[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 129 (Wednesday, September 18, 1996)]
[Senate]
[Page S10832]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




               TRIBUTE TO SENATOR MICHAEL ANTHONY FIGURES

  Mr. HEFLIN. Mr. President, Alabama State Senator Michael Anthony 
Figures, of Mobile, passed away on Friday, September 13, 1996. He was 
President Pro Tem of the State Senate, making him the highest-ranking 
African-American in the State legislature.
  This is the second highest-ranking position in the Alabama Senate and 
one of the most powerful and visible posts in State government. Senator 
Figures was the first black to ever hold the job and was exceptionally 
effective and politically astute. He could dissect an issue and get to 
its essence very quickly and directly. He was very close to Lieutenant 
Governor Don Siegelman, President of the Senate, and was instrumental 
in carrying out his legislative agenda.
  Senator Figures, who was only 48 years of age, was almost universally 
admired by the people who knew and worked with him. Both friends and 
political adversaries admired and appreciated his honesty, integrity, 
and work ethic.
  Senator Figures was born on October 13, 1947, the youngest of three 
sons of Reverend Coleman and Mrs. Augusta Mitchell Figures. He attended 
Stillman College and the University of Alabama Law School. He was first 
elected to the State Senate in 1978 as a Democrat, at that time only 
the third black person to serve in the Senate. He represented District 
33, which includes part of Mobile and Prichard.
  Over the years, he built a solid legislative record on local and 
statewide issues. He worked long and hard to ensure minority 
representation while helping to create a ``strong'' mayoral position in 
Mobile's city government. Many view his finest legislative 
accomplishment the 1994 Senate passage of former Governor Jim Folsom's 
``Alabama First'' education reform plan. Although it did not pass the 
House, it received 32 out of 35 votes in the Senate, due largely to 
Senator Figures' tenacious leadership and persuasion.
  Senator Figures was a founder of the Alabama New South Coalition, 
started in the 1980's to promote progressive causes and candidates. 
This influential political caucus has been instrumental in bringing 
blacks and whites in Alabama together. Senator Figures's wife, Vivian 
Davis Figures, is a member of the Mobile City Council. They had four 
sons together, Jelani Anthony, Shomari Coleman, Akil Michael, and 
Derrick.
  Senator Figures was a visionary and progressive leader who will be 
sorely missed by the people of Alabama. He had considerable ability, 
intellect, and drive. As one of the most influential politicians in 
Alabama's government, he had an unyielding desire to correct what he 
perceived as wrongs in society. He was an outstanding orator and had a 
quick mind and will be impossible to replace. He had an uncommon 
ability to smooth over disagreements and build bridges. Other members 
of the Senate really listened to him and responded to his arguments.
  Much of his success was rooted in his high degree of integrity. He 
was a stickler for following the Senate's procedural rules, even if 
bending those rules might have helped his side prevail. He never 
compromised his honesty or credibility as he quickly ascended to the 
heights of power and influence.
  The sad and untimely death of State Senator Michael Figures is an 
immeasurable loss for my State. He was an uncommon force for justice 
and progress who accomplished a great deal in a relatively short time. 
I extend my sincerest condolences to Vivian and their entire family in 
the wake of this loss. I hope they find some solace in the fact that he 
truly made Alabama a better state and better place to live. His many 
lasting contributions will stand as his personal legacy and as a 
testament to his ideals and leadership.

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