Wright v. The City of Brighton Alabama Appendix

    APPENDIX

IN THE

UNITED STATES

COURT OF APPEALS
FOR THE FIFTH CIRCUIT

No. 29262

REBECCA WRIGHT, ET AL.,

Plaintiffs-Appellants

versus

THE CITY OF BRIGHTON, ALABAMA, ET AL.,

Defendants-Appellees

Appeal from the United States District 
for the Northern District of Alabama

Court



PAGE NO.

Complaint---------------------- -------------- ------ 1

Motion for Preliminary Injunction----------------  5

Motion for Continuance--------------------------- 9

Motion to Dismiss-----------------   10

Motion for Summary Judgment----------------------  13

Exhibit One-------------- ---------------- -— ------ 15

Affidavit of E. B, Parsons---------------------- 17

Affidavit ofMrs. Annie L. Bitton-------------- -—  19

Affidavit of Leo Douison------------------- ------ 21

Affidavit of Mate Belton, Jr.-------------------  23

Affidavit of Mrs. Zettie Lewis------------------  25

Affidavit of Mrs. Mary E. Finley-- -— ---- --- ----- 27

Affidavit of Maudie M. Perkins------- -----— -— - 29

Affidavit of Jehoshophat Greene-— ---- -----    31
Affidavit of Garrett Gibson---------------------  33

Affidavit of Cora L. Smith---------       35
Affidavit of Ethel Nails------------------------- 37

Affidavit of Willie Nell Wilson-------------- ---  39

Affidavit of Evelyn R. Montieth--- --- ---- ---   41
Supplemental Affidavit of E.B. Parsons-'--------- 44

Affidavit of J. K. Edwards-----------------------  46

Amendment to Motion to Dismiss-----    48

Amendment to Motion for Summary Judgment---------  51

Affidavit of Norman K. Brown--------------- ------ 54

I N D E X



INDEX (Continued)

PAGE NO.

Motion to Dismiss--------— -—  ---------- ------------ 58

Amendment to Complaint------ ----- ----------------  62

Opinion in Lieu of Formal Findings----------- -—  63

Order Denying Motion for Preliminary Injunction—  66

Order of Court-----------—   -----------------  67

Amendment to Complaint--- ----------- ----------- --- 68

Motion to Convene a Three Judge court------------  69

Order of Continuance------------------------------  70

Order Overruling Motion to Convene a Three Judge
Court-------------------------------------------  72

Motion to Dismiss---------------------------------- 75

Answer---------------------------------------------  80

Opinion in Lieu of Formal Findings---------------  83

Decree-- ------------------------------------------- 90

Notice of Appeal----- -— ---------------------------- 91

Proceedings-- -------        92

Mrs. Ellen S. Hindman-- ------------- ----------- 96
Mayor E. B. Parsons-- ---------------------    137
Mrs. Janie Stanton-— -—  ---------- -------------- 186
Miss Patricia Richter------------------ ---------- 2 04
Walter E. Jenkins-------         223
Richard Lewis-—  --- ------ ----- ------ ----- 246

Certificate of Reporter—  ----------- ------ -—    258



SOUTHERN D IV IS IO N D o c k e t H A  6  9  - 5  C l
TITLE Or CASE

REBECCA WRIGHT, BEN WALKER, 
GUS DICKERSON, PEARLIE DAVIS,

vs.

THE CITY OF BRIGHTON, ALABAMA, 
s Municipal Corporation;
W.M. PERRY; FRED WEST, WALTER E. JENKINS: 
LEONARD LEWIS, and RICHARD LEWIS, as Menders 
of the City Council of Brighton, Alabama, and 
E.B. PARSONS, individually and as MAYOR of tha 
City of Brighton, Alabama, and HOOVER ACADEMY, 
a Corporation,

Basis of action: Action seeking to radreaa deprivation of rights 
secures by the Fourteenth Amendment k pursuant to T.28,USC., 
Secs. 1343(3 and 1343(4)-to enjoin dafta from granting any leasoj, 
sale.contract, or in any way giving Hoover Academy the right to 

Twry hied cmrmaoy ue& tha old Brighton High School for any 
^  purposeinhere race is & factor, etc*-

A T T O R N E Y S

For Plaintiff:
David H. Hood,Jr.;
2111 ■ 5th Avenue,North,
Bessemer,Ala.-35020-; ,

Demetrius C. Newton
408 N. 17th Street, B'-ha*. 35203;
Norman C.Amaker and Jack Greenberg
10 Columbus Circle,New York,M.Y.
For Defendant: 10019-
Nonnan K.Brown, 1813 -3rd Ave. 
North, Bessemer, Ale.35020.
Hugh A.Locke - Locke & Locke,
Frank Nelson Bldg,, B'hem for 
Hoover Academy.

J g .27
i g .28
1970

i. 8

n JL$

Cash-David H.Hood,Jr 
Cr 100869

Ck-Demetrius Newton 
(Notice of Appeal)
Cr 100869

PLAINTIFF'S ACCOUNT

15

RECEIVED

TO

00

DISBURSED

15 oo

oo

D EPE N D AN T'S ACCOU NT RECEIVED DISBURSED

ABSTRACT OF COSTS

TO WHOM BUS

RECEIPTS* R E M A R K S , ETC.

a d
r/j>
W P *

Costs taxed to plaintiff

MOTIONS /IzfLAp-J-IfthdZ-
PFRTRIAL----- -
TRIAL --- —
J3 G MAILED __ DEC m



CA-69-561-S

DAT*
I 9 ,4-1

PR O C BB D IN G B
■i

tm>«

er continuing case piling consideration of motion to convene three judge 
court filed - copies sailed to counsel 78-79

der denying motion to convene three-judge court and setting case for trialnn ^  
its merits on December 16, 1969, at 9*30 6,m, copies mailed t© cotmsel^*^ ®rwy'*' ‘ * " ‘ Hoover Academy, Inc. to dismiss filed - copy served by counsel

lotion of defendant Hoover Academy for jury trial and for summary judgment
. /> _ ^  

nswer of Hoover Academy, Inc., filed J0 ~*TiSL
On hearing before Hon. H. H. Groans;; plaintiff'® testimony* matter taken under

advisement and allowing filing of briefs within 5 days.
Slerfc's court minutes, filed.nn^s-^u. u
Brief m  behalf of defendants, filed. 
Memorandum brief of plaintiffs filed copy served by couneel 

j.
»;

ilnion of the Court, filed Grooms,
er, in pursuance of the opinion, dismissing acti£>n at the cost of plaintiff, 
filed and entered, copies mailed to counsel /*/

etice of Appeal filed fey plaintiff-certified copies mailed Clerk, U. S. Court ! 
of Appeal*, Mew Orleans, Louisiana and te attorneys for defendants 

6J& ̂ Appeal lend ($250,00) filed ~/&2A>S* 3  ^  1
" C T r s n s e r i p t  of proceedings before the Hon. H, H, Grooma on December 16, 1969, 

filed



DAT*, mulN**-#*OCE*DINO»
*«W“

uaetiemj f*

jwwette*^
r a_L ,
m ^ y f '-

k w . u

M i

i*lnt£il«4* ' /-~  V  ' '
tlon of plaintiffs for preliminary injunction, with Affidavit of 
Rebecca Wright, attached, filed - $

&mmnu and complaint issued • dal. toli.S. Marshal with copies for service 
with copies of {tattoof feryPtellmlnary Injunetion attaehad

lotioa of defendant, City of Brighton, its Council and Mayor for continue 
filed and overruled (Grooms)- at haarlng on application for tcnporary in. 
tion of da fondant. City of Brighton, to transfer case to Jury docket 
filed and overruled (Grooms) - at hearing on application for temporary ii 
tion of defendant, City of Brighton e« el., to dismiss filed - taken under 
advisement (Grooms)- Amendment to notion for euomary judgment filed 9-10 
tion of defendant, City of Brighten et el. for euamecy judgewnt filed - 
taken coder advisement (Grooms)- //"<• / J?

leering before the Hon. M.H. Groom* ©a application for temporary injunction ■ 
introduction of plaintiff*' evidence - order allowing pert las to file 
additional affidavits by Sept.8, 1969, at 4:30 F.M.* and taking under 
advisement-further allowing parties to file memorandums on law by 
Sept, f, 1969, at 4:30 F.M. - f . _

ffldavit# of E.B,Parsons, lad.and ae Mayor of Brighton. 
ffidavlts of Mra.Annie I,.Belton, Lao Davison, Met* Belton, Jr., Mrs.Betti*

Lewis, Mrs.Mary S.Finley, Mrs.Mandis M.Perkins, Jehoephophst Greens,
Gsrrett Gibson, Cora L.Smith, Btfaml Hails, Willie Hell Wilton, on behsM 
of plaintiffs filed - A i -
fidavit of Evelyn R.Monteith filed In open court by Judge Groosm - M.

lalntlff's Memorandum in support of plaintiffs motion for preliminary *  ,
injunction filed - copy aei-vedfey smnm 1 JL/lg

V4 'iuppleswntel affidavit of B .B .mfSffifctmmc* Affidavit of J.K.Eduard* JFm L
J/gf&wmrdw&nt to motion to d i d £ m T ^ n 4 ^ ^ n d m e n t  to motion tor summary 

Judgment filed -copies served by counsel *
ffidavit of Herman S.Brown on behalf of defendant filed - /L # * *

on of defendant, Hoover Academy, Xnc., to dimples motion for preliminary 
injunction filed - copy served by counsel r h e C *  tf/’*’ S t  

ndment to complelat amending the name Old Brighton Hleh School as it appears 
in the original complaint to read Old Brighten: School, also known aa Old 
Brighton Elementary School, also k n o w  as Old Brighton Junior High School 
etc. filed - copies served by counsel / W  7 o  ^

ini on of the Hon.H.H.Groome in lieu o f forma rflndlngs, on plaintiffs' mot lam 
for preliminary injunction filed end entered (Grooms) - copies mailed 4 ttoraty* 

r pursuant to the opinion filed contemporaneously herewith, denying plaintiffs*, 
motion for preliminary Injunetion, filed and entered (Grooms copies ms:lad ate* 

Summons and complaint, with motion for preliminary Injunction attached, returned, 
executed on City of Brighton, Ale., E.l.Parsons, ind.,and as Mayor of Biightsa 
end W.M.Perry,Fred West and Walter K.Jenkins as members of City Council, of 
Brighton, Ala., and on Leonard Lewis end Richard Lewis, all on Sept.4, 1969 
Hoover Academy appeared without being served and returned,unexecuted as to 
it - and filed -

rder, dated November 18, 1969, this matter being set on the regular motion 
docket ©n November 18, 1969 for hearing upon all pending motions, continuing 
the said motions to b® considered along with the hearing on th® merits, 
which is set on Monday, December 1, 1969, at 9:00 a. ®., and any briefs to '  Jt 
fee filed before that date, filed and entered (Grooms) - copies mailed attorneys

Summons returned executed 11/21/69 on Mrs. Janie Stanton,Director, Hoover AJcadmny 
endment, to complaint filed in open court

©tion of plaintiffs to convene three jud*;ecourt filed in open court ft \



1
IN THE UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT 

FOR THE NORTHERN DISTRICT 
OF ALABAMA 

SOUTHERN DIVISION

REBECCA WRIGHT, BEN WALTER, 0
GUS DICKERSON, PEARLIE 
DAVIS. 0

PLAINTIFFS, 0
VS: 0
THE CITY OF BRIGHTON, ALABAMA, 0 
a Municipal Corporation,
W. M. Perry, Fred West', Walter 0 
E. Jenkins, Leonard Lewis, 
and Richard Lewis-, as members 0 
of the City Council of Brighton,
Alabama, and E. B. Parsons, 0 
individually and as MAYOR of 
the City of Brighton, Alabama, 0 
and HOOVER ACADEMY, a Corpo­
ration. 0

DEFENDANTS. 0
0 
0

COMPLAINT 

I
Jurisdiction of this court is invoked pursuant to Title 

28, U. S. G. Sections 13L3(3) and 13L3(d). This is a suit in 
equity authorized by and pursuant to Title hZ, U. S. G. Section 
1983. This action seeks to redress the deprivation of rights, 
privileged, and immunities secured by the Fourteenth amendment to 
the Constitution of the United States and k2 U. S. C. Section 1981.

II
This is a suit for injunctive relief against discrimination 

and injunctive relief against the Mayor, City Council, and the City 
of Brighton, Alabama, pursuant to the Due Process and Equal Pro­

tection clauses of the Fourteenth Amendment to the Constitution of 
the United States of America.

C I V I L  A C T I O N  
NO.-

F I L E D  IN CLERK’S OFFICE 
NORTHERN DISTRICT OF ALABAMA

AUG 27 1969 

WILLIAM E. DAVIS

m i t o s s s m t
Deputy Clerk

2S 7



Plaintiffs are Negro citizens of the United States re­
siding in the city of Brighton, Alabama, in Jefferson County.
They bring this action on their own behalf and on the behalf of 
others similarly situated pursuant to Rule 23(a) (3) of the 
Federal Rules of Civil Procedure. Members of the class in behalf 
of whom plaintiffs sue are so numerous as to make it impracticable 
to bring them all individually before this court, but there are 
comtnon questions of law and fact affecting their rights and the 
rights of other Negroes similarly situated. Plaintiffs are citizens 
tax payers, and property owners of the city of Brighton, Alabama. 
Plaintiffs and the members of the class on whose behalf they sue, 
have common grievances arising out of common wrongs and common re­
lief is sought by plaintiffs for themselves and for each member of 
the class. Plaintiffs fairly and adequately represent the interest 
of the class.

IV
The defendants are the city of Brighton, a Municipal 

Corporation, W. M. Perry, Fred West, Walter E. Jenkins, Lenoard 
Lewis, and Richard Lewis, as members of the City Council of the 
city of Brighton, Alabama, and E. B. Parson, individually and as 
Mayor of the city of Brighton, Alabama, and Hoover Academy, a 
Corporation.

V
On or about August 12, 1969, the defendants by majority 

vote, voted to lease the old Brighton High School to a private 

corporation called the Hoover Academy, a corporation designed to 
perpetuate segregation and to flaunt the court's desegregation 
decrees. That facilities known as the old Brighton High School is 
owned by the city of Brighton, Alabama. That Hoover Academy is a 
private school for White persons only. That no Negroes now or ever 
can attend Hoover Academy. That the leasing of their facilities to 
a segregated private school violates the Fourteenth amendment to the 
Constitution of the United States of America, the equal protection



3
and due process clauses thereof.

VI
Neither the State of Alabama nor the city of Brighton has

any local law prohibiting the racially discriminatory practices 
described. Plaintiffs therefore, have no plain, adequate, or 
complete remedy at law to redress these wrongs other than this suit 
for injunctive relief, authorized by Title 42 U. S. C. 1983, and 
the Fourteenth amendment to the U. S. Constitution.

they sue, are now suffering and will continue to suffer irreparable 
injury because of the policy, practice, custom, and usage of 
defendants with reference to its leasing of municipal facilities to 
a segregated school group.

will advance this cause on the docket; order a speedy hearing at 
the earliest practicable date and cause this case to be in every 
way expedited and after such hearing:

1. Forever enjoin the defendants, their agents, successors, 
employees, attorneys, and those acting in concert with them and 
at their direction from granting any ' ' act, or in
any way giving Hoover Academy the right or permission to use the 
old Brighton High School for any purpose where race is a factor and 
declare all contracts between the city of Brighton and Hoover 
Academy to be Null and void.

able attorney fee and grant such other, additional, or further relief 
as may appear to the court to be equitable and just.

VII
Plaintiffs and the members of the class on whose behalf

WHEREFORE, Plaintiffs respectfully pray that this court

2. Allow plaintiffs their costs herein, including a reason-

2111-5th AVENUE, NORTH 
BESSEMER, ALABAMA 35020

3



4

DEMETRIUS G. NEWTON 
408 N. 17th STREET 
BIRMINGHAM, ALABAMA 35203

NORMAN G. AMAKER 
JACK GREENBERG 
10 COLUMBUS CIRCLE 
NEW YORK, N. Y. 10019
ATTORNEYS FOR PLAINTIFFS

4



IN THE UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT
FOR THE NORTHERN DISTRICT

OF ALABAMA
SOUTHERN DIVISION FILED IN CLERK’S OFFICE

NORTHERN DISTRICT OF ALABAMA
REBECCA WRIGHT, BEN WALLER, 0
GUS DICKERSON, and PEARLIE
DAVIS 0

PLAINTIFFS, 0

VS: ' 0

AUG 2 7  1969
WILLIAM E. DAVIS

mmssvass.Deputy Clerk

THE CITY OF BRIGHTON, ALABAMA, 
a Municipal Corporation, W . M. 
Perry, Fred West, Walter E. 
Jenkins, Leonard Lewis, and 
Richard Lewis, as Councilmen 
Of the city of Brighton, Ala­
bama, and E. B. Parsons, as 
MAYOR, of the city of Brighton, 
Alabama, and HOOVER ACADEMY, 
a Corporation.

DEFENDANTS.

