Marion Post Office Renamed in Honor of Albert Turner, Sr.
By Sheila Duncan
Reporter
Congresswoman Terri Sewell (D-AL) introduced legislation in the 118th Congress to rename the Marion Post Office in honor of the late civil rights leader, Albert Turner, Sr. The bill, H.R. 7893, was introduced in April with the unanimous support of Alabama’s House delegation. It successfully passed the U.S. House of Representatives on June 3, 2024.
Speaking on the House floor, Rep. Sewell highlighted Turner’s contributions:
“Albert Turner played a pivotal role in the Civil Rights Movement. His leadership helped secure many of the freedoms that African Americans enjoy today.”
Turner, Sr., a former Perry County Commissioner for District 1, played a significant role in establishing single-member districts across Alabama. He also spearheaded efforts to pave roads throughout Perry County. His advocacy extended to food security, ensuring families received food assistance through what was then known as the food stamp program (now EBT).
Additionally, Turner, Sr. was instrumental in the fight for voting rights, helping African Americans register to vote and win elected positions in Perry County and across Alabama’s Black Belt.
On a national level, Turner, Sr. served as an advisor to President Jimmy Carter in the newly created U.S. Department of Energy. However, his most notable role was as Alabama Field Director for the Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC) from 1963 to 1974. He was given the historic honor of leading the mule-drawn wagon carrying Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s body during his nationally televised funeral procession.
The renaming of the Marion Post Office stands as a lasting tribute to Albert Turner, Sr.’s legacy of service and advocacy for civil rights and social justice.
