Political Quotes

“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.”