0
0 C I V I L  A C T I O N  
0 NO
0 
5 
0 
0
0
0

MOTION FOR PRELIMINARY INJUNCTION

Plaintiffs move this court for a preliminary injunction, 
pending the final disposition of this cause, and as grounds therefor, 
rely upon the allegations of their Bill of Complaint and the af­
fidavit of Rebecca Wright, and in addition would show the following, 

to-wit:
1. For that the acts of the defendants herein are illegal, 

arbitrary, and contrary to law.
2. Unless restrained by this court, defendants will con­

tinue the acts complained of.
3. Such actions by the defendant will result in irrepar­

able injury, loss, and damage to the plaintiffs as property owners, 

taxpayers and as members of the Negro Race.
k. The issuance of a preliminary injunction herein will 

not cause undue inconvenience or loss to the defendants, but will



6
prevent irreparable injury to the plaintiffs herein and the 

class that they represent.
5. The use of taxpayers money to purchase a school building 

for the benefits of all pupils and to permit the same to be leased 
or sold for the benefit of one race would cause undue hardship, fin­

ancial loss, an irreparable injury to the plaintiffs and the class 

they represent.
WHEREFORE, Plaintiffs pray that this court issue a temporary 

preliminary injunction, pending the final disposition of this cause, 
enjoining the defendants, their agents, servants, employees, at­
torneys, successors, and all other persons in active concert and 
participation with them from:

1. leasing, selling, contracting, or in any way giving 
Hoover Academy the right or permission to use the old Brighton High 
School as a private school, or for any other purpose herein.

2. Using or permitting the old Brighton High School to 
be used by Hoover Academy or any other persons or corporations ex­
cept for the benefit of all persons where race will not be a factor.

3. From leasing, contracting to sell said Brighton High 
School property to Hoover Academy or any other persons or corporations 
where race is the basis, as being void and contrary to public policy 
and but another effort to circumvent the decrees of the Fifth Circuit 
Corut of Appeals, and this Honorable Court in JEFFERSON vs. BOARD
OF EDUCATION and DORIS ELAINE BROWN vs. BESSEMER BOARD OF EDUCATION 
and declare all contracts between defendants and Hoover Academy 
to be NULL AND VOID and held in OBEYANCE pending a final hearing 
before this court.

Plaintiffs pray that after a final hearing in this cause, 
this court will enter a permanent injunction similarly enjoining 
the defendants, its agents, employees, successors, and all persons 
in active concert and participation with it.

Plaintiffs also pray that this court will grant them costs 
herein and grant such other, further additional or alternative re­

lief as the court in equity would appear to be necessary and just.



7

DAVID H. HOOD, JR. ^  
2111-5th AVENUE, NORTH 
BESSEMER, ALABAMA 35020

^
DEMETRIUS tdSWTON 
;+08 N. 16th STREET 
BIRMINGHAM, ALABAMA 35203

NORMAN AMAKER 
JACK GREENBERG 
10 COLUMBUS CIRCLE 
NEW YORK, N. Y. 10019 
ATTORNEYS FOR PLAINTIFFS



8
STATE OF ALABAMA 

JEFFERSON COUNTY

Before me, the undersigned authority in and for said 
State and County, personally appeared one, Rebecca Wright, who being 
by me first duly sworn deposes on oath and says the following, 

to-wit:
My name is Rebecca Wright. I am a resident citizen 

of Brighton, Alabama, and I have been for more than two years. I 
do certify under oath that I am a property owner, taxpayer, and a 
citizen of said city; that 1 do certify under oath that if the City 
Council of Brighton, Alabama, is permitted to lease or sell the 
old Brighton High School property to Hoover Academy, that it would 
cause many and the class I represent irreparable injury, in that, 
the school would only be used for the benefit of one race, and the 
race of which I am a member would be totally excluded from the use 
of said private school, though our tax money was used to purchase 
the same. I further certify that I know that the school can be used 
as a community service building for the benefit of all races and 
that the city has refused to do this. I believe that to use this 
school for the purpose above set out would be in violation of 
public policy.

I further certify that the above given statement is 
true and correct to the best of my knowledge, information, and 
belief and was given by me voluntarily.

Certified and sworn to before me, this the A. C* day

of August, 1969.

NOTARY PUBLIC



9
IN THE UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT 

FOR THE NORTHERN DISTRICT 
OF ALABAMA 

SOUTHERN DIVISION 
REBECCA WRIGHT, BEN WALLER,
GUS DICKERSON, PEARLIE 
DAVIS,

X

X
X

1
1

Plaintiffs j

vs. * X
X

1

CIVIL ACTION
THE CITY OF BRIGHTON, ALA­
BAMA, A Municipal Corpor­

X
NUMBER: CA 69-561

ation, W. M. Perry, Fred X
West, Walter Z. Jenkins, 
Leonard Lewis, and Richard X ; FILED IN  CLERK’S  OFFICE

Lewis, as members of the 
City Council of Brighton, X

NORTHERN D ISTR ICT  OF A L A B A M A

and E. B, PARSONS, individually 
and as MAYOR of the City of X S E P  5  1969

Brighton, Alabama, and HOOVER 
ACADEMY, A corporation, X W ILLIAM L  DAVIS  

CLERK, U. S .  B i s m c f  £ M [

Defendants X J

MOTION FOR CONTINUANCE

Come the Defendants, the City of Brighton, Alabama, A 
municipal corporation, W. M. Perry, Fred West, Walter Z. Jenkins, 
Leonard Lewis, and Richard Lewis, as members of the City Council

!
of Brighton, Alabama, and E. B, Parsons, individually and as Mayor 
of the City of Brighton, Alabama, appearing specially, and for no j 

other purpose, moves the Court for a continuance of the motion 
for a temporary injunction, and as grounds for said motion, sets 
down and assigns the following, separately and severally:

1• For that all of the Defendatns have not been served 
With process in this cause.

2. For that those Defendants who have been served, were 
served less than twenty four hours prior to this hearing.

3. For that Defendants have had insufficient notice 
as to this hearing.

jRNEY FOR DEFENDANTS SPECIFIED HEREIN 
For the trial of this caused Defendants demand a jury.

Z27



IN THE UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT
FOR THE NORTHERN DISTRICT

OF ALABAMA
SOUTHERN DIVISION

REBECCA WRIGHT, BEN WALLER, 
GUS DICKERSON, PEARLIE X
DAVIS,

Y

Plaintiffs
A

X

vs . X

. X
CIVIL ACTION

THE CITY OF BRIGHTON, ALA­ X
BAMA, A Municipal Corpor­
ation, W. M. Perry, Fred X

NUMBER: CA 69-561
West, Walter Z. Jenkins, 
Leonard Lewis, and Richard 
Lewis, as members of the

X
F IL E D  IN  C L E R K ’S  O FF IC E

City Council of Brighton, X N O R T H E R N  DISTRICT O F  A L A B A M A
and E. B. PARSONS, individually 
and as MAYOR of the City of 
Brighton, Alabama, and HOOVER

X
S E ?  5 I SCO

ACADEMY, A corporation, X
W IL L I A?,; E. D A V IS

Defendants X CLERK, U. C. D IS T R IC T  COURT,

MOTION TO DISMISS

Come the Defendants, the City of Brighton, Alabama, A 
municipal corporation, W. M. Perry, Fred West, Walter Z. Jenkins, 
Leonard Lewis, and Richard Lewis, as members of the City Council 
of Brighton, Alabama, and E. B. Parsons, individually and as Mayor 
of the City of Brighton, Alabama, appearing specially and for no 
other purpose, moves the Court to dismiss this cause, and as 

''grounds for said motion, sets down and assigns the following,
| separately and severally:

1. For that this Court is without jurisdiction in this
. cause.

2. For that the State of Alabama nor its Attorney Gen­
eral is made a party to this cause, as is required by law, since 

| the City of Brighton, a municipal corporation is the State of
! j
j| Alabama in that said municipality is a political subdivision of the 
jj State of Alabama, a creature of the State of Alabama, and an arm 
I; of the State of Alabama, and the Defendants say that the State of 
i Alabama, and the Attorney General thereof are necessary parties to

&

! this action.



3. For that the original jurisdiction in this cause 
wherein the State of Alabama and its Attorney General are necess­
ary parties, is in the Supreme Court of the United States, as 
provided by the Constitution of the United States.

4. For that this suit is a suit against the State of
Alabama, and Defendants say that the judicial power of the United 
States shall not be construed to extend to any suit in law or 
equity commenced or prosecuted against one of the united States, 
to-wit: the STate of Alabama, by citizens thereof, without the
consent of the State of Alabama, and Defendants say that such 
consent of the State of Alabama has not been obtained.

5. For that it affirmatively appears from the Bill of 
Complaint,in this cause, that said action is brought under the 
Fourteenth Amendment to the Constitution of the United States, and 
unless the State of Alabama is a party to said suit, this cause 
cannot be so maintained under the Fourteenth Amendment to the 
Constitution of the United States.

6. For that it affirmatively appears from the averments 
of the Bill of Complaint that the Plaintiffs have an adequate rem­
edy at law.

7. For that it affirmatively appears from the averments 
of the Bill of Complaint that said Bill of Complaint does not 
contain equity.

8. For that the Bill of Complaint in this cause is with­
out equity.

9. For that the jurisdiction in this cause is in the
State courts, to-wit: The Tenth Judicial Circuit of Alabama,
holden at Bessemer, Alabama.

10. For that it affirmatively appears from the averments 
of the Bill of Complaint that Plaintiffs are not entitled to a 
preliminary injunction.

11. For that the averments of the Bill of Complaint and 
the motion for temporary injunction are insufficient to authorize 
this Court to issue such temporary injunction.

12. For that this Court is without jurisdiction to declare 
null and void the duly adopted and constitutional ordinances of 

the City of Brighton, Alabama.

11



12
13. For that this Court is without jurisdiction to im­

pair the right of the City of Brighton, a municipal corporation, 

to contract.
14. For that this Court is without jurisdiction to im­

pair the contractual obligation of the City of Brighton, a munici­

pal corporation.
Wherefore, Defendants pray that this cause be dismissed.

DEFENDANTS SPECIFIED HEREIf

NORMAN K. BROWN 
Attorney at Law
1818 3rd Ave. North 
Bessemer, Alabama

CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE
I certify that I have mailed, via U. S. mail, first- 

class postage prepaid, a copy of the above and foregoing 

to CO

/4



IN THE UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT
13

FOR THE NORTHERN DISTRICT 
OF ALABAMA 

SOUTHERN DIVISION
REBECCA WRIGHT, BEN WALLER, 
GUS DICKERSON, PEARLIE 
DAVIS,

Plaintiffs

X

X
X

V S  . X
X

THE CITY OF BRIGHTON, ALA- X
BAMA, A Municipal Corpor­
ation, W. M. Perry, Fred X
West, Walter Z. Jenkins,
Leonard Lewis, and Richard X
Lewis, as members of the 
City Council of Brighton, X
and E. B. PARSONS, individually 
and as MAYOR of the City of X
Brighton, Alabama, and HOOVER 
ACADEMY, A corporation, X

Defendants X

CIVIL ACTION 
NUMBER: CA 69-561

FILED IN CLERK'S OFFICI NORTHERN DISTRICT OF ALABAMA

SEP 5 W

WILLIAM £. "AVIS 
(CLERK,, il.i.DlSTRt&T.CPORT

MOTION FOR SUMMARY JUDGMENT

i

Come the Defendants, the City of Brighton, Alabama, A 
municipal corporation, W. M. Perry, Fred West, Walter Z. Jenkins, 
Leonard Lewis, and Richard Lewis, as members of the City Council 
of Brighton, Alabama, and E. B. Parsons, 'individually and as Mayor' 
of the City of Brighton, Alabama, and moves the Court for a 

summary judgment and in support thereof defendants say; that 
Section 477 (2) Title 37 Code of Alabama 1940 (Recompiled 1958) i
provides as follows: [

i
"The governing body of any city of town in
this state may, by ordinance to be entered ;
on its minutes, lease any of its real property
not needed for public or municipal purposes, and
a lease made by the mayor in accordance with
such ordinance shall be binding for the term
specified in the lease/ not to exceed a period
of ninety-nine years; provided that in counties
having a population of not less than 225,000
and not more than 400,000 inhabitants,
according to the last or any subsequent
federal decennial census, such limitation j
of the term to a period of ninety-nine years 
shall not apply to any oil, gas, or mineral 
lease made in accordance with such ordinance."

z2 7



14

and defendants say that pursuant to such authority the City of 

Brighton by and through its duly constituted governing body, 

to-wit; the City Council of the City of Brighton, Alabama, did 
on to-wit, August 12, 1969, duly adopt Ordinance number 2-69, 

a true and correct copy of which is attached hereto and made a 
part of this motion and marked Exhibit One, which said 
Ordinance did legally authorize the Mayor of the City of 
Brighton to lease the property therein described which property 

is the basis of this suit.
WHEREFORE PREMISES CONSIDERED defendants pray for 

summary judgment.

STATE OF ALABAMA )
JEFFERSON COUNTY )

Before me, the undersigned, a Notary Public in and for 

said State and County personally appeared Norman K. Brown who

Sworn to and subscribed before me this 5th day of 

September, 1969.

being by me duly sworn says: that the averments contained in

the foregoing motion are true.

craTlPUCATE OF SERVICE
_i .,u  ii mail, first'



£ x h  ) b i i  O a/£
15

ORDINANCE NUMBER 6 f

AN ORDINANCE TO AUTHORIZE THE MAYOR TO LEASE REAL PROPERTY OWNED 

BY THE CITY AND NOT NEEDED FOR PUBLIC OR MUNICIPAL PURPOSES.

BE IT ORDAINED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BRIGHTON, 
ALABAMA, AS FOLLOWS:

I
1. The Mayor is hereby authorized to execute a lease be­

tween the City of Brighton and Hoover Academy, leasing the Brighton 
Junior High School building and premises to said Hoover Academy 
for a period of two years at the annual rental of $1200.00, with
an option to renew for an additional two years, also containing

A M  fid $ p g f
an option to purchase -3wfes4BS*»ee at the end of the first two-year 
period at a negotiated sales price, said real property not being 1
needed for public or municipal purposes. |!

2. On the passage of this Ordinance, the Mayor shall be 

authorized to execute said lease, copy of which is attached hereto 
and made a part hereof.

Adopted, this the 12 day of August______, 1969 .

Clerk Treasurer

Approved, this the 12 day of August , 1969.

MAYOR
i

I, Ellen S. Hindman, Clerk-Treasurer of the City of Brighton, 
Alabama, hereby certify that this is a true and correct copy 
of an Ordinance adopted by the City Council of the City of 
Brighton, at its regular meeting, August 12, 1969, and also 
a true and correct copy of all exhibits thereto.

(SEAL) Clerk Treasurer



“16
n

f

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1

i
1
D

ForiQ 48-2—LEASE—Printed and for eale by Roberta & Son. Printers. Birmingham.

THE STATE OF A LA B A M A , ) 

COUNTY j This lease, made__ -Li____day of_____ ft.u£L:__ -19 .69.

by and between- Citv of Brighton, Alabama __________, party of the first part,

hereinafter called the Lessor, by____ H:______ P a r s ° n s . ,__i t s  J fe y ^ o r__________________JESS, and

Hoover Academy, Inc., A Corporation __________________ ___________
party of the second part, hereinafter called the Lessee:

Witnesseth, That the Lessor does hereby rent and lease unto the Lessee the following premises in the

City of Brighton, Alabama______ yiz_. The Brighton Junior High
School Building and premises ____________

U
fi

for occupation by__ i £ _ _Z. s c h o o l
_and not otherwise, for and during the term ot­

to wit: from the__12_____day of___AU9_i -19.-1 it o  the 12 day of Aug.USl
ana covenant to keep the Lessee in possession of the premises during said term.

j agrees tomontn - f o r  the same.in  Consideration W hereof, The Lessee agrees to pay the Lessor, at the office  o f  said Agent--------- ------ tor
— -i - -  ^  advance, being at the rate o f  $— 4 - 2 Q . . Q Q — per annum.-d a y  of_ eacn

tuc Lessee fail to pay the ren ti as they becom e due, as aforesaid, or violate any other condition o f  this lease, the Lessor snail
then have the right at_____ _option, to ro-enter the premises and annul this lease. And in order to entitle the Lessor
to re-enter, it shall not be necessary to give notice o f  the rents, becom ing due or unpaid, or to make any demand for the same, 
the execution o f  this lease, signed by  the Lessee, which execution is hereby acknowledged, being sufficient notice o f the 
rents being due and o f  the demand for tho same, and shall bo so construed, any law, usage or custom to the contrary notwith­
standing; and the Lessee agrees to com ply with all tho city laws in regard to nuisance, in so far as the building and prem­
ises hereby leased are concerned, and by  no act render the Lessor liable therefor; to replace all glass broken; to replace all 
keys lost or broken; to pay all bills for water used on tho premises during this lease; to keep all electric apparatus in order, 
to permit no waste o f die property, or allow same to be done, but to take good care o f same; not to underlease said prop­
erty, nor transfer or assign diis lease without die written consent o f tho Lessor hereon endorsed; and diis lease being ter­
minated, to surrender quiet and peaceable possession o f said premises in like good order as at commencement o f said term, 
natural wear and tear excepted.

it  is furdier understood and agreed that tho Lessor shall not be required to do any repairs upon the building herein leased, 
unless so stipulated and agreed upon in writing at the commencement o f  diis lease, nor is the Lessor liablo for any break­
age, or getting out o f order o f  any o f tho water pipes, or water closets or other plumbing, but .on the contrary the Lessee 
shall keep same in such repair as is required by the sanitary or other laws o f  die City of— 4-. G .t P H  t .—  
natural wear and tear excepted.

