When I began writing this column I told my wife Debra that I wanted to stay away from politics. For the most part I have managed to accomplish that goal. However, I have decided for this week’s column to share my thoughts about a man whom I have great admiration and respect for, because he has done so much for our people. 

Twenty years ago I met Representative Alvin Holmes. I went into his office with my hat in my hand and asked him for help. He did not know me from Adam’s tomcat. He only knew that I lived in District 78 and I needed his assistance. I even offered him a campaign contribution, which he flatly refused saying “that’s not necessary”. He welcomed me into his office and offered his assistance.  

Today I am well fixed and as connected as a switchboard, but before I was well fixed and connected I still felt well fixed and connected because I was represented by Alvin Holmes. My personal experience of observing Representative Holmes through the years has led me to believe that he is one of the most effective legislators in America. Representative Holmes can make white folks and black folks jump like popcorn. He is a very powerful voice for his constituents.  

Representative Holmes was elected to the Alabama House of Representatives in 1974 to represent House District 78. For the past 32 years he has served our district with distinction! During this service he has led the majority of the fights for civil rights of blacks, women, lesbians and gays and other minorities. He is today the key civil rights leader in Alabama. He has participated in basically every major civil rights demonstration in America. On several occasions he was arrested for his participation in those demonstrations. He served as a field staff member for Dr. Martin Luther King’s SCLC. He was brutally beaten by vicious police officers for participating in civil rights demonstrations and marches. He had crosses burned in his yard by the KKK and other hate groups. He lives daily with threats because of his fighting for the rights of blacks and other minorities. 

Representative Holmes is one of the brightest people in the Alabama Legislature. I have often heard people say “we could never get that pass Alvin Holmes!” Representative Holmes has several degrees which include a BS, M.ED, MA degree as well as an Honorary Doctor of Laws Degree. He attended several schools, which include Rochester Business Institute, Alabama State University, Atlanta University, University of Pennsylvania, University of Alabama and Jones School of Law. 

When I first arrived in Alabama there were few Blacks working in State Government. The only people you saw around the Capitol were janitors and housekeepers. Representative Holmes worked hard to make State Agencies hire minorities. Thanks to Representative Alvin Holmes State government is beginning to reflect the diversity of the state. There are many state employees who owe their jobs to Representative Holmes. 

Representative Alvin Holmes is a member of the Hutchinson Missionary Baptist Church, the State Democratic Executive Committee, the Democratic National Committee, Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Board member of Alabama Southern Christian Leadership Conference, and the NAACP. He is Chairman of the Montgomery County Legislation, Contract Review Committee and Legislative Council. 

Representative Holmes is the proud father of a daughter named Veronica. 

On June 6, 2006 we definitely need to go to the polls and cast our vote for this great leader. Representative Holmes has been the representative in House District 78 for 32 years and he has done an outstanding job. My parents always told me “if it ain’t broke then don’t fix it!” Friends our representation in House District 78 isn’t broke and we don’t need to fix it! Let’s return Alvin Holmes back to the Legislature!

In the words of my dad, “If you don’t have money at least have class!”

Greg Griffin is a free lance writer. You can read his previous articles by visiting his web page at www.greggriffin.com