[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 163 (2017), Part 1]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 1364]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]


           HONORING THE LIFE OF FORMER GOVERNOR ALBERT BREWER

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. BRADLEY BYRNE

                               of alabama

                    in the house of representatives

                        Monday, January 30, 2017

  Mr. BYRNE. Mr. Speaker, there are few people who leave such a 
profound impact on the lives of so many as former Alabama Governor 
Albert Brewer did. Albert Brewer was more than just a Governor. He was 
a dedicated public servant committed to the betterment of our state and 
our people.
  His unfailing commitment to the state of Alabama was apparent in his 
early years. After attending The University of Alabama, Gov. Brewer 
served three terms in the Alabama House of Representatives, and during 
the last of these terms, was elected by his colleagues as the youngest 
person in Alabama's history to serve as the Speaker.
  After his time as Speaker, Brewer would go on to serve as Lieutenant 
Governor before being elevated to the position of Governor after the 
death of Lurleen Wallace in 1968. When he ran for a full term in 1970, 
he exhibited his compassion for the people of Alabama and his bravery 
in fundamentally changing how gubernatorial candidates organized their 
respective campaigns by including African Americans. In his platform, 
Brewer fought for education funding, an ethics commission, and a 
commission to revise Alabama's 1901 state constitution.
  Governor Brewer sought to help those who were disenfranchised and in 
poverty throughout Alabama and to include newly registered African 
American voters. His dedication to the disenfranchised speaks volumes 
for his character and his commitment to selfless public service. Albert 
Brewer raised the bar for public service in Alabama.
  After leaving office, Governor Brewer followed his passion for 
education and became a distinguished professor at Cumberland School of 
Law, where he taught courses on ethics and constitutional law. His 
expertise, impact on students, and passion were recognized by 
Cumberland School of Law with the dedication of the Martha F. and 
Albert P. Brewer Plaza on April 4, 2008.
  Sadly, Governor Brewer passed away on January 2, 2017 at the age of 
88. His integrity and dedication to public service have made a positive 
mark that cannot be undone. His legacy will be one of compassion, 
selfless public service, and an unfailing dedication to his family and 
the people of Alabama.
  I consider it an honor to have known Albert Brewer and worked with 
him over the years. On behalf of Alabama's First Congressional 
District, I want to share my deepest condolences with his family, 
friends, and loved ones.
  Mr. Speaker, Albert Brewer was one of the best governors in our 
state's history, and there is no doubt Alabama is a better state 
because of his service and sacrifice.



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