It is further understood and agreed that tho Lessor shall not be liable for any damage which may accrue on account o* 
any defect in said buildings or premises, or from rain, wind or other causes. And Lessor reserves the right to show and
advertise the premises herein leased for sale during the term o f this lease, and to place “ For Rent”  or “For Sale”  cards on
said building or premises and to show same sixty days prior to tho expiration o f  diis lease.

It is furdier understood and agreed that die Lessor reserves die right to make any repairs that may be deem ed neces­
sary during the term o f diis lease.

And die Lessee furdier covenants widi the Lessor that dio furniture, goods and effects w idi winch said building ana
premises m e to be furnished and provided shall be owned by-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------—
in_______4- t S  nwn right, and die same shall not be encumbered except as subject, first, to lien and right o f die Lessor.

In die event o f the employment o f an attorney by  .tho Lessor, on account o f  violation o f any o f  tho conditions ot this
lease by die Lessee, die Lessee hereby agrees that--------- U s _________shall be taxed widi said attorney's fee. And as a part m
die consideration o f this lease, and for die purpose o f  securing to tho Lessor prompt payments o f said rents as herein stipu­
lated, or any damage that the Lessor may suffer, either by  failure to surrender quiet and peaceable possession o f  said prem­
ises as aforesaid, or for any damage whatever which may bo awarded said Lessor under this contract, the said Lessee hereby 
waives all right whiclx—— _______ may have under die Constitution and Laws o f the State o f  Alabama, to have any o f die
personal property o f die Lessee exempt from levy or sale, or other legal process.

It is hereby furdier agreed that if the Lessee shall continue on said premises, or any part thereof, after the termination 
o f  dns contract, then this contract shall continue in full force under all the terms, conditions and covenants hereinafter set 
out.

Lessor shall keep premises insured for the minimum of $15/000.00. 
Lessee shall have the option to renew for an additional two years 
or to purchase the premises at a sales price to be negotiated by

the parties. __________________________________________ 1__________ -
In Testimony Whereof, We have hereunto set our hands and seals this- 11th _aay oi



17
IN THE UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT 

FOR THE NORTHERN DISTRICT 
OF ALABAMA 

SOUTHERN DIVISION
REBECCA WRIGHT, BEN WALLER, 
GUS DICKERSON, PEARLIE 
DAVIS,

Plaintiffs

v s .

THE CITY OF BRIGHTON, ALA­
BAMA, A Municipal Corpor­
ation, W. M. Perry, Fred 
West, Walter Z. Jenkins,
Leonard Lewis, and Richard 
Lewis, as members of the 
City Council of Brighton, 
and E. B. PARSONS, individually 
and as MAYOR of the City of 
Brighton, Alabama, and HOOVER 
ACADEMY, A corporation,

Defendants

X
X
X

CIVIL ACTION 
NUMBER: CA 69-561

FILED IN CLERK’S OFFICE 
NORTHERN DISTRICT OF ALABAMA

3t? 3 - 1969

e‘Puty Clark

AFFIDAVIT OF DEFENDANT

E. B. PARSONS,
Individually and as Mayor of Brighton

STATE OF ALABAMA )
JEFFERSON COUNTY )

Before me, the undersigned authority, in and for said 
County and said State personally appeared E. B.
Parsons , who being by me first duly sworn, deposes

and on oath says:
"My name is E. B. Parsons and I am over the age of 
twenty-one years and a resident citizen of the City 
of Brighton and am the duly elected Mayor of said 
City. I have been Mayor of the City of Brighton 
since 1956 and prior to phat time I was a member 
of the City Council since 1937. During the time I 
have been an elected official of the City of 
Brighton the City of Brighton has never operated a 
separate school system. During all this time the 
City of Brighton has come under the Jefferson County 
School System. Severl years ago the Jefferson 
County Board of Education decided to close the only 
school operated in the City of Brighton known as 
the Brighton Elementary School. As one time this 
school was operated as a junior high school but at



- 2 - 18

the time it was closed it was only operated as
an elementary school. The Mayor and Council
of Brighton successfully resisted the closing
of this school for some time but iji_Jl9&d_-fclie
County Board of Education made its final decision
to close the school. This school building
and facility is located in the heart of Brighton
and near the City Hall. When the County Board
of Education decided to close the school the
Board sold the City property and the City
purchased it for the sum of $10,106.00. This
property consists of eight contiguous lots
and has a three story brick veneer building situated
on it. The building was real old and in a very run
down condition having been built somewhere
around 1927. All of the equipment in the
building was taken out by the County Board
of Education and utilized at other County
Schools through-out the County.

Since the City has owned this property  ̂
it has been unable to realize any income 
therefrom and the building has remained vacant 
all this time since the City purchased it 
until it was leased to the Hoover Academy «
last month. Because this building has been \
vacant the City has been unable £o obtain 
insurance on the buiiarr

Hoover Academy offered to lease this property 
from the City in August of this year and the 
Council agreed to lease the property to the 
Hoover Academy for a monthly rental of $100.00 
giving the Academy an option to purchase the 
property as specified in the lease. As a 
result of this transaction the building is 
now insured.

In leasing this property to the Hoover 
Academy the City Council maintains no further 
control over the property and has no voice 
in the management or administration of the 
Academy. In leasing this property to the 
Hoover Academy the Council only considered 
the income the lease would produce for the 
City and did not lease the property to the 
Hoover Academy for any other purpose. This 
lease was not made for the purpose of 
discrimination in any form nor does the 
City of Brighton join the Hoover Academy 
in its enterprise and the City has no res­
ervation or control over the facilities 
or activities of the leasee or the property.

As required by State Law and prior to the 
execution of this lease the City Council 
determined that this property was not needed 
for municipal or public purposes."

Sworn to and subscribed before me this 8th day of September, 1969.
CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE

^ XT/•'»+-a  y \ r  D iiK  1 -iNotary Public

I certify that I have mailed, via U. S. mail, first 
class postage prepaid, a copy of the above and foregoi
to counsel of record for all opposing parties.

This. day of„. 19a.
r Attorney for



STATE OF ALABAMA

C  f\ c* 5 ~~ C

Before me, the undersigned authority in and for said 
State and County, personally appeared one,
who being by me first duly sworn deposes on oath and says the 
following, to-wit:

My name i s I  am a resident citizen 
of the City of Brighton, Alabama, a property owner, taxpayer, and 
a member of the Negro race; that I am over the age of twenty-one 
years.

I know that the citycf Brighton has leased or is attempt­
ing to lease the old Brighton High School to Hoover Academy, a 
private School Corporation, and for the sole purpose of educating 
one race (White) of persons.

1 know that the old Brighton High School was purchased 
from Jefferson County and/or Jefferson County Board of Education 
with public funds and was operated as a segregated High School until 
the courts decision in the Jefferson County School Case and at 
said time and to avoid intergration, the school was closed by the 
city of Brighton, and white children bused to another all-white 
school in Jefferson County, rather than to intergrate or have White 
pupils attend the then existing and now existing Brighton (Negro) 
Elementary and High School within the city of Brighton.

Affiant further certifies under oath that it is public 
knowledge that Hoover Academy was one of the first all-White private 
schools that sprung up immediately after the Brown decision of 
1954, and the Jefferson School decision to avoid intergration; and 
throughout the history of Hoover Academy, no pupil other than White 
pupils have been enrolled therein nor invited to enroll.

Affiant further certifies" that to permit the city of 
Brighton to lease the old Brighton High School to a private School 
for private (education) use would destroy public use of said pro­
perty; that affiant would suffer irreparable injury, and the leasing



20
of public property for private use would be in violation of the 
Constitution and Statutes of the United States of America and laws 
pertaining thereto. I further know that two weeks or more prior 
to leasing said old Brighton High School property for a segregated 
private school, that a joint resolution was offered in regular city 
council meeting that said old Brighton High School be used as a 

community service, community center building for the benefit of the 
entire Brighton Community, and all of its people which resolution 
was voted in the affirmative by three of the five city councilmen 
and two weeks later the city of Brighton, in an illegal special 
meeting, voted to lease said old Brighton High School to Hoover 
Academy for a private segregated school and at said meeting, two 

councilmen voted for the lease and three voted against it; that 
nevertheless, said lease was made to Hoover Academy any way and 
contrary to law and in violation of the rights of affiant and the 
class that represents.

to the best of my knowledge, information, and belief and was given 
by me voluntarily.

I certify that the above statements are true and correct

AFFIANT

Certified and sworn to before me this the 'C day of
September, 1969.

J A ,



STAT £ OP ALABAMA.

21
riUu ii'i CLERK’S Oi'HC

’iOiiTHti î ulSTR!.’ ' 0.’ ..i,
A c  % -  ° U

JKFFEkSOK COUNTY

Before me, the undersigned authority in and for Said 
State and County, personally appeared one,
who being by me first duly sworn deposes on oath and says the 
following, to-wit:

My name is .̂*2̂ ^ Z5^<^0û s, 1 *■ * resident cltixen
of the City of Brighton, Alabama, a property owner, taxpayer, and 
a member of the Negro race; that I am over the age of twenty-one 
years.

1 know that the city of Brighton has leased or is attempt­
ing to lease the old Brighton High School to Hoover Academy, a 
privata School Corporation, and for the sole purpose of educating 
one race (White) of persona.

Z know that the old Brighton High School was purchased 
from Jefferson County and/or Jaffarson County Board at Education 
with public funds and was operated as a segregated High School until 
the courts decision in the Jefferson County School Case and at 
■aid time and to avoid intargration, the school was closed by tha 
city of Brighton, and White children bused to another all-white 
school in Jefferson County, rather than ta intergrata or have White 
pupils attend the then existing and now existing Brighton (Negro) 
Elementary and High School within tha city af Brighton.

Affiant further certifies under oath that it la public 
knowledge that Hoover Academy was oaa of the first all-white private 
schools that sprung up immediately after the Brown decision of 
1954, end the Jefferson School decision to avoid intargration; «iw 
throughout tha history of Hoover Academy, no pupil other than White 
pupils have bean enrolled therein, nor invited to enroll.

Affiant further certifies that to permit the city of 
Brighton to lease the old Brighton High School to a privata School 
for private (education) use would destroy public use of said pro­
perty; that affiant would suffer irreparable injury, and the leasing

3J?



of public property for private use would be in violation of the 
Constitution and statutes of the United States of America and laws 
pertaining thereto. 1 further know that two weeks or mere prior 
to leasing said, old Brighton High School property for a segregated 
private school, that a joint resolution was offered in regular city 
council seating that said old Brighton High School be used as a 
community service, community center building for the benefit of the 
entire Brighton Community, and all ©f its people which resolution 
was voted in the affirmative by three of the five city councilman 
and two weeks later the city of Brighton, in an illegal special 
meeting, voted to lease said old Brighton High School to Hoover 
Academy for a private segregated school and at said meeting, two 
councilman voted for the lease and threa votad against it; that 
nevertheless, said lease was made to Hoover Academy any way and 
contrary to law and in violation of the rights of affiant and the 
class that represents.

22

to the beat of ay knowledge, information, and belief and was given 
by me voluntarily.

Z certify that the above statements are true and correct

Certified and sworn to before me this the & ! L  __d*y of 
September, 1969.

«24/



STATE OF AIAJAMA
JEFFERSON COUNTY

Before me, the undersigned, authority in and for said 
State and County, personally appeared one^
who being by me first duly sworn deposes on oath and says the 
following, to-wit:

My name is !̂ Z I  am a resident citizen 
of the City of Brighton, Alabama, a property owner, taxpayer, and 
a member of the Negro race; that I am over the age of twenty-one 
years.

1 know that the city of Brighton has leased or is attempt­
ing to lease the old Brighton High School to Hoover Academy, a 
private School Corporation, and for the sole purpose of educating 
one race (White) of persons.

I know that the old Brighton High School was purchased 
from Jefferson County and/or Jefferson County Board of Education 
with public funds and was operated as a segregated High School until 
the courts decision in the Jefferson County School Case and at 
said time and to avoid intergration, the school was closed by the 
city of Brighton, and white children bused to another all-White 
school in Jefferson County, rather than to intergrate or have White 
pupils attend the then existing and now existing Brighton (Negro) 
Elementary and High School within the city of Brighton.

Affiant further certifies under oath that it is public 
knowledge that Hoover Academy was one of the first all-White private 
schools that sprung up immediately after the Brown decision of 
1954, and the Jefferson School decision to avoid intergration; and 
throughout the history of Hoover Academy, no pupil other than White 
pupils have been enrolled therein nor invited to enroll.

Affiant further certifies-- that to permit the city of 
Brighton to lease the old Brighton High School to a private School 
for private (education) use would destroy public use of said pro­
perty; that affiant would suffer irreparable injury, and the leasing

j?r



of public property for private uae would be in violation of the 
Constitution and Statutes of the United States of America and laws 
pertaining thereto. X further know that two weeks or more prior 
to leasing said old Brighton High School property for a segregated 
private school, that a joint resolution was offered in regular city 
council meeting that said old Brighton High School be used as a 
community service, community center building for the benefit of the 
entire Brighton Community, and all of its people which resolution 
was voted in the affirmative by three of the five city councilmen 
and two weeks later the city of Brighton, in an illegal special 
meeting, voted to lease said old Brighton High School to Hoover 
Academy for a private segregated school and at said meeting, two 
councilmen voted for the lease and three voted against it; that 
nevertheless, said lease was made to Hoover Academy any way and 
contrary to law and in violation of the rights of affiant and the 
class that represents.

I certify that the above statements are true and correct 
to the best of my knowledge, information, and belief and was given 
by me voluntarily.

24

Certified and 
September, 1969.

sworn to before me this the (p ''A day of

A r4x
NOTARY PUBLIC/



/

sLtj.* tfi i-LiRK'-S
N.Urt.iMtRii C* ■si KI;

25 C A L
STAYS O f  ALABAMA 

JEF ffM SQ K  QOUNTY

Before ««* the undersigned authority in and for Said
State and County, personally appeared one,
who being by so first duly sworn deposes on oath and says the 
following, to-witi / s,

My m u m  is i  an a resident cltisen
of the City of Brighton, Alabama. a property owner, taxpayer, and 
a somber el the Negro race; that X aa over the age of twenty-ono 
years.

X knew that the city of Brighten has leased or is attempt­
ing to lease the eld Brighten High School to Hoover Aeadsay, a 
private School Corporation, and for the sola purpose of educating 
one raoe (White) of persons.

X less* that the old Brighton High School was purchased 
fro* Jefferson County and/or Jefferses County Board of Education 
with public funds and was operated as a segregated High School until 
the courts deciaisn in the Jefferson County School Case and at 
said tine and to avoid intargration, tha school was closed by the 
city ef Brighten, and White children bused to another aLi-White 
school in Jefferson County, rnthar then to intergrate or have White 
pupils attend tha then existing and naw existing Brighton (Negro) 
Elementary and High School within the city of Brighton.

Affiant further eartifioo under oath that it is public 
knowledge that Koevar Aeadany was one of tho first all-white privata 
schools that sprung ap immediately after the Brswn decision ef 
195%, and the Jefferson School decision to avoid intergratlan; and 
throughout tha history of Hoovor Academy, no pupil ethar than White 
pupils have been enrolled therein, ner invited to enroll.

Affiant further certifies that to permit the city of 
Brighten to lease the eld Brighten High School to a private School 
for private (education) use would destroy public uae of said pro­
perty t that affiant would suffer irreparable injury, and the leasing

*2?



•* prep*irty for private as® would be is violation ©f the
Constitution and status* of the United State* a£ Assartas. M d  law* 
pertaining thereto. X further ta*a» that two weak* or aor© prior 
to leasing said eld Brighton High School property tor a aegregs&tad 
private school, that e join* resolution was offered in regular city 
council seating that said old Britton H i #  School he used as a 
eeaauaity aarvlca, eeaauuity center Building for the Benefit of the 
ontlro Brighton Ooaaumlty, and all of its pooplo which resolution 
wns voted in the nffirnative by three of the five city soumnllaes 
and two weeks lator tho eity of Brighton, in an illegal special 
■eating, voted te lease sold old Brighten High School te Hoover 
Academy for a private segregated school end at said -nesting, two 
ceunoilnen voted for the leese end three voted against itj that 
nevertheless, sold lease was aada te Hoover Acadany any way and 
contrary to law and in violation of the rights of affiant and the 
class that represents.

I sortify that the above steteaente ere true and correct 
to the heat of ay knowledge, infatuation, and belief end was given 
by ue voluntarily.

26

Septeaber, 1969.

