Several years ago I received a call from a young man requesting that I meet with him. He wanted to discuss with me his political future. I was very flattered that he thought enough of me to value my advice. I had run for city councilman, county commissioner and the Alabama Court of Criminal Appeals losing each race. What could I possibly tell this young man?

We met at the Capital City Club when it was still located at one court square. I remember my first impression of this very articulate, handsome and brilliant young man. My impression was: “This guy couldn’t get elected a dog catcher in the Black Belt. He just didn’t fit the mold. First the established black leaders would view him as a threat to their existing hold on power. Secondly, He hadn’t paid any dues as the old heads often told young aspiring black politicians.

I shared with him my experiences. I told him that I did not receive one word of encouragement from any black political figure in the state. I told him that the established black political organizations always supported my opponents even when I was a Democrat and my opponents were white and closet republicans. It was enough to run me out of the Democratic Party.

I had nothing positive to tell this young man about his chances in the Democratic Party. I told him that I had lost my desire to serve in any elected office in Alabama. He listened and thanked me for the time that I had taken up with him. He would later run for the United States Congress and win!

Artur Davis a native of Montgomery, Alabama attended Jefferson Davis High School. He is the product of a loving mother and grandmother, who taught him to reach for the stars. He traveled to Boston where he attended Harvard University, graduating magna cum laude, and Harvard Law school, graduating cum laude. He served as an intern for Howell Heflin during his matriculation in law school. He also clerked for United States District Judge Myron Thompson.

Artur’s rise to power was not the result of the black power structure embracing a young black talent. It was the direct result of American Jews. He won them over when he said: “I have been a very strong supporter of Israel. And if elected, Israel will have a friend.” He considered the Jew and was wise! (I wrote an earlier article: (Consider the Jew and Be Wise). Artur was able to raise $1,562,579. He raised more than the incumbent Earl Hilliard did.

In his first campaign I attended a fundraiser that General Rick Zehre hosted for him. I believe about six people showed up. My wife and I contributed $25.00. I knew then that Artur was headed for great things!