Albert Ely “Al” Edwards, former Texas State Representative and lifelong civil rights activist, left an indelible mark on American history through his diligent advocacy for equality and justice. Serving more than three decades in the Texas Legislature, Edwards was instrumental in the passage of House Bill 1016 in 1979, making Texas the first state to recognize Juneteenth—the day federal troops arrived in Galveston, Texas, on June 19, 1865, to enforce the emancipation of enslaved African Americans—as an official state holiday.
This historic legislation marked one of Edwards’s most notable achievements. He famously declared, “Until all Blacks were free from bondage, then none were free,” a powerful affirmation of his unwavering commitment to freedom and human rights.
Born on March 19, 1937, in Houston, Texas, Edwards was one of sixteen children. He graduated from Wheatley High School in Houston’s Fifth Ward and earned his degree from Texas Southern University in 1966. Deeply rooted in his community, Edwards was known for forging strong relationships and ensuring the voices of the marginalized were heard and respected.
Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner, a close friend, reflected on Edwards’s life, saying, “He worked tirelessly to educate and inspire people across the country.” At the age of 83, Edwards passed away in 2020, leaving behind a legacy of perseverance and service.
His memorial drew a host of influential leaders and public servants who came to honor his life and legacy. Reverend Jesse Jackson shared, “Al Edwards is in the Hall of Fame. He made sacrifices. We thank God for his life and legacy. We are in his debt.” Likewise, Congresswoman Maxine Waters paid tribute: “Al Edwards stood firmly in the face of staunch opposition and wielded his influence to ensure that the abolition of slavery in the United States and the emancipation of our ancestors was properly recognized as a paid holiday in the state of Texas. As a result, he is recognized throughout the state and across the country as the indisputable father of the Juneteenth holiday.”
Today, Juneteenth is celebrated as a federal holiday, a testament to Edwards’s vision and unrelenting advocacy. His legacy lives on in the lives he touched and in the freedoms we now commemorate.