2 9



k  % - 5  F-

j s v m s o w  cowry

Sftfo-re a**, tha under* itftod authority io and t o  #*14 
St»«® *04 County, personally appeared an*, 
vto t o i a g  W *• first duly sworn topaao# a® oath a n d  say* tto 
fellaniRK, t o - w i t s

ny tia.m la } // '/ î 7 7 ](2 A t^  %>, 7^ <-^0^ 1 m  * raaidant citissn 
mi '®te* City of Brighton, Alstons, a propsrty owner, taapayar, and 
a  cantor o f  t h *  K a ® r *  r a s a ;  that 1 a s  a v a r  t t o  a j p  o f  * w « n * y - ® « e  

y**ra.
X fce***» that tto alty «C »ri#toa to* la*#«d at i* atta*pt>

1a$ to 1«m * tto old U a b  Satool t* Hoovar Asatoay, *
private School Corporation, « M  Ear the «ele purpoa* of educating 
ana raee (White) of parvons.

£ k « w  that tto old Brighton Kir# School was purcluwad 
fro® J t d e r i M  County and/or Jofforson County board of education 
with public fund* and w«* operated *• • sogragatad High School until 
tto courts decision in tto Jaffarson County & stool Oaa* and at 
s a i d  tins and to a w » M  inter gratloa, tto sstool was closed by tto 
sity of brlgfetott, and white ohildra* hand to anottor «U»whit« 
•stool in Joffaraon County, rattor than to intorgrata ar tows white 
pupils attend tto Ktoa satiating and now aKiatlnf Brighten (He^re) 
llvwoatory and H i #  School within tto sity mi Brighton.

Affiant further aartifiaa umlar oath Chat it la public 
kmmladga that hoovar Aeatoaqr was ana af tto firat ell-Whits private 
•stool* that sprang sap lanadlataly altar tto Brown decision of 
l»Sb, and tto Jaffarsan School dealsion to avoid isterfrstlsai and 
throughout tto history of hoovor Acad*«y, no pupil ottor than whit* 
pupils tor* toes enrolled therein nor invited ta enroll.

Affiant further certifies that to perait tto city of 
frighten to laaaa tto aid Brighton h i #  satool to a prlvata School 
£«# prlvata (education! uaa would oaatray public uaa of aaid pro- 
partyt that affiant would suffer irreparable injury, and tto leasing

Fil;:D iii CLcRK'S OFhs

STATE or AlASAto

4



28

«£ public property far privntm mm m m M  be in visUttMi of the 
Constitution and Statutes «C fib# tutted §*«toi« «f America and uwe 
pertaining thereto. 1 furtstew ttw that twe wa®&« w  «ere prim*
*»  l* ;L x m mmU m id Brighton Big* School preparty for a aegKjpMd  
private eefceel, thtl * jeist reselution we* ott«f«4 is regular city 
cause 11 meeting that «ai4 eld Brighton High &cheoi b« used a» * 
community service, m m m m i t f  e«tt«r feuiWUi far the benefit «f the 

Brighten Ocwwsity, and ell mi it* people cfciefc resolution 
**** *" Affirmative by three of the Ciwt city cause! lues
•ac two mmkm later tm> c it y  of Brighten, is as illegal special 
mtecisg, voted t« lease said eld Brighten »£^g School «e Soever 
Academy Car a private segregated sofceol and at said meeting, two 
eeunetlaea mated for the lease ana throe voted agpinst ttj th a t  

neverthelose, said lease was made te hoover Academy any tmy and 
contrary te lew  and in violation of tte rights «f affiant and the 
class that represents.

I certify that tfea above statement* are true and correct 
t® tbs Peat of my ̂ aeolodga, iaferaatioB, and be Oaf and twe given
by m  voluntarily.

Certified and eerern to ba
September, If69.



JEFFERSON COUNTY

STATE Or ALABAMA

H U O  ii-s DIUK'S o-.hi:.
tcOHIHtSlI l? IS lRU  'j' 29

iV/idLci-̂  * . n
OaMv Clark

iDd; ,  C  f ! C. ?

Before me, the undersigned authority in and for said 
State and County, personally appeared one, Maudie M> Perkins 
who being by me first duly sworn deposes on oath and says the 
following, to-wits

My name is Maudie M. Perkins , 1 am a resident citlsen 
of the City of Brighton, Alabama, a property owner, taxpayer, and 
a member of the Negro races that I am over the age of twenty-one 
years.

1 know that the city d£ Brighton has leased or is attempt­
ing to lease the old Brighten High School to Hoover Academy, a 
private School Corporation, and for the sole purpose of educating 
one race (White) of persons.

I know that the old Brighton High School was purchased 
from Jefferson County and/or Jefferson County Board of Education 
with public funds and was operated as a segregated High School until 
the courts decision in the Jefferson County School Case and at 
said time and to avoid inter(ration, the school was closed by the 
city of Brighton, and white children buaad to another all-whit# 
school in Jefferson County, rather than to intargrate or have White 
pupils attend the then existing and now existing Brighton (Negro) 
Elementary and High School within the city of Brighton.

Affiant further certifies under oath that it is public 
knowledge that Hoover Academy was one of the first all-White private 
sohools that sprung up immediately after the Brown decision of 
1954, and the Jefferson School decision to avoid intargrationj and 
throughout the history of Hoovov Academy, no pupil other than White 
pupils have been enrolled therein nor invited to enroll.

Affiant further certifies that to permit the city of 
Brighton to lease the old Brighton High School to a private School 
for private (education) use would destroy public use of said pro­
perty; that affiant would suffer irreparable injury, and the leasing

3/



30
of public property for p r i v a t e  mu® w o u ld  bat in v i o l a t i o n  of th e  

Constitution and Statutes of tha U n ite d  S t a t e s  ©£ A m e r ic a  and. law s 

pertaining thereto. X further know t h a t  two weeks or more prior 
to leasing said old Brighton High S c h o o l  property f o r  a segregated 
private school, that a joint resolution was offered in regular city 
council meeting that said old Brighton High School be used as a 
community service, community canter building for the benefit of the 
entire Brighton Community, and all of its people which resolution 
was voted in the affirmative by three of the five city councilman 
and two weeks later the city of Brighton, in an illegal special 
meeting, voted to lease said old Brighton High School to Hoovor 
Academy for a private segregated school and at said meeting, two 
councilman voted for the lease and three voted against it; that 
nevertheless, said lease was made to Hoover Academy any way and 
contrary to law and in violation of the rights of affiant and tha 
class that represents.

X certify that tha above statements are true and correct 
to the best of my knowledge, information, and belief and was given 
by me voluntarily.

Certified and sworn to before me this the 
September, 1969.

C> 7L day of

fr if O— . - -

3*



*1

H its ) IN C liR K ’S OH iC :-
uORTHtixii i)!Ss;\lCi O.- AiAt>;V*'.«* 3i c ft C c

d f A f d  (#  ALABAMA 

J t f f & S W  C SO W ff

Before m , tb* undersigned authority in and for Said 
Stata and County, personally appeared m n , Jehosphophat Greene 
who being by mo first duly sworn depose* on oath and says tho 
following, to-wits

Wy mmm  la  Jahoshophat Greene , i  a s a resident c it ls a n  

of the C ity  of Brighton, Alabasa, a proparty owner, taapayer, and 

a aeeber of the Negro race; that I  a* over lb« ago of twenty-one

years.
1 know that the city of Brighton hat leased or la attenpt- 

i«« to laaaa tha old Brighten High boheol to Meevar Aeadeay, a 
private School Corporation, and for tho tola purpeaa of aduoatiag 
oaa raoo (white) of parsons.

t knew that tha old Brighton High Sohool teas purchased 
fren Jefferson County and/or Jefferson County Board of Education 
with public funds and was operated as a segregated High School until 
the courts decision in tha Jefferson County School Case and at 
said tisa and to avoid intargration, tha sehaal wts olosad by tha 
city of Brighton, and White children bused to another all-white 
school in Joffcreon County, rother than to intergrate or have White 
pupil* attend tho than existing and now existing Brighton (Negro) 
hlanantary and High School within the city of Britton.

Affiant further certifies under oath that it is public 
knowledge that Hoavar Academy was one of the first all-white private 
school* that sprung up iawodiatoly af tar tha Brawn decision of 
I95h, and tho Jefferson School decision to avoid intersection; and 
throughout tha history a* Hoover Aeadoay* «n pupil ether than white 
popils have been caroiled therein, nor invited to enroll.

Affiant further certifies that to perait the city of 
Brighton to  lease the eld Britton High School to a private School 
for private (education) use would destroy public use of said pre- 
P«tty| that affiant would suffer irreparable injury, and tee leaeing

3 -5



of public property for private two would te to v U U t M n  of the 
Constitution and statutes of the United State# of America and *»— ■ 
pertaining thereto. l gurthar know that to® woafas er acre prior 
to loosing said old Brighton High Se&eel property for a segregated 
private seheel, that a Joint resolution was offered in regular city 
eooneli meeting that said old Britton High Sehool be need u  . 
aMHnuiity service, ooaaanity oontar building for the bonefit of the 
oatiro Brighten Cewawalty, and all of its people which roeelution 
wao voted in the offtractive by three of the five city eemtoilaea 
and two wwoha lotor the elty of Brighton, in on illegal epooial 
eooting, voted to loose said old Brighton Hi# School to Hoover 
Aoadoay for a private segregated school and at said Meeting, two 
oeuneilaoa voted for the leaee and throe voted against it) that 
nevertheless, said lease was wade to Hoover Aeedeny any way and 
contrary te lew and in violation of the rights of affiant and the 
class that represents.

I certify that the above statement* ere true end eerreet 
to the boot of ay tenewiadge, lofernatlen, end belief and vas given 
by no voluntarily.

Oort if led and sworn to before no this the fc? ̂  day of 
September, 1969.



riltU H'i CLtr;K';> Oi'HCi:
NORTHERN DISTRICT OF rttAUrtM*'- 3 3

STATE OF ALA SA M  
JEFFERSON COUNT*

Bator* me, the undersigned authority in and tor said 
Stata and County, personally appeared on*, Garrett Gibson 
who being by as first duly sworn deposes on oath and says the 
following, to-witi

My nano ia Garrett Gibson , I aa a raaidant citisen 
of the Oity of Brighton, Alabaaa, a proparty owner, tax payor, and 
a asabar of tha Negro race; that I aa ovar the ago of twenty-one 
years.

Z know that tha oity of Brighten has lemaad er ia attempt­
ing to lease tha old Brighten Nigh School to Hoover Academy, a 
private School Corporation, and far tha aola purpoaa of educating 
ona raea (White) at persona,

X knew that tha aid Brighten Nigh Sehoel wea purchased 
fron Jeffarson County and/or Joftareon County Board of Education 
with public funds and was operated as a segregated Nigh School until 
the court# decieion In the Jefferson County School Case end at 
said tiaa and to avoid intargration, the school was closed by the 
city of Brighton, ami white children bused to another ell-White 
school in Jefferson County, rethor than to intargrata or have White 
pupils attend the then existing and now existing Brighton (Negro) 
Elementary ami High School within tha city of Brighton.

Affiant further certifies under oath that it is public 
knowledge that Hoover Acadeny was ona of the first all-white private 
schools that sprung up immediately after tha Brown decision of 
I93h, end tha Jeffarson School decision to avoid intargration; and 
throughout tha history of Hoover Academy, no pupil other than White 
pupils have been enrolled therein nor invited to enroll.

Affiant further certifies that to permit the city of 
Brighton to lease the old Brighton High School to a privata School 
for private (education) use would destroy public use of said pro­
perty; that affiant would suffer irreparable injury, and the leasing

C ?■



34
of public property for privet® use would be in vislation of the 
Constitution end statutes of the United States of America and law® 
pertaining thereto. X further know that two weeks or more prior 
to leeaing said old Brighton High School property for e segregated 
privets school, that e joint resolution wet offered in regular city 
council meeting thet said old Brighton High School be used as a 

community service, community center building for the benefit of the 
entire Brighton Community, and all of its people which resolution 
was voted in the affirmative by three of the five city couneilmen 
end two weeks later the city of Brighton, in an illegal special 
meeting, voted to leaae said old Brighton High School to Hoover 
Academy for a private segregated school and at said meeting, two 
couneilmen voted for the lease and three voted against it; that 
nevertheless, said lease was made to Hoover Academy any way and 
contrary to law and in violation of the rights of affiant and the 
class that rapresants.

to the best of my knowledge, information, and belief and was givan 
by me voluntarily.

X certify that the above statements are true and correct

September, 1969 ?



STATE OF ALABAMA

hiLtl) IN CLtilK'S OFtlC-
NO.-iTHERii OiSl'RIC: Or ALAil'-M-

Before me, the undersigned authority in and for Said 
State and County, personally appeared one, Mrs. Cora L. Smith, 
who being by me first duly sworn deposes on oath and says the 
following, to-wit:

My name is Cora L . Smith , I am a resident citizen
of the City of Brighton, Alabama, a property owner, taxpayer, and 
a member of the Negro race; that I am over the age of twenty-one 
years.

I know that the city of Brighton has leased or is attempt­
ing to lease the old Brighton High School to Hoover Academy, a 

private School Corporation, and for the sole purpose of educating 
one race (White) of persons.

I know that the old Brighton High School was purchased 
from Jefferson County and/or Jefferson County Board of Education 
with public funds and was operated as a segregated High School until 
the courts decision in the Jefferson County School Case and at 
said time and to avoid intergration, the school was closed by the 
city of Brighton, and White children bused to another all-white 
school in Jefferson County, rather than to intergrate or have White 
pupils attend the then existing and now existing Brighton (Negro) 
Elementary and High School within the city of Brighton.

Affiant further certifies under oath that it is public 
knowledge that Hoover Academy was one of the first all-white private 
schools that sprung up immediately after the Brown decision of 
1954, and the Jefferson School decision to avoid intergration; and 
throughout the history of Hoover Academy, no pupil other than White 
pupils have been enrolled therein,, nor invited to enroll.

Affiant further certifies that to permit the city of 
Brighton to lease the old Brighton High School to a private School 
for private (education) use would destroy public use of said pro­
perty; that affiant would suffer irreparable injury, and the leasing



36
of public property for private use would be in violation of the 

Constitution and statutes of the United States of America and laws 
pertaining thereto. I further know that two weeks or more prior 
to leasing said old Brighton High School property for a segregated 

private school, that a joint resolution was offered in regular city 
council meeting that said old Brighton High School be used as a 

community service, community center building for the benefit of the 
entire Brighton Community, and all of its people which resolution 
was voted in the affirmative by three of the five city councilmen 
and two weeks later the city of Brighton, in an illegal special 
meeting, voted to lease said old Brighton High School to Hoover 
Academy for a private segregated school and at said meeting, two 
councilmen voted for the lease and three voted against it; that 
nevertheless, said lease was made to Hoover Academy any way and 
contrary to law and in violation of the rights of affiant and the 
class that S W  represents.

to the best of my knowledge, information, and belief and was given 
by me voluntarily.

I certify that the above statements are true and correct

Certified and sworn to before me this the & day of
September, 1969.



C / K  f -
JEFFERSON COUNTY
STATE OF ALABAMA

Before me, the undersigned authority in and for said 
State and County, personally appeared one, Mrs. Ethel Nails, 

who being by me first duly sworn deposes on oath and says the 
following, to-wit:

of the City of Brighton, Alabama, a property owner, tax payer, and 
a member of the Negro race; that I am over the age of twenty-one

I know that the city of Brighton has leased or is attempt­
ing to lease the old Brighton High School to Hoover Academy, a 

private School Corporation, and for the sole purpose of educating 
one race (White) of persons.

I know that the old Brighton High School was purchased 
from Jefferson County and/or Jefferson County Board of Education 
with public funds and was operated as a segregated High School until 
the courts decision in the Jefferson County School Case and at 
said time and to avoid intergration, the school was closed by the 
city of Brighton, and white children bused to another all-white 
school in Jefferson County, rather than to intergrate or have White 
pupils attend the then existing and now existing Brighton (Negro) 
Elementary and High School within the city of Brighton.

Affiant further certifies under oath that it is public 
knowledge that Hoover Academy was one of the first all-white private 
schools that sprung up immediately after the Brown decision of 
195/+, and the Jefferson School decision to avoid intergration; and 
throughout the history of Hoover Academy, no pupil other than White 
pupils have been enrolled therein por invited to enroll.

Affiant further certifies that to permit the city of 
Brighton to lease the old Brighton High School to a private School 
for private (education) use would destroy public use of said pro­
perty; that affiant would suffer irreparable injury, and the leasing

My name is Ethel Nails I am a resident citizen

years.



38
of public property for private use would be in violation of the 

Constitution and statutes of the United States of America and laws 
pertaining thereto- 1 further know that two weeks or more prior 
uO leasing said old Brighton High School property for a segregated 
private school, that a joint resolution was offered in regular city 
council meeting that said old Brighton High School be used as a 

community service, community center building for the benefit of the 
entire Brighton Community, and all of its people which resolution 
was voted in the affirmative by three of the five city councilmen 
and two weeks later the city of Brighton, in an illegal special 
meeting, voted to lease said old Brighton High School to Hoover 
Academy for a private segregated school and at said meeting, two 
councilmen voted for the lease and three voted against it; that 
nevertheless, said lease was made to Hoover Academy any way and 
contrary to law and in violation of the rights of affiant and the 
class that SMe, represents.

