I grew up in Chambers County, Alabama, in a family of poor farmers and cotton mill workers. We were as poor as the only African-Americans whom I knew. The Brown family lived approximately five hundred yards from my house. My siblings and I grew up playing with the Brown children, so socializing with African-Americans was something that came easy for me.

I was not aware of bigotry, deep-rooted hate, and overt discrimination until I entered high school, which was the beginning of the 60s. I became aware that the South, especially Alabama, was giving birth to hate and racial tension. I was ashamed of Alabama, as I became painfully conscious of the bigotry and discrimination that existed in my state. A desire for justice and a deep resentment for racism and discrimination took root inside of me, giving me strong convictions about justice, equality, and the positive role that government should provide.