper]] against Bell. | ||
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Revision as of 17:40, 25 January 2010
The Jefferson County Citizens Coalition is a political organization of African American Democrats which mobilized and influenced black voters in central Alabama to vote as a bloc. The group was founded in 1977 by then-Mayor of Birmingham Richard Arrington, Jr, who split with the statewide Alabama Democratic Conference and formed the new group as a chapter of the Alabama New South Coalition. Later the Jefferson County Group split with the New South Coalition to become an independent organization.
The Coalition became known for the "blue ballot" pre-marked sample ballots its volunteers distributed outside polling places. JCCC-backed candidates enjoyed reliable success in majority-black districts.
The Coalition's dominance of local races met its first major upset with Bernard Kincaid's successful campaign to unseat Arrington's appointed interim-mayor William Bell in 1999. Kincaid is a leader in the older Jefferson County Progressive Democratic Council.
The coalition is currently chaired by Berrick Roseman.
In 2009 Arrington and Earl Hilliard launched a New Jefferson County Citizens Coalition, preparing to support candidates in the 2009 Birmingham City Council election and the 2011 Birmingham mayoral election. In the 2009 Birmingham mayoral election to fill the seat left vacant by the conviction of Larry Langford, the JCCC endorsed Patrick Cooper against Bell.
References
- Spencer, Thomas (September 26, 2007) "Political organizations contend for influence in mayor's race." Birmingham News
- Bryant, Joseph D. (April 1, 2009) "Former Birmingham Mayor Richard Arrington returns to city politics." Birmingham News