I certify that the above statements are true and correct 
to the best of my knowledge, information, and belief and was given 
by me voluntarily.

Certified and sworn to before me this the b day of
September, 1969.



STATE OF ALABAMA
JEFFERSON COUNTY

C H L I - V L !

Before me, the undersigned authority in and for said 
State and County, personally appeared one, Mrs. Willie Nell Wilson, 
who being by me first duly sworn deposes on oath and says the 
following, to-wit:

My name is Willie Nell Wilson , I am a resident citizen 
of the City of Brighton, Alabama, a property owner, taxpayer, and 
a member of the Negro race; that I am over the age of twenty-one 
years.

I know that the city of Brighton has leased or is attempt­
ing, to lease the old Brighton High School to Hoover Academy, a 
private School Corporation, and for the sole purpose of educating 
one race (White) of persons.

1 know that the old Brighton High School was purchased 
from Jefferson County and/or Jefferson County Board of Education 
with public funds and was operated as a segregated High School until 
the courts decision in the Jefferson County School Case and at 
said time and to avoid intergration, the school was closed by the 
city of Brighton, and white children bused to another all-White 
school in Jefferson County, rather than to intergrate or have White 
pupils attend the then existing and now existing Brighton (Negro) 
Elementary and High School within the city of Brighton.

Affiant further certifies under oath that it is public 
knowledge that Hoover Academy was one of the first all-White Private 
schools that sprung up immediately after the Brown decision of 
1954, and the Jefferson School decision to avoid intergration; and 
throughout the history of Hoover Academy, no pupil other than White 
pupils have been enrolled therein nor invited to enroll.

Affiant further certifies that to permit the city of 
Brighton to lease the old Brighton High School to a private School 
for private (education) use would destroy public use of said pro­
perty; that affiant would suffer irreparable injury, and the leasing



40
of public property for private use would be in violation of the 

Constitution and Statutes of the United States of America and laws 
pertaining thereto. I further know that two weeks or more prior 
to leasing said old Brighton High School property for a segregated 
private school, that a joint resolution was offered in regular city 
council meeting that said old Brighton High School be used as a 
community service, community center building for the benefit of the 
entire Brighton community, and all of its people which resolution 
was' voted in the affirmative by three of the five city councilmen 
and ttwo weeks later the city of Brighton, in an illegal special 
meeting, voted to lease said old Brighton High School to Hoover 
Academy for a private segregated school and at said meeting, tw-o 
councilmen voted for the lease and three voted against it; that 
nevertheless, said lease was made to Hoover Academy any way and 
contrary to law and in violation of the rights of affiant and the 
class that S hc represents.

to the best of my knowledge, information, and belief and was given 
by me voluntarily.

I certify that the above statements are true and correct

Certified and sworn
September, 1969.



41
IN THE UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT

FOR THE NORTHERN DISTRICT

OF ALABAMA

SOUTHERN DIVISION

REBECCA WRIGHT, BEN WALLER, )
GUS DICKERSON, PEARLIE )
DAVIS, )

)
Plaintiffs,)

)
vs; )

)
THE CITY OF'BRIGHTON, ALA- )
KAMA, A Municipal Corporation, ) CIVIL ACTION NO. CA 69-561 
W .  M. Perry, Fred West, Walter )
Z. Jenkins, Leonard Lewis, and )
Richard Lewis, as members of ) 
the City Council of Brighton, ) 
and E. B. PARSONS, individually ) 
and as MAYOR of the City of )
Brighton, Alabama, and HOOVER )
ACADEMY, a corporation, )

)
Defendants.)

A  F F I D A V I T

Comes Evelyn R. Montieth and being first duly

sworn deposes and says as follows:

I am a resident of Jefferson County, Alabama, and I am 

familiar with the operation of Hoover Academy, Inc. in Jefferson 

County, Alabama. I know that Hoover Academy, Inc. is an Alabama 

corporation formed and incorporated under the laws of Alabama; 

that Hoover Academy, Inc. was incorporated on the 10th day of 

October , 1963. I know that Hoover Academy, Inc. has operated 

a private school as a private corporation.

I know that none of the officers, directors, of the corpora­

tion have been or are officers, councilmen, employees, or in any
\  ""S. ‘ ------•

way associated with the City of Brighton-* -Alabama. I know that 

Hoover Academy, Inc., as a private corporation, has operated 

a private school at the following addresses:



2.
42

Patton's Chapel 
Birmingham, Alabama

900 Block 5th Place West 
Birmingham, Alabama

600 Block 8 th Avenue West 
Birmingham, Alabama

6701 Forest Drive 
Fairfield, Alabama

I know’ that Hoover Academy, Inc. has desired for several 

years to acquire a permanent structure for the location of the 

school. I know that they have attempted to purchase several build­

ings and that they have attempted to purchase a vacant structure 

in the City of Brighton, Alabama, but that the City was reluctant 

to sell the property, but did enter into a lease with Hoover 

Academy, Inc. Iknow that Hoover Academy, Inc. insisted in the 

lease, and insisted at all times in the past and do now insist 

that they are totally in charge of the operation of the school.

Hoover Academy, Inc. assumes the obligation and the total 

obligation for any and all expenses of the school. Especially 

including all utility costs, all assessments, taxes, and operate 

the property exclusive of any control, direction, authority, 

from any and all sources other than Hoover Academy, Inc. Hoover 

Academy, Inc. insists that the Academy be exclusively and solely 

in control of all activities in conjunction with the school and 

on the leased premises and shall operate it as a private corpora­

tion citizen. Hoover Academy, Inc. has never operated the school 

as a joint enterprise with any governmental organization, and 

will not at this time, and refuses to operate a joint enterprise 

with any governmental or public entity.

4̂



3 . 43

I know that Hoover Academy, Inc. executed what we consider 

a bona fide lease arrived at after negotiation, and it was the 

understanding of the school that there were no reservations of any 

control by the City under the occupancy, the use or the property, 

except to repossess in the event of default.

1 know that the corporate charter of Hoover Academy, Inc. 

and the by-laws do not have any mention of race, color or creed.

I know that the founders were interested and concerned with the 

Christian education of the children and an education to revere the 

American patriots, the founders of this nation, and were concerned 

that the students receive quality education. They have operated 

for six years on that basis.

I know that Hoover Academy, Inc. has received no funds from 

the City of Brighton, and do not expect to receive any. I know 

that the building had been vacant and not used for approximately 

two years, and was in a state of disrepair; that some windows j 

were boarded up; that windows were broken; that there were de-f

ficiencies in the heating system and in the toilet facilities, t 

All of the foregoing factors were considered when Hoover Academy, 

Inc. considered purchase or lease of the premises. I know 

that Hoover Academy, Inc. has gone to trouble and expense to 

replace, to repair, the premises and is in the process of re­

pairing the premises. I know that the newspaper articles in 

regard to the action against the City of Brighton and this lease 

has hurt the enrollment of Hoover Academy, Inc., and that they 

have been damaged in their operation of a school.

0t.7r.nv1 1(j subscribed before me this the S' tn. Hay of



- }/'

IN THE UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT

44

FOR THE NORTHERN DISTRICT 
OF ALABAMA 

SOUTHERN DIVISION

REBECCA WRIGHT, BEN WALLER, 
GUS DICKERSON, PEARLIE 
DAVIS,

Plaintiffs

X

X
X

vs. X
X

THE CITY OF BRIGHTON, ALA- X
BAMA, A Municipal Corpor­
ation, W. M. Perry, Fred X
West, Walter Z. Jenkins,
Leonard Lewis, and Richard X
Lewis, as members of the 
City Council of Brighton, X
and E. B. PARSONS, individually 
and as MAYOR of the City of X
Brighton, Alabama, and HOOVER 
ACADEMY, A corporation, X

Defendants X

CIVIL ACTION 
NUMBER: CA 69-561

SUPPLIMENTAL AFFIDAVIT OF DEFENDANT

E. B. PARSONS,
Individually and as Mayor pf Brighton

STATE OF ALABAMA )
JEFFERSON COUNTY )

Before me, the undersigned authority, in and for said 

County and said State personally appeared e . B. Parsons
, who being by me first duly sworn, deposes

and on oath says:
"At the time the Jefferson County Board of 

- Education closed the school occupying the
premises made the subject of this litigation 
said Jefferson County Board of Education sold 
the premises at public auction and the City 
of Brighton in response to advertised bids 
became the highest bidder by bidding the 
sum of $10,106.00 and as a result the said 
Jefferson County Board of Education sold 
the City of Brighton said premises for 
said amount. The governing body of the



45-2-

City of Brighton had nothing to do with the 
decision of the Jefferson County Board of 
Education to close said school or to sell 
said premises but in truth and in fact 
at all times objected to and resisted the 
closing of said school.

The Brighton High School now operated 
by the Jefferson County Board of Education 
is not now nor has it ever been situated in 
the corporate limits of Brighton.

E. B. PARSONS

Sworn to and subscribed before me this 9th day of September, 1969.

i

£  O



^  >

IN THE UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT

FOR THE NORTHERN DISTRICT

OF ALABAMA

SOUTHERN DIVISION
REBECCA WRIGHT, BEN WALLER,
GUS DICKERSON, PEARLIE X
DAVIS,

i 46

Plaintiffs
X
X

llvs • X

•!iTHE CITY OF BRIGHTON, ALA- X
11BAMA, A Municipal Corpor­
ation, W. M. Perry, Fred X
IjWest, Walter Z. Jenkins,
|Leonard Lewis, and Richard X
Lewis, as members of the 
City Council of Brighton, X
and E. B. PARSONS, individually 
and as MAYOR of the City of X
Brighton, Alabama, and HOOVER 
ACADEMY, A corporation, X

Defendants X

CIVIL ACTION 
NUMBER: CA 69-561

i

AFFIDAVIT OF J. K. EDWARDS

STATE OF ALABAMA )
JEFFERSON COUNTY )

Before me, the undersigned authority, in and for said 
County and said State personally appeared j. k . Edwards

, who being by me first duly sworn, deposes
and on oath says:

"My name is J . K. Edwards and I am over the 
age of 21 years and a resident citizen of the 
City of Brighton and have been such for more 
than 70 years. I was the duly elected Mayor 
of the City of Brighton from 1926 until 1951.
I resigned as Mayor in 1951. At the time I 
resigned as Mayor and for more than 15 years 
prior thereto the City of Brighton did not have 
a school board, nor operate any school or 
school system; that during such period only one 
school was operated in the corporate limits of 
the City and that was operated by the Jefferson

3



-2- 47

County Board of Education. During such period 
the City of Brighton did not have any voice or 
control of or contribute any funds to the 
operation of said school. Since my resignation 
as Mayor of the City of Brighton I have 
continued to reside in said city and I have 
no knowledge of the City of Brighton operating 
any school or school system; I do have 
knowledge that the County Board of Education 
operated a school in the city until it was 
closed by the County Board of Education.
Since the County closed the school the 
school building has remained vacant until leased 
to the Hoover Academy; the present Brighton 
High School operated by the Jefferson County 
'Board of Education is not now nor has it ever 
been located within the city limits of Brighton.

1 9 6 9



'—7

48

IN THE UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT 

FOR THE NORTHERN DISTRICT 
OF ALABAMA

j

SOUTHERN DIVISION

REBECCA WRIGHT, BEN WALLER, 
GUS DICKERSON, PEARLIE 
DAVIS,

Plaintiffs

X

X

vs. X
X

THE CITY OF BRIGHTON, ALA- X
BAMA, A Municipal Corpor­
ation, W. M. Perry, Fred X
West, Walter Z. Jenkins,
Leonard "Lewis, and Richard X
Lewis, as members of the 
City Council of Brighton, X
and E. B .yPARSONS, individually 
and as MAYOR of the City of X
Brighton, Alabama, and HOOVER 
ACADEMY, A corporation, X

Defendants X

CIVIL ACTION 
NUMBER: CA 69-561

AMENDMENT TO MOTION TO DISMISS

Come the Defendants, the City of Brighton, Alabama, A 
municipal corporation, W. M. Perry, Fred West, Walter Z. Jenkins, 
Leonard Lewis, and Richard Lewis, as members of the City Council 
of Brighton, Alabama, and E. B. Parsons, individually and as Mayor 

of the City of Brighton, Alabama, and amend their motion to dis­

miss by adding thereto the following:

15. For that on to-wit, the 8th day of September, 1969 
at a special meeting of the Council of the City of Brighton the 
Council did adopt an Ordinance authorizing the Mayor to sell, 
transfer and convey all the cities right, title and interest in 
and to the premises made the basis of this suit to the Hoover 

Academy. A true and correct copy of said Ordinance is hereto 
attached and made a part hereof as if set out in full herein.

Pursuant to the authority contained in said Ordinance the Mayor 

of the City of Brighton did on to-wit, the 9th day of September, 1969

c

Z7S1



-2- 49
execute and deliver a deed from the City of Brighton to the
Hoover Academy conveying said property to the said Hoover Academy.
Defendants say that said sale was made in good faith by the City

(Council and was for the sole purpose of disposing of the cities
property not needed for public or municipal purposes and in
support hereof defenianSs afetlc^°SerlSo/the Hoover Academy's
written proposal to buy said property with note and mortgage 

as pages 18 thru 29 of this document 
executed in payment thereof and also attach hereto /three real

estate appraisals establishing the fair and reasonable market
value of'said property.

WHEREFORE PREMISES CONSIDERED, defendants say that this 
cause should be dismissed.

tjr.
/ pi

TORNEY FOR DEFENDANTS HEREIN 
PECIFIED



50
ORDINANCE NUMBER 3-69

AN ORDINANCE TO AUTHORIZE THE MAYOR TO SELL REAL PROPERTY OWNED

BY THE CITY AND NOT NEEDED FOR PUBLIC OR MUNICIPAL PURPOSES. >
ii
i
!

BE IT ORDAINED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
|

BRIGHTON, ALABAMA, AS FOLLOWS: ,
I

1.' The Mayor is hereby authorized to execute a deed 
for and on behalf of the City of Brighton to the Hoover 
Academy conveying the Brighton Junior High School Building and 

premises for the sum of $12,500.00 payable $500.00 on delivery 
of deed and $500.00 thirty days thereafter and the balance at 
the rate of $100.00 per month. The unpaid balance to bear 
interest at 6% per annum until paid, said property not needed 
for public or municipal purposes. Said property is legally 
described as follows:

All of Lots 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, and 10, Block I
1; and all of that certain alley lying between 
Lot 10 and Lots 4 through 8, inclusive, Block
1, according to the G. B. Edwards Survey of
Brighton, as recorded in the office of the !
Judge of Probate of Jefferson County, Alabama,
Birmingham Division, in Map Book 3, Page 70. .
All of Lot 12, Block 7 of the G. B. Edwards
Subdivision of Lot 4, Block 2 of W. D. Smith's \
Estate; as recorded in the office of the Judge 
of Probate, Jefferson County, Alabama, Birming­
ham Division, in Map Book 4 at Page 107.
Surface right only.

All being located in Section 34, Township 18,
South, Range 4 West, Jefferson County, Alabama.
2. On the passage of the Ordinance, the Mayor shall be 

authorized to execute said deed.

Adopted, this the 8th day of September________ , 1969 .

Approved, this the
Clerk Treasurer

8th day of September______ , 1969.

"y" f> ~



IN THE UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT

FOR THE NORTHERN DISTRICT
OF ALABAMA

SOUTHERN DIVISION
REBECCA WRIGHT, BEN WALLER,
GUS DICKERSON, PEARLIE X
DAVIS,

X
Plaintiffs

X
vs. X

51

X
THE CITY OF BRIGHTON, ALA- X
BAMA, A Municipal Corpor­
ation, W. M. Perry, Fred X
West, Walter Z. Jenkins,
Leonard Lewis, and Richard X
Lewis, as members of the 
City Council of Brighton, x
and E. B. PARSONS, individually 
and as MAYOR of the City of X
Brighton, Alabama, and HOOVER 
ACADEMY, A corporation, X

Defendants x

CIVIL ACTION 
NUMBER: CA 69-561

AMENDMENT TO MOTION FOR SUMMARY JUDGMENT
i

Come the Defendants, the City of Brighton, Alabama,/A
municipal corporation, W. M. Perry, Fred West, Walter E. Jenkins,
Leonard Lewis, and Richard Lewis, as members of the City Council ! 
of Brighton, Alabama, and E. B. Parsons, individually and as Mayorj 
of the City of Brighton, Alabama, and amend their motion for 
summary judgment heretofore filed in this cause by adding thereto !I
the following:

That Section 477 (1) Title 37 Code of Alabama, 1940
(Recompiled 1958) provides as follows:

"The governing body of any city or town in 
this state may, by ordinance to be entered on 
its minutes, direct the disposal of any real 
property, not needed for public or municipal 
purposes, and direct the mayor to make title 
thereto; and a conveyance made by the mayor in 
accordance with such ordinance invests the
grantee with the title of the municipality." |



52- 2 -

and defendants say that pursuant to such authority the City of 

Brighton by and through its duly constituted governing body, 
to-wit, the City Council of the City of Brighton, Alabama, did 
on to-wit, September 8th, 1969 duly adopt Ordinance number 3-69, 
a true and correct copy of which is attached hereto and made a 
part of this motion and marked Exhibit One, which said 

Ordinance did legally authorize the Mayor of the City of 
Brighton to sell the property therein described which property 
is the basis of this suit.

