Jefferson Reporter

Rep. Terri A. Sewell, a member of the U.S. Congress representing Alabama's 7th district since 2011, shared several tweets highlighting significant figures in Black history. Her posts focused on historical individuals who made notable contributions to civil rights and society.

On February 15, 2025, Rep. Sewell tweeted about Benjamin Sterling Turner, "Alabama’s first Black Congressman." She described him as "a former slave and self-made businessman" who was committed to "reviving the war-torn South." Turner was elected in 1871 and served the First Congressional District, which includes Selma, Alabama. "Benjamin Sterling Turner was Alabama’s first Black Congressman..."

The following day, February 16, 2025, she honored Dorothy Love Coates from Birmingham. Coates gained fame as a member of the Original Gospel Harmonettes and was an active participant in the Civil Rights Movement. Rep. Sewell noted that Coates organized voter registration drives and had been jailed for her activism efforts in Birmingham. "Today we honor Birmingham native Dorothy Love Coates..."

On February 17, 2025, Rep. Sewell recognized Rev. Joseph Lowery as the “Dean of the Civil Rights Movement.” She highlighted his role as a minister and civil rights leader who co-founded the Southern Christian Leadership Conference and received the Presidential Medal of Freedom for his contributions to civil rights advocacy. "Today we recognize the 'Dean of the Civil Rights Movement' Rev. Joseph Lowery..."