Birmingham Honors Retired Judge U.W. Clemon in Annual AWAKEN 2024 Event
Birmingham, AL – The City of Birmingham held its annual “AWAKEN 2024” event on Friday at the Birmingham Museum of Art, where it paid tribute to retired Judge U.W. Clemon for his considerable contributions to justice and civil rights. This year’s gathering took on heightened significance with the upcoming Presidential election less than two weeks away, emphasizing the importance of voting and civic engagement.
In a heartfelt moment during the ceremony, Clemon expressed his gratitude: “I’m deeply honored. I feel like the proverbial prophet who is honored in his hometown, that seldom happens,” he told attendees. Clemon extended his thanks to Mayor Randall Woodfin and the city officials for the recognition.
Voting: The Cornerstone of Democracy
Throughout his career, Judge Clemon has been a staunch advocate for the significance of voting in a democratic society. He shared, “The AWAKEN program properly recognizes that the vote is the crown jewel in democracy. Without the vote, we have no voice.” Clemon reflected on the historical struggles for voting rights, noting that these battles are both “well worth fighting” and essential for fostering hope within the community.
An Inspiring Panel Discussion
The event featured a panel discussion with key community figures, including Mayor Woodfin, U.S. Representative Terri Sewell, and Ja’Nise Gentry, the Alabama State Director for Woke Vote. The discussion was moderated by Sherri Jackson, a well-known anchor at CBS 42. The dialogue focused on the ongoing relevance of voting rights and community involvement, drawing from Clemon’s extensive legal and civil rights experience.
Mayor Woodfin praised Clemon, stating, “Judge U.W. Clemon has devoted his life to justice. Not only does he have a brilliant legal mind, but he has a heart for the disenfranchised.” The Mayor further emphasized that Birmingham is a better place because of the “battles he bravely fought.”
Judge Clemon’s Legacy
Clemon’s historical significance cannot be overstated. He has represented Black plaintiffs in high-profile civil rights litigations and is recognized as one of the two African Americans elected to the Alabama State Senate since Reconstruction. His appointment as the first Black federal judge in Alabama’s history by President Jimmy Carter in 1980 is a testament to his enduring influence in the legal landscape.
The AWAKEN 2024 event not only honored Clemon’s past but also served as a rallying point for community members to engage in the upcoming electoral process. Clemon reiterated the challenges that remain in ensuring every citizen’s right to vote is protected. “It’s been a struggle to gain the vote and to protect it,” he remarked. “But they are struggles well worth fighting because without the vote, we have no hope.”
Conclusion
The tribute to Judge U.W. Clemon was a powerful reminder of the ongoing fight for equality and justice in Birmingham and beyond. As the community gears up for a critical election, the messages shared at this event resonate with urgency and purpose, encouraging all citizens to exercise their right to vote and make their voices heard.