In further support of this motion defendants attach 
hereto and make a part hereof a true anc/ correct copy of the 
following documents:

1. Proposal of Hoover Academy to purchase said property
2. Copy of deed executed by the Mayor of the City of 

Brighton to the Hoover Academy pursuant to said Ordinance

3. Copy of mortgage and note executed by the Hoover
Academy

4. Real estate appraisal by Evans J. Smithson
5. Real estate appraisal by T. E. Norton
6. Real estate appraisal by Jess Edwards 

WHEREFORE PREMISES CONSIDERED defendants pray for
summary judgment.

RNEY FOR DEFENDANTS SPECIFIED HEREIN
STATE OF ALABAMA }
JEFFERSON COUNTY )

Before me, the undersigned, a Notary Public in and for 
said State and County personally appeared Norman K. Brown who 
being by me duly sworn says: that the averments contained in
the foregoing motion are true.

Sworn to and subscribed before me this 9th day of September, 1969.

k k L r J  / d /
Notary Publi^/

/ o



53

ORDINANCE NUMBER 3-69_____

AN ORDINANCE TO AUTHORIZE THE MAYOR TO SELL REAL PROPERTY OWNED 
BY THE CITY AND NOT NEEDED FOR PUBLIC OR MUNICIPAL PURPOSES.

BE IT ORDAINED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF 
BRIGHTON, ALABAMA, AS FOLLOWS:

I. The Mayor is hereby authorized to execute a deed 
for and on behalf of the City of Brighton to the Hoover 
Academy conveying the Brighton Junior High School Building and 

premises for the sum of $12,500.00 payable $500.00 on delivery 
of deed and $500.00 thirty days thereafter and the balance at 
the rate of $100.00 per month. The unpaid balance to bear 
interest at 6% per annum until paid, said property not needed 
for public or municipal purposes. Said property is legally 
described as follows:

All of Lots 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, and 10, Block 
1; and all of that certain alley lying between 
Lot 10 and Lots 4 through 8, inclusive, Block
1, according to the G. B. Edwards Survey of 
Brighton, as recorded in the office of the 
Judge of Probate of Jefferson County, Alabama, 
Birmingham Division, in Map Book 3, Page 70.
All of Lot 12, Block 7 of the G. B. Edwards 
Subdivision of Lot 4, Block 2 of W. D. Smith's 
Estate; as recorded in the office of the Judge 
of Probate, Jefferson County, Alabama, Birming­
ham Division, in Map Book 4 at Page 107.
Surface right only.

All being located in Section 34, Township 18,
South, Range 4 West, Jefferson County, Alabama.
2. On the passage of the Ordinance, the Mayor shall be 

authorized to execute said deed.

Adopted, this the 8th day of September 1969.

 ̂Sri, --S'l T.-
Clerk Treasurer



54

IN THE UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT 

FOR THE NORTHERN DISTRICT

OF ALABAMA . ,

REBECCA WRIGHT, BEN WALLER, 
GUS DICKERSON, PEARLIE 
DAVIS,

Plaintiffs

SOUTHERN DIVISION ^  f ' nft •; Ji -I ■KOidr-LKn' !'fr'i - V — - -< ur .-.U.ii,..

V S .

X
X
X
X
X

THE CITY OF BRIGHTON, ALA- X
BAMA, A Municipal Corpor­
ation, W. M. Perry, Fred X
West, Walter Z. Jenkins,
I Leonard Lewis, and Richard X
Lewis, as members of the 
City Council of Brighton, X
and E. B, PARSONS, individually 
and as MAYOR of the City of X
Brighton, Alabama, and HOOVER 
ACADEMY, A corporation, X

Defendants * X

CIVIL ACTION 
NUMBER.- CA 6S-S61

AFFIDAVIT OF NORMAN K. BROWN.'

STATE OF ALABAMA )
JEFFERSON COUNTY )

Before me, the undersigned authority, in and for said 
County and said State personally appeared Norman K. Brown 

, who being by me first duly sworn, deposes
and on oath says:

*

"My name is Norman K. Brown and I am a practicing 
attorney with offices at 1818 Third Avenue North, 
Bessemer, Alabama. I am now and have been, for 
more than fifteen years, the City Attorney of 
Brighton, Alabama. I was present at the special 
meeting of the City Council held on the 8th day 
September, 1969 at which meeting the Council 
passed an Ordinance authorizing the Mayor to 
sign a deed^-conveying certain real property to 
the Hoover Academy. The attached draft of the

6'

CERTIFICATE OF SERViCE

I certify that I have mailed, via U. S. mail, first- 
class postage prepaid, a copy of the above and foregoing 
to counsel of record for all ond&sing parties. /

This / /  day o f. J t y j L

'  f  Attorney f o r C ^ W y 4 w



i

minutes of said meeting while said minutes 
have not been read back to or approved by 
the Council, such minutes, in my opinion, 
which is based on my attendance of said 
meeting are true and correct and truly 
set forth the acts of the Council at 
said meeting.

According to the 1960 Federal Census 
the City of Brighton has a population of 
2,884 inhabitants and, therefore, is a 
municipality within the classification 
of such municipalities of 12,000 inhabitants 
or less. The governing body of the City of 
Brighton according to its classification 
consists of a Mayor and five Aldermen which 
six officials collectively constitute the 
Ci'ty Council of the City of Brighton. The 
Mayor sits with the Council and as required 
by law presides over all deliberations of 
the Council. As specified by Section 404 
Title 37 Code of Alabama 1940 (Recompiled 1958) 
the Mayor, at his discretion may vote as a member 
of the council on any question coming to a 
vote, except in case of a tie, in which event 
he must vote.

This rule prevails on any question coming 
to a vote, except Ordinances and Resolutions 
intended to be of permanent operation. An 
Ordinance or Resolution intended to be of 
permanent operation are those Ordinances 
and Resolutions which continue in force until 
repealed. The Ordinance passed by the City 
Council of the City of Brighton at its Special 
Meeting held on the 8th day of September, 1969 
is not an Ordinance of permanent operation since 
it does not continue in force until repealed.
The Mayor having carried out the mandate of said 
Ordinance, said Ordinance has no further effective 
force nor will it be replealed nor will it have 
any continuing force and effect. According to 
law and the rules and practices of the Council 
heretofore established such an Ordinance may 
be acted upon at the same meeting at which it is 
introduced without first obtaining the unanimous 
consent of all members of the Council who are 
present.

All matters transacted by the Council at its 
meeting held on September 8th, 1969 were transacted 
and the meeting conducted in all respects according

1969,



Brighton, Alabama 
September 8, 1969

The City Council of the City of Brighton, Alabama, met in 
special session, on Monday night, September 8, 1969 at 6:00 P.M., 
Mayor E. B. Parsons presiding. On roll call the following members 
were present: Alderman Leonard Lewis, Alderman Walter Jenkins,
Alderman Fred West, Alderman W. M. Perry and Alderman Richard Lewis.

The Mayor stated that the purpose of the meeting was to 
consider a proposal submitted by the Hoover Academy to accelerate 
its option to purchase the Brighton Junior High School building 
and premises which proposal was read to the Council and being in 
words, phrases and figures as follows:

"We propose to buy Brighton Junior High premises 
for $12,500.00 and propose $500.00 cash payment 
on delivery of deed, $500.00 thirty date thereafter, 
and the balance at $100.00 per month until/S31rull, 
unpaid principal to bare interest 6%. We will 
execute mortgage for balance payable to City of 
Brighton."
A general discussion of the proposal followed at the end of 

Which Alderman Perry introduce the following Ordinance and moved 
for its immediate passage which motion was seconded by Alderman 
West. Said Ordinance being in words, phrases and figures as 
follows:

56

"ORDINANCE NUMBER
AN ORDINANCE TO AUTHORIZE THE MAYOR TO SELL REAL PROPERTY OWNED 
BY THE CITY AND NOT NEEDED FOR PUBLIC OR MUNICIPAL PURPOSES.

BE IT ORDAINED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BRIGHTON, 
ALABAMA, AS FOLLOWS:

1. The Mayor is hereby authorized to execute a deed for and 
on behalf of the City of Brighton to the Hoover Academy conveying 
the Brighton Junior High School Building and premises for the sum 
of $12,500.00 payable $500.00 on delivery of deed and $500.00 
thirty days thereafter and the balance at the rate of $100.00 
per month. The unpaid balance to bear interest at 6% per annum 
until paid, said property not needed for public or municipal purposes. 
Said property is legally described as follows:

All of Lots 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, and 10 Block 1; and all of that 
certain alley lying between Lot 10 and Lots 4 through 8, inclusive. 
Block 1, according to the G. B. Edwards Survey of Brighton, as 
recorded in the office of the Judge of Probate of Jefferson 
County, Alabama, Birmingham Division, in Map Book 3, Page 70.

All of Lot 12, Block 7 of the G. B. Edwards Subdivision 
of Lot 4, Block 2 of W. D. Smith's Estate; as recorded in the 
office of the Judge of Probate, Jefferson County, Alabama,
Birmingham Division, in Map Book 4 at Page 107.

Surface right only.
All being located in Section 34, Township 18, South, Range 4 

West, Jefferson County, Alabama.
2. On the passage of the Ordinance, the Mayor shall be authorized 

to execute said deed."

The Council discussed the Ordinance and then proceed to vote on the 
passage of said Ordinance which vote was taken down and recorded as 
follows:
Alderman Leonard Lewis "nay" Alderman Perry "aye
Alderman Jenkins "nay" Alderman Richard Lewis "nay
Alderman West "aye" Mayor Parsons "aye



57
1 je -2-
Brighton, Alabama 
September 8, 1969

Whereupon, the Clerk announced the vote was tied.
The Mayor then stated that he would exercise his perogative and duty 

to cast a second vote to break the tie, and pass the Ordinance 
since the Ordinance was not of a permanent nature. Whereupon, 
the Mayor voted the second time in favor of the passage of the 
Ordinance, and thereupon, declared the Ordinance to have been 
duly adopted.

The Council then proceeded to discuss the installation of a fire 
plug and^after a brief discussion Alderman Richard Lewis moved to 
table said matter unti1 a later date. Alderman Jenkins seconded 
the motion and on said motion to table all members of the Council 
voted "aye" thereby unanimously passing the motion to table.

There being no further business to come before the Council 
Alderman Richard Lewis moved that the meeting be adjourned, Alderman 
Leonard Lewis seconded the motion and on said motion to adjourn 
with all members voting "aye", the Mayor declared the meeting 
adjourned.

Clerk-Treasurer

Approved:

Mayor

I' Ellen s< Hindman, Clerk-Treasurer of the City of Brighton, Alabama, 
hereby certify that this is a true and correct copy of the minutes of 
the meeting of the city Council of the City of Brighton, held 
September 8, 1969.

l -  '  s '  ,

Clerk Treasurer

( NOTE: These minutes have not been read back to the Council since
they have not met since September 8th, 1969, therefore, they are not 
approved. However, the minutes correctly reflect the actions taken 
by the city Council at the meeting.)



58
IN THE UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT 

FOR THE NORTHERN DISTRICE 

OF ALABAMA 

SOUTHERN DIVISION

REBECCA WRIGHT, BEN WALLER,
GUS DICKERSON, PEARLIE DAVIS,

PLAINTIFFS,

VS.

THE CITY OF BRIGHTON, ALABAMA, 
a Municipal Corporation, W. M. 
Perry, Fred West, Walter Z. 
Jenkins, Leonard Lewis, and 
Richard Lewis, as members of 
the City Council of Brighton, 
Alabama, and E. B. PARSONS, 
individually and as MAYOR Of 
the City of Brighton, Alabama, 
and HOOVER ACADEMY, a Corpora­
tion,

DEFENDANTS.

MOTION TO DISMISS

Comes Hoover Academy, Inc. and appears specially to move 

to dismiss the motion for preliminary injunction, and no other, 

and alleges in support thereof as follows:

1. Hoover Academy, Inc. is a corporation organized under 

the laws of the State of Alabama, and has been incorporated 

since October 10, 1963, and has operated as such since that time.

2. Hoover Academy, Inc. has not been served a complaint,

or a copy of a complaint filed in Civil Action No. k*? 5 6 /

in the Federal District Court, Northern District of Alabama.

3. It is inconceivable as to the reason for failure of 

plaintiffs to serve Hoover Academy, Inc. unless it was to de­

liberately deprive the defendant Hoover Academy, Inc. of its 

right to appear in Federal District Court at the preliminary



2. 59
hearing because Hoover Academy, Inc. was from September 2,

1969, on, ac tive ly  conducting c la sse s in  the same b u ild ing, 

the subject matter of the motion, and the com plaint, and p la in ­

t i f f ' s  obviously knew how to find  the defendant Hoover Academy, 

In c .

4. Hoover Academy, Inc. a lle ges that prelim inary hearing 

seeking to in jo in  a lease entered into by Hoover Academy, Inc. 

and the C ity  of Birghton on Friday, September 5, 1969, at 2:00, 

and that Hoover Academy, Inc. was denied the opportunity to be 

there since they were not served.

5. Hoover Academy, Inc. learned in  an a r t ic le  written in  

the Saturday n igh t paper that a delay had been granted "since  

everyone involved in  the case had not been o f f i c ia l l y  no tif ie d  

and some were not in  court, Judge A llgood" (error should have 

been Judge Grooms) "gave the attorneys u n t il Tuesday to get 

a l l  charges and issues of law f ile d  with the c le rk ." Hoover 

Academy, Inc. could not receive a copy. Hoover Academy, Inc. 

did not receive a copy of the complaint or the motion for a 

prelim inary irjunction from the court, since the court was,

of course, not open during the week end. The attorney for 

Hoover Academy, Inc. did make a specia l t r ip  across town to 

Bessemer Sunday n ight to obtain a copy from the attorney for  

the C ity  of Brighton.

6. Hoover Academy, Inc. has not received any a f f id a v it s  

f ile d  by the p la in t i f f s  in  support of the ir motion. The attorney 

for Hoover Academy, Inc., i s  informed that the p la in t i f f s  have 

f ile d  supplemental a f f id a v it s  and sent a supplemental a f f id a v it  

to the attorney fo r the C ity  of Brighton, but Hoover Academy,

Inc. has not received said  supplemental a f f id a v it  nor has the



3. 60

attorney fo r Hoover Academy, Inc.

7. The subject matter of the motion for prelim inary  

in junction  involves a lease contract entered in to  by Hoover 

Academy, Inc. a corporation, and the C ity  of Brighton for a 

b u ild ing. Hoover Academy, In c ., therefore, i s  a d irect party  

to the contract, and can not be made a party to a prelim inary  

in junction  without service and without service p rio r to any 

prelim inary hearings in  order that due process may be afforded  

fo r the protection of i t s  contractual and property r igh ts .

Hoover Academy, Inc. has been denied these r igh ts  by the proceed­

ing  to have a prelim inary hearing without service upon Hoover 

Academy, Inc. and without i t s  opportunity to be present in  

Court.

8. Hoover Academy, Inc. further a lle ge s  that the fa ilu re  

of the p la in t i f f s  to supply the defendant Hoover Academy, Inc. 

with a f f id a v it s  and supplemental a f f id a v it s  has likew ise operated 

to deny the defendant Hoover Academy, Inc. adequate notice and 

adequate opportunity to present i t s  defenses to the pending 

action  and to i t s  contractual and property r igh ts .

PREMISES CONSIDERED defendant Hoover Academy, Inc. appears 

sp e c ia lly  to ra ise  the ju r isd ic t io n a l question that Hoover 

Academy, Inc. i s  not a party to the pending motion for a 

prelim inary injunction and prays that the motion for a pre­

lim inary injunction should, therefore, be dism issed fo r that 

Hoover Academy, Inc. i s  a necessary party. In  the a lte rnative  

defendant prays that in  the event the Court denies the defen­

dant’s motion for a d ism issa l on spec ia l appearance, that the 

Court w i l l  allow  the defendant Hoover Academy, Inc. reasonable

i "



61
4 .

time to answer the motion for prelim inary hearing and the 

complaint and a ff id a v it s  of the p la in t i f f 's  a fte r attorney 

for Hoover Academy, Inc. receives the same.

LOCKE & LOCKE ATTORNEYS

A tto rn e y fo r  Hoover Academy,
Inc.

STATE OF ALABAMA)
)

JEFFERSON COUNTY)

PERSONALLY appeared before me, the undersigned authority, in  
and for said  State and County, Hugh A. Locke, J r., attorney for 
Hoover Academy, In c ., who being by me f i r s t  duly sworn deposes and 
says that the foregoing a lle ga tio n s are true and correct.

ft 'faA..
HUGH M  LOCKE, JR.
Attorney for Hoover Academy, 
In c .

