Birmingham Celebrates Retired Judge U.W. Clemon with Prestigious Putting People First Award

Birmingham Honors Retired Judge U.W. Clemon with Prestigious Award

Last week, the city of Birmingham celebrated the life and accomplishments of retired Judge U.W. Clemon during its annual “AWAKEN 2024” program held at the Birmingham Museum of Art. The highlight of the evening was the presentation of the Putting People First award, which Clemon received in recognition of his significant contributions to justice and civil rights.

Mayor Randall Woodfin welcomed guests and expressed his gratitude towards the judge for his unwavering dedication to the community. “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,” Woodfin remarked. “Our community is better because of the battles he bravely fought. We are proud to honor him.”

During the award presentation, Clemon humbly accepted the recognition, stating, “I’m deeply honored. I feel like the proverbial prophet who is honored in his hometown. That seldom happens. I am eternally grateful to the mayor and the city for this great honor.” This heartfelt sentiment resonated with those in attendance, echoing the judge’s long-standing commitment to advocating for voting rights and community empowerment.

Importance of Voting

As Birmingham prepares for the upcoming presidential election, the significance of Clemon’s work in promoting voting rights was a recurring theme of the evening. The retired judge emphasized, “The AWAKEN program properly recognizes that the vote is the crown jewel in democracy. Without the vote, we have no voice. It’s been a struggle throughout our existence … it’s been a struggle to gain the vote and to protect it. But they are struggles well worth fighting because without the vote we have no hope.”

This sentiment highlighted the event’s overarching message about the importance of civic engagement, especially with the election fast approaching. Moderate CBS 42 anchor Sherri Jackson led a panel discussion featuring Clemon, Woodfin, U.S. Representative Terri Sewell, and Alabama State Director for Woke Vote Ja’Nise Gentry. Together, they discussed the historical context of voting rights, challenges faced by marginalized groups, and the critical role activism plays in shaping democracy.

Judge Clemon’s Legacy

Judge Clemon has a storied history that underscores his impact on the legal community. He made history in 1980 when he was appointed by President Jimmy Carter as the first Black federal judge in Alabama, a monumental achievement approved unanimously by the U.S. Senate. Throughout his career, he has represented Black plaintiffs in major civil rights litigation and was one of only two African Americans to serve in the Alabama State Senate since Reconstruction.

His dedication to advocating for justice has left an indelible mark on Birmingham and beyond. As Justice Clemon reflects on his career, he serves as a reminder of the ongoing battles for equality and representation within our democracy.

Celebrating Community Resilience

The AWAKEN program provided an opportunity for community members to come together, fostering a spirit of resilience and hope as they look towards the upcoming election. Clemon’s recognition not only highlighted his achievements but also served as a clarion call for citizens to engage actively in the democratic process.

As Birmingham moves forward, the stories shared during the evening will remain essential reminders of the power individuals have when they come together to fight for justice and equity. With the upcoming presidential election just around the corner, the city’s commitment to ensuring every voice is heard stands firm, inspired by the legacy of Judge U.W. Clemon.