SWORN
September,

to and subscribed before me th is  the 9th day of 
1969.

/
€  ■■■(■»' L..

NOTARY PUBtlC

is /

CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE

This i s  to c e rt ify  that a copy of the foregoing motion has 
been dettvikfed to David H. Hood, J r .,  Demetris C. Newton, and 
Norman C. Amaker, Attorneys for P la in t i f f s ,  and Norman K. Brown, 
attorney for the C ity  of Brighton, th is  the|©th day of September,
1969 .

zzJL



62

IN THE UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT
FOR THE NORTHERN DISTRICT

OF ALABAMA
SOUTHERN DIVISION

REBECCA WRIGHT, ET AL

PLAINTIFFS 0

5

VS: 0
THE CITY OF BRIGHTON, A MUNI- 0 
CIPAL CORPORATION, ET AL

C I V I L  A C T I O N
0 NO. CA 69-561

DEFENDANTS 0

0

AMENDMENT TO COMPLAINT

Come the defendants herein and amend the original 
Complaint heretofore filed as follows, to-wit:

1. That wherever the name Old Brighton High School 
appears in the original complaint, that the same be amended to 
read Old Brighton High School, also known as Old Brighton Elemen­
tary School, also known as Old Brighton Junior High School.

at all times the Old Brighton High School, also known as the Old 
Brighton Junior High School, also known as the Old Brighton Ele­
mentary School when in operation, was segregated and for the 
use of White pupils only and was always known to plaintiffs as the 
Old Brighton High School, but that the complaint herein be amended 
to show that the Old Brighton High School is also known as Old 
Brighton Junior High School, also the Old Brighton Elementary 
School, the subject of the suit herein.

2. That the original complaint be amended to show that

Bessemer, Alabama 35020

2 2 7

DEMETRIUS C. NEWTON 
k08 North I7th Street 
Birmingham, Alabama 35203



IN THE UNITED STATES D IS T R IC T  COURT FOR THE NORTHERN
D IS T R IC T  OF ALABAM A, SOUTHERN D IV IS IO N

REBECCA WRIGHT, BEN WALLER, ) 
GUS DICKERSON, PEARLIE DAVIS, )

)
P la in t i f f s  )

)
vs. )

)
THE CITY OF BRIGHTON, ALABAMA, ) 
a Municipal Corporation; et a l . ,)

)
Defendants )

OPINION IN LIEU 
OF FORMAL FINDINGS

This action  is  f i le d  by Negro c it izen s of the C ity  of 

Brighton, Alabama, aga inst the C ity , members of the Council,

Mayor, and the Hoover Academy, a corporation, to enjoin the C ity ,  

i t s  counci linen and Mayor from leasing  or s e l l in g  the Old Brighton  

Junior High School bu ild in g  to Hoover Academy on the ground that 

the bu ild ing  is  public property of the C ity  and w i l l  be used by 

Hoover for a private white segregated school.

The C ity  of Brighton is  a m unicipality  of the State of 

Alabama located in Jefferson County. I t  has a population of less  

than 6 , 0 0 0 .  I t  does not operate a school system and has never 

operated a public school. In  1966 the Jefferson County Board of 

Education owned the premises in  question and operated a high school 

there. The Board decided to close the school and th is  was done 

apparently at the end of the 1965-1966 school year. The Board 

decided to s e l l  the premises to the highest bidder. The C ity  was 

the highest bidder at the sa le , paying the sum of $10,106.00 for the 

property. The property is  located near the C ity  H a ll.  The bu ild ing  

is  in  a bad state  of repair. Some of the windows are broken and the 

openings boarded up. There are d e fic iencies in the heating system

C IV IL  ACTION 

NO. 69-561

FILED !r; C,; ' ' LFFfCE
N O R i’-ICF.iM -  ij  ; A.-- . ..

SfcP - 5 Wbd



and the to i le t  f a c i l i t ie s .  The C ity  has received no income from 

the premises. And due to the fact that the b u ild in gs are vacant 

the insurance on the premises has long since been cancelled.

On August 12, 1969, a proposed lease of the premises to  

Hoover was presented to the Council and approved. The le g a lit y  of 

the approval was questioned.

When the motion fo r prelim inary in junction  came on fo r hearing 

on Friday, September 5, 1969, the Court indicated that the lease 

might f a l l  w ith in  the p roscrip tion  of Burton v. Wilmington Parking 

A uthority . 365 U.S. 715; Hampton v. C ity  of Jacksonv ille , F lo r id a ,

5 C i r . , 304 F. 2d 320, and lik e  au thoritie s.

Follow ing the hearing the contracting partie s  abandoned the 

lease. The C ity  had the property appraised by three appraisers.

Two appraisers fixed the value at $12,000.00, one at $12,500.00. 

Hoover then submitted a b id  to purchase the property for $12,500.00. 

The Council authorized the sa le  of the property, as property not 

needed for public or m unicipal purposes, pursuant to Section 477(1) 

of T it le  37 of the Code of Alabama. Follow ing the action of the 

Council the Mayor executed a deed to the property to Hoover and took 

back under the terms of sale  a purchase money mortgage for  

$11,500.00 of the purchase price payable at the rate of $100.00 per 

month at s ix  per cent in te rest.

None of the C ity  o f f ic ia l s  are in  any way connected with  

Hoover.

Hoover is  a private  corporation and operates four white 

segregated private  schools in  Jefferson County.

Neither the C ity  nor any of i t s  o ff ice rs  w i l l  exercise any 

contro l over the operation of the premises, other than the normal 

contro l common to a mortgagee in  case o f d e fa u lt , for the protection  

of the property by insurance and from the lie n  of taxes.

64

-  2  «



65

The sa le  has been consummated on the basis  of the statement 

in Derrington v. Plummer, 240 F. 2d 922 (cert, denied 353 U.S. 924), 

decided by the F ifth  C ircu it  on December 19, 1956, wherein i t  was

"No doubt a county may in good faith 
lawfully sell and dispose of its surplus 
property, and its subsequent use by the 
grantee would not be state action. Like­
wise , we think that, when there is no 
purpose of discrimination, no joinder in 
the enterprise, or reservation of control 
by the county, it may lease for private 
purposes property not used nor needed for 
county purposes, and the lessee's conduct 
in operating the leasehold would be merely 
that of a private person." (Emphasis 
supplied)

Pretermitting, as of course, any decision as to the merits of 

the cause, the Court is of the opinion that the motion for preliminary 

injunction should be denied. It is difficult to see how the plain­

tiffs and those in their class similarly situated can be irreparably 

injured pending that event. The City Council will be irreparably 

injured if it is deprived by an injunction of an opportunity to sell 

this uninsured, non-revenue producing, surplus property.

Done and Ordered, th is  the day of September, 1969.

said:

United States District Judge

3 -



66
IN THE UNITED STATES D IS T R IC T  COURT FOR THE NORTHERN

D IS T R IC T  OF ALABAMA, SOUTHERN D IV IS IO N

REBECCA WRIGHT, BEN WALLER, )
GUS DICKERSON, PEARLIE DAVIS, )

)
P la in t i f f s  )

)
vs. )

)
THE CITY OF BRIGHTON, ALABAMA, ) 
a Municipal Corporation; et a l . ,)

)
Defendants )

C IV IL  ACTION 

NO. 69-561

HLt;.: il, I..:.-, i -- ‘-■riiwii 
IsOi'Trtt'i. ; O f ALABAMA

ShtJ •• iHb'i

o r d e r  '■......

Pursuant to the opinion f ile d  contemporaneously herewith; 

I t  is  ORDERED, ADJUDGED and DECREED that the p la i n t i f f s ’ 

motion fo r  prelim inary in junction  be and the same is  hereby 

denied.

Done and Ordered, th is  the /J> day of September, 1969.

United States D is t r ic t  Judge



67
IN THE UNITED STATES D IS T R IC T  COURT FOR THE NORTHERN

D IS T R IC T  OF ALABAM A, SOUTHERN D IV IS IO N

REBECCA WRIGHT, et al., )
) CIVIL ACTION

Plaintiffs )
)
)
)
)

VS. NO. 69-561

THE CITY OF BRIGHTON,
ALABAMA, a Municipal ) FILED it* Cirovi- r,
Corporation; et al., )

)
)Defendants fJL-V 1 '! W 9

W IL L I9 ' 'l ■. , •
C LER K , I f  ■O R D E R

This matter was set on the regular motion docket on 

November 18, 1969, for hearing upon all pending motions. In 

view of the issues involved in this case, the said motions are 

continued and will be considered along with the hearing on the 

merits, which is set on Monday, December 1, 1969, at 9:00 a.m.. 

Any briefs will be filed before that date.

So ORDERED, this the /S day of November, 1969.

United States District Judge



68

NORTHERN DISTRICT OF ALABAMA 
SOUTHERN DIVISION

REBECCA WRIGHT, at ala

PLAINTIFFS,
VS.

CITY OF BRIGHTON, ALABAMA, 
et ala,

DEFENDANTS

AMENDMENT TO COMPLAINT

IN  THE UNITED STATE S D IS T R IC T  COURT

FOR THE

TO THE HONORABLE JUDGE OF SAID COURTS

Cone the Plaintiffs herein and anend their complaint as 
follows, to-wit:

5~fl. That the aotion of the Mayor in calling the Special
<u£C <L £  A tg*n j&ttSkq*

Meeting toJ Mortgage«m»feawhaagwentl^the school property 
involved herein, the voting at said Special Meeting and all 
actions pertaining and relative thereto was void on its face

in Its application and all State Statutes and Ordinances giving 
the Mayor the right to cast two votes is a dilution of the vote
of the other Council«en and a violation oJLthe one Ban one vote
concept^

Jir

ATTORNEYS FOR PLaIMI'IM

I certify that I have personally served a copy of the notion 
herein on Hon. forman Brown, this the / day of December, 1969.



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70

IN  THE UNITED STATES D IS T R IC T  COURT FOR THE NORTHERN
D IS T R IC T  OF ALABAM A. SOUTHERN D IV IS IO N

REBECCA WRIGHT, et al. , )
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)

CIVIL ACTION
Plaintiffs

vs. NO. 69-561

THE CITY OF BRIGHTON 
ALABAMA, a Municipal 
Corporation; et al. ,

FILED IN CLERK'S OFFICE
NORTHERN DISTRICT OF ALABAMA

DEC 1 1969Defendants

O R D E R

This matter was set for hearing upon the trial on the merits 

at this time and come the plaintiffs herein and amend their 

complaint by which amendment they challenge the constitutionality 

of Section 404 of Title 37 of the Code of Alabama of 1940. At this 

time they move for the impanelling of a three-judge court.

Under the original complaint in this cause plaintiffs pray 

for an injunction to prohibit the lease or sale to Hoover Academy 

of real property known as the Brighton Junior High School.

Under Section 404 the Mayor of the City of Brighton, and of 

other cities in the same population class, is entitled to a vote 
as a member of the Council. If there is a tie the law provides that 
the Mayor must vote. The Attorney General has construed the statute 

as giving the Mayor a permissive vote which he may exercise as a 

member of the Council and a compulsory vote in case of a tie.

See Attorney General's Report of June 26, 1951, Quarterly Reports 

of Attorney General, Vol. 63, p. 72, and the Attorney General’s 

opinion of October 28, 1964, and his opinion of October 28, 1968. 

Plaintiffs contend that since this gives the Mayor two votes the 

act is unconstitutional, and that the action in selling the 

property was therefore a void act. The facts appear to be

7 /



7 1

undisputed in this case that the Mayor as a member of the Council 

cast an affirmative vote for the sale of the property which result­

ed in a tie and that he then cast an affirmative vote as Mayor 

which broke the tie.

The Court is of the opinion that this action should be con­

tinued pending consideration of the motion to impanel a three- 

judge court and the possible impanelling of such court.

It is, therefore, ORDERED, ADJUDGED and DECREED that this 

action be and the same is hereby continued.

Done and Ordered, this the 1st day of December, 1969.

United States District Judge

2

7i



72
IN  THE UNITED STATES D IS T R IC T  COURT FOR THE NORTHERN

D IS T R IC T  OF ALABAM A, SOUTHERN D IV IS IO N

REBECCA WRIGHT, et al. , )
) CIVIL ACTION

Plaintiffs )
)
)
)
)

VS . NO. 69-561

THE CITY OF BRIGHTON, 
ALABAMA, a Municipal 
Corporation; et al., riLF-0

n o w

IN CLERK'S OFFICE
■rt .jisvs.c r or aiabama

)
)
)
)Defendants m

O R D E R
CLC.
E Y:

The plaintiffs' motion to convene a three-judge court 

has had the careful consideration of this Court. A single 

judge must make the initial determination of the applicability 

of Section 2281. Liveright v. Joint Committee of Gen. Assem. 

of State of Tenn., 279 F. Supp. 205 (M.D. Tenn.).

The complaint in this case allegedly seeks redress for the 

deprivation of rights, privileges and immunities secured by the 

Fourteenth Amendment to the Constitution of the United States 

and Section 1981 of Title 42 U.S.C. Plaintiffs pray for an 

injunction against the City of Brighton, the members of the City 

Council and the Mayor of that City, and against Hoover Academy, 

a corporation, enjoining the lease or sale of the Brighton 

Junior High School by the City and its said officials to the 

defendant Hoover Academy.

Subsequent to the filing of the bill the Council enacted 

an ordinance authorizing the sale of the said high school

property to Hoover Academy. The City of Brighton had never 

operated a school or used the premises for school purposes.

The sale was made pursuant to Section 477(1) of Title 37 of the 

Code of Alabama of 1940. This section authorizes the sale by a

s?O



73
municipality of property not needed for public or municipal 

purposes.

Thereafter and on September 15, 1969, the Court overruled 

the motion for temporary injunction and set the case for a 

hearing on the merits on December 1, 1969. Before the trial was 

entered upon the plaintiffs amended their complaint asserting the 

unconstitutionality of Section 404 of Title 37 of the Code of 

Alabama of 1940 and have moved for the convening of a three-judge 

court under Title 28, Section 2281. The Court has given careful 

consideration to this motion and is of the opinion that the case 

is controlled by Ex parte Collins, 277 U.S. 565, and the cases 

following in the wake of that case.

The Collins case Involved a resolution adopted by the City 

of Phoenix, Arizona, directing the paving of a street. The improve­

ment was to be made pursuant to a general statute of Arizona.

Under the general statute the cost of the improvement was to be 

assessed against the abutting property according to the benefit 

received. The petitioner claimed that the statute made no pro­

vision for giving the property owner a hearing and therefore 

contravened the due process clause of the Fourteenth Amendment to 

the Federal Constitution. There was a motion to impanel a three- 

judge court as provided in Section 266 of the Judicial Code as 

amended, now Section 2281 of Title 28. The court, referring to 

the substantial unanimity of lower court decisions, stated:

"Thus, the section has long been held in­
applicable to suits seeking to enjoin the 
execution of municipal ordinances, or the 
orders of a city board. And likewise it 
has been held that the section does not apply 
where, as here, although the constitutionali­
ty of a statute is challenged, the defendants 
are local officers and the suit involves 
matters of interest only to the particular 
municipality or district involved. Despite 
the generality of the language, we think the 
section must be so construed."

$>

-  2 -



In conclusion the court said: 74

"Though here the alleged unconstitutionali­
ty rests in the enabling statute, the case 
does not differ substantially from one 
where the sole claim is that a city ordi­
nance is invalid. Moreover, the enabling 
act is not itself being enforced within the 
meaning of § 266. That act merely authorizes 
further legislative action to be taken by the 
city, as by the resolution here in question.
It is that municipal action, not the statute 
of a State, whose 'enforcement, operation, 
or execution' the petitioner seeks to enjoin."

The court in Hinton v. Threat, 280 F. Supp. 831 (M.D. Tenn.),

has analyzed the cases beginning with Collins, and this Court will

not belabor the matter by further analysis. See also, the same

court's decision in the case of Liveright, supra, where there is

a lengthy discussion of the three-judge court question.

Since the sale has already been made it would seem that the

Court could grant whatever relief the plaintiffs may be entitled

to by way of a declaration without any need for an injunction.

In view of the decision in Collins and like cases the Court is

of the opinion that this is not a three-judge case and that the

motion should be overruled.

It is, therefore, ORDERED, ADJUDGED and DECREED that the 

plaintiffs' motion to convene a three-judge court be and the same 

is hereby overruled.

This case is reset for trial on its merits on Tuesday,

December 16, 1969, at 9:30 a.m.

Done and Ordered, this the 4th day of December, 1969.

United States District Judge

3 -



75

IN THE UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT 

FOR THE NORTHERN DISTRICT 

OF ALABAMA 

SOUTHERN DIVISION
I

REBECCA WRIGHT, BEN WALLER, ) 
GUS DICKERSON, PEARLIE DAVIS, )

)
' PLAINTIFFS, )

)
VS. )

)
THE CITY OF BRIGHTON, ALABAMA, ) 
a Municipal Corporation, W.M. ) 
Perry, Fred West, Walter Z. ) 
Jenkins, Leonard Lewis, and ) 
Richard Lewis, as members of ) 
the City Council of Brighton, ) 
Alabama, and E. B. Parsons, ) 
individually and as MAYOR of ) 
the City of Brighton, Alabama, ) 
and HOOVER ACADEMY, a )
Corporation, )

)
DEFENDANTS. )

CIVIL ACTION NO. £ i_ 5 L(

MOTION TO DISMISS

Comes the Defendant, HOOVER ACADEMY, INC., appearing 

specially and for no other purpose, moves the Court to dismiss 

this cause, and as grounds for said motion, sets down and assigns 

the following, separately and severally:

1. For that this Court is without jurisdiction in

this cause.

2. For that the State of Alabama nor its Attorney 

General is made a party to this cause, as is required by law, 

since the CITY OF BRIGHTON,a municipal corporation is the State 

of Alabama in that said municipality is a political subdivision 

of the State of Alabama, a creature of the State of Alabama,

and an arm of the State of Alabama, and the Defendants say that 

the State of Alabama, and the Attorney General thereof are necessary 

parties to this action.



- 2 - 7 6
3. For that the original jurisdiction in. this cause 

wherein the State of Alabama and its Attorney General are necessary 

parties, is in the Supreme Court of the United States, as provided 

by the Constitution of the United States.

4. For that this suit is a suit against the State

of Alabama, and Defendant says that the judicial power of the 

United States shall not be construed to extend to any suit in law 

or equity commenced or prosecuted against one of the United 

States, to-wit: the State of Alabama, by citizens thereof,

without the consent of the State of Alabama, and Defendant'says 

that such consent of the State of Alabama has not been obtained.

5. For that it affirmatively appears from the Bill 

of Complaint in this cause, that said action is brought under

the Fourteenth Amendment to the Constitution of the United States, 

and unless the State of Alabama is a party to said suit, this 

cause cannot be so maintained under the Fourteenth Amendment 

to the Constitution of the United States.

6. For that it affirmatively appears from the averments 

of the Bill of Complaint that the Plaintiffs have an adequate 

remedy at law.
7. For that it affirmatively appears from the averments 

of the Bill of Complaint that said Bill of Complaint does not 

contain equity.
8. For that the Bill of Complaint in this cause is 

without equity.
9. For that the jurisdiction in this cause is in the

State courts, to-wit: The Tenth Judicial Circuit of Alabama,

holden at Bessemer, Alabama.
10. For that it affirmatively appears from the averments 

of the Bill of Complaint that Plaintiffs are not entitled to a 

preliminary injunction.
11. For that the averments of the Bill of Complaint 

and the motion for temporary injunction are insufficient to 

authorize this Court to issue such temporary injunction.

12. For that this Court is without jurisdiction to 

declare null and void the duly adopted and constitutional ordinances 

of the City of Brighton, Alabama.



3 77
13. For that this Court is without jurisdiction to 

impair the right of the HOOVER ACADEMY, INC., to contract.

14. For that this Court is without jurisdiction 

to impair the contractual obligation of HOOVER ACADEMY, INC., 

a private corporation.

15. For that the so called "Civil Rights"Act

as shown in the U.S.C.A. at Title 3.5̂  Section O  3

and Title ~*Sf Section is unconstitutional and contrary

to the Art Section of the constitution of the U .S .;

hence cannot be the basis of relief in this court and this suit.

16. For that the so called "Civil Rights" Act,

as shown in the U.S.C.A. at Title Z.y' Section 

and Title S e c t i o n u n c o n s t i t u t i o n a l  and contrary

to the Article Section of the constitution of the

U.S.; hence is void as to relief requested in this cause and 

will not support this action.



78
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79

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rtlNO WlijK

Comes now the defendant Hoover Academy, Inc. in the above 

styled cause separately and severally and for answer to the 
complaint as last amended states as follows:

1. Plaintiffs fail to state a claim upon which relief 
can be granted.

2. For answer to paragraph I defendant denies the jurisdic­

tion of the Court, denies the applicability of the statute, denies
the constitutionality of the , .y r the statute and insists upon proof.

3. This defendant is unaware of any discriminatory acts of

the Mayor, City Council, or the City of Brighton, and requests 
proof.

4. Defendant for answer to paragraph III, defendant is not

informed as to the allegations of paragraph III and demands proof 
thereof.



81

2 .

5. Defendant acknowledges that Hoover Academy is a corpora­

tion and has been made a party defendant after all hearings for 

preliminary injunction and all hearings on motions and defendant 

does not waive the right to complain of this act. Defendant is 

not specifically informed of the remainder of the allegations.

6. For answer to paragraph V defendant Hoover Academy ack­

nowledges that they are a private corporation that has operated a 

private school in several locations in Jefferson County, Alabama, 

for six yeais, none of which have been in the City of Brighton, nor 

have any of the City officials, councilman, nor anyone associated 

with the City of Brighton ever been association with Hoover Academy 

in any capacity during the entire six years. Hoover Academy since 

its second year when it occupied a school building in the City of 

Hoover, known as the Old Patton's Chapel School, has desired to 

purchase a building, and during the month of August, 1969, noticed 

the vacant building in the City of Brighton, and learned that it 

belonged to the City of Brighton. Hoover Academy approached the 

City of Brighton with respect to the purchase of the building and 

were subsequently informed that it might be leased. They leased the 

building, always with the hope that they could purchase the building. 

Hoover Academy did subsequently purchase the building from the City 

of Brighton, and paid $500.00 upon closing, subsequently paid $500.00 

within 30 days as contracted, has executed a purchase money mortgage 

and a note for $11,000.00 with six per cent (6%) interest as con­

tracted. Hoover Academy, in addition thereto, has paid $100.00

and $167.00 in accord with the contract as monthly installments.

For answer to the allegations that no negro now or ever can 

attend Hoover Academy, defendant nor any one else can answer with 

certainty, but defendant axp^c^s proof of the allegation. Hoover 

Academy alleges that they have never been involved in any litigation 

in Federal Court prior to this suit and expect plaintiffs to 

prove that Hoover Academy is attempting to flaunt a segregation 

decree. The constitution and by-laws of Hoover Academy do not



limit its membership to white membership no negro has ever made 

application, including these plaintiffs, to the knowledge of the 

school. Hoover Academy is interested in quality education and 
strives for that end.

Hoover Academy is not informed as to the balance of the 
allegation, but demands proof thereof.

7. Hoover Academy for answer to paragraph VI states that they 

are not informed as to any law of the State, of the City of Brighton, 

but demand proof thereof from plaintiffs. Defendant would answer 

further that the allegations are insufficient as to adequacy of 

remedy when viewed by the plaintiffs' own affidavits as to plain­
tiffs' complaint.

8. Defendant Hoover Academy is not informed as to the allega­

tions of paragraph VII, but demands proof thereof.

Defendant having answered the paragraphs of the bill of complaint 

as served upon the defendant does allege that to allow this complaint 

would cause injuries to the defendant Hoover hcademy, Inc., and 

that there has been no requests for nor provision for bond to assure 

this defendant against injuries nor do the plaintiffs ascert will­

ingness to do equity in the matter no provision is made for the 

return of the monies paid out by this defendant nor to dompensate 

this defendant for injuries, including attorneys' fees and costs. 

Defendant respectfully prays for the protection of this court in 

bond provisions and for damages in the allowing of complainant 

relief. Defendant without limiting does specifically request 
return of monies paid out.



83

IN THE UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT FOR THE NORTHERN 
DISTRICT OF ALABAMA, SOUTHERN DIVISION

CIVIL ACTION 

NO, 69-561

FILED IN CLERK’S OFFICE
NORTHERN DISTRICT OF ALABAMA

DEC 29 1969

OPINION IN LIEU OF 
FORMAL FINDINGS

This action is filed by Negro citizens of the City of 

Brighton, Alabama, against the City and members of the Council, 

Mayor, and the Hoover Academy, a corporation, to enjoin the City, 

its Councilman and Mayor from leasing or selling the Brighton 

Junior High School building and property to Hoover Academy on 

the ground that the building is public property of the City and 

would be used by Hoover for a private white segregated school.

The City of Brighton is a municipality of the State of 

Alabama located in Jefferson County, with a population of less 

than 6,000. It does not operate a school system and has never 

operated a school system and, consequently, is without a school 

board. In 1966 the Jefferson County Board of Education owned the 

premises in question and operated a high school there. The Board 

decided to close the school and this was done apparently at the 

end of the 1965-1966 school year. It then decided to sell the 

premises to the highest bidder. The City was the highest bidder, 

paying $10,106.00 for the property which is located near the City 

Hall. The building was constructed in 1925, and at the time of 

the purported sale to Hoover the building was in a bad state of 

repair. Many of the windows were broken and the openings boarded

REBECCA WRIGHT, et al., )
)

Plaintiffs )
)

v s . )
)

THE CITY OF BRIGHTON, )
ALABAMA, a Municipal )
Corporation; et al., )

)
Defendants )



84

up. There were deficiencies in the heating system and toilet 

facilities. The City had received no income from the premises 

and due to the fact that the building was vacant the insurance 

on the building had been cancelled.

On August 6, 1969, a resolution was submitted to the Council 

to consider the leasing of the premises to Hoover. The Mayor 

and four of the Councilmen voted affirmatively, and one of the 

black Councilmen abstained. The Council is composed of three 

Negroes and two whites. The Mayor is white.

At a special meeting on August 12, 1969, an ordinance was 

offered to lease the premises to Hoover with an option to purchase 

at a price to be agreed upon. The initial vote on the ordinance 

was a tie, the three Negro Councilmen voting nay, and the two white 

Councilmen and the Mayor voting aye. The Mayor then cast a vote 

breaking the tie. The ordinance authorized the Mayor to execute 

the lease.

The complaint herein was filed on August 27, 1969. When the 

motion for preliminary injunction came on for hearing on Friday, 

September 5, 1969, the Court indicated that the lease might fall 

within the proscription of Burton v. Wilmington Parking Authority, 

365 U .S. 715; Hampton v. City of Jacksonville. Florida, 5 Cir.,

304 F. 2d 320, and like authorities. The Court did not rule upon 

the motion at that time.

Following the hearing the contracting parties abandoned the 

lease and began negotiations for a sale by the City to Hoover.

The property was appraised. Two appraisers fixed the value at 

$12,000.00 and one at $12,500.00. Hoover then submitted a bid 

to purchase the property for $12,500.00, payable $500.00 cash 

upon delivery of deed and $500.00 within thirty days thereafter, 

with the balance payable at the rate of $100.00 per month with 

six per cent interest on the unpaid principal, the unpaid

2



85
balance to be secured by a mortgage. At a special meeting on 

September 8, 1969, the Council voted to approve the proposed 

sale. There was a tie vote, the three Negro Councilmen voting 

against the sale and the two white Councilmen and the Mayor voting 

for the sale. The Mayor then voted to break the tie. The Mayor 

was authorized to execute a warranty deed and accept the purchase 

money mortgage. The passage of the ordinance was published by 

posting as provided by Title 37 § 462 of the Code of Alabama of 

1940, there being no newspaper published within the city limits 

of the City of Brighton. On September 9, 1969, the Mayor executed 

the deed on behalf of the City and received from Hoover a purchase 

money mortgage. The terms of the mortgage have been fully complied 

with as of the date of this order.

None of the City officials are in any way connected with 

Hoover, which is a private corporation and which has been organized 

to operate private schools. There is no provision in its charter 

limiting the attendance upon said schools to white only. However, 

in the seven years of its existence it has never received an 

application from a black student and, consequently, has no black 

students enrolled in its school. The Court finds from the evidence 

that it is the policy of the school to accept only white students.

Neither the City nor any of its officers have exercised any 

control over the operation of the premises. Hoover has since the 

purchase renovated the building, repaired the windows, plumbing 

and heating facilities and has expended considerable funds in such 

effort. The City has made no repairs. The property is now insured 

by Hoover with the City as loss payee.

The property was sold to Hoover as surplus property pursuant
V

to Section 477(1) of Title 37 of the Code of Alabama.

1/ "The governing body of any city or town in this state may, by 
ordinance to be entered on its minutes, direct the disposal of any

-  3  -



86

Notice of the meeting o f  September 8 was given by the Mayor 

to all of the Councilmen through the agency of the P o l i c e  Depart­

ment. There is a dispute as to whether the notices were given 

and received on the day of th e  meeting. Nevertheless, a l l  of the

Councilmen were present and raised no objection to the holding of
ia/

the special meeting.

There is no public school operated within the corporate

limits of the City of Brighton. The public school students attend

schools operated by the County and located beyond the city limits.
Plaintiffs contend that the ordinance for the sale of the

property was an ordinance of "permanent operation" and that the

action taken by the Council was proscribed by Section 456 of Title 37

of the Code of Alabama of 1940, which provides that:

"[n 3o ordinance or resolution intended to be of 
permanent operation shall be adopted by the council 
at the same meeting at which it is introduced, 
unless unanimous consent of those present is given 
. . . and no ordinance or resolution intended to be 
of permanent operation shall become a law unless 
. . . the mayor and three aldermen, or four aider- 
men in cities of less than twelve thousand inhabi­
tants and in towns shall vote in its favor."

A "permanent" ordinance is construed to mean an ordinance 

which continues in force until repealed. Pierce v. City of Hunts­

ville , 185 Ala. 490, 64 South. 301; Town of Linden v. American-La 

France & Foamite Industries, 232 Ala. 167,.167 So. 548.

In the Pierce case there was a series of ordinances calling 

for bids for paving streets, adopting or accepting the bids, and 

fixing assessments against the property owners for the benefits 

accruing. It was contended that these were permanent ordinances.

The court rejected this contention, saying:

1/ - (Cont’d)
real property, not needed for public or municipal purposes, and 
direct the mayor to make title thereto; and a conveyance made by 
the mayor in accordance with such ordinance invests the grantee 
with the  t i t l e  of the municipality."
la/ The attendance of all members at the special meeting cured 
any defect in the call or notice. 62 C.J.S. $ 397, at 756.

-  4 -



87
"The proceeding for the assessment of the 
cost of a street improvement against the 
abutting property is administrative and 
judicial in its character. It is also 
local and special, and when its end is 
once_accomplished, it is no longer a rule 
of conduct, but its interest is historical 
and evidential only. It is then consigned 
to the limbo of things which have served 
theirpugpose7" (Emphasis supplied)

In the Town of Linden case the ordinance Involved the purchase 

of fire truck and equipment by a municipality. Under the authority 

Pierce it was held that the ordinance was not one of permanent 
operation.

The ordinance involving the sale of the property in this case 

spent its force with the execution of the deed. Once this act 

was completed there was nothing to be repealed. The Court is there­

fore of the opinion that the ordinance was not one of "permanent 

operation." The publication of the ordinance was adequate.

Plaintiffs also contend that the ordinance is invalid because 

it is grounded upon Section 404 of Title 37, Code of Alabama of 1940, 

which they assert is unconstitutional. This section provides, inter 

alia, that in cities of over 12,000 population the mayor does not 

have a vote and shall not sit with the council, but that in cities 

of less than 12,000 "the legislative functions shall be exercised 

by the mayor and five aldermen. The mayor shall preside over all 

deliberations of the council. At his discretion he may vote as a 

member of the council on any question coming to a vote, except in 

case of a tie, in which event he must vote." (Emphasis supplied)

The general law sustains the right of a mayor under statutes

the same or analogous to the one here involved to vote as a member
, ,, additionalor tne council and then to cast an / vote in the event of a tie.

In 62 C.J.S. Municipal Corporations § 405, at 769, it is stated:

'where he [the mayor] is a member of the council with the right to

vote in every case and a casting vote in case of a tie, he may vote

5



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on a question and give an additional vote if there is a tie."

This statutory right appears to have its origin in the common

law as noted from the case of The People ex rel. Remington v.

The Rector, Church Wardens and Vestrymen of the Church of the

Atonement. 48 Barb. 603 (N.Y.), where it was said:

"By the common law, a casting vote some­
times signifies the single vote of a person 
who never votes; but in the case of an 
equality, sometimes the double vote of a 
person who first votes with the rest, and 
then, upon an equality, creates a majority 
by giving a second vote. (1 Bl. Com. 181, 
n. Jac. Law. Die. Parliament, 7.)"

Almost the Identical provision was involved in People ex rel.
2/

Walsh v. Teller. 7 N.Y.S. 2d 168, 169 Misc. 342 , and was upheld.

In Whitney v. Village of Hudson. 69 Mich. 189, 37 N.W. 184, 

it was stated:

"The charter [of the mimicipalityl, however, 
expressly says that, ' in proceedings of the 
council, each member present shall have one 
vote, and, when there shall be a tie, the 
president shall give a casting vote.' This 
makes the president a voter upon every 
question, and, in case of tie, he has an 
additional vote."

The Supreme Court of North Carolina in Markham v. Simpson,

175 N.C. 135, 95 S.E. 106, declared the rule to be as follows:

"In reference to the first position, while 
it may not be in accord with strict parliamen­
tary law, it is the prevailing rule in this 
country that, in the case of these municipal 
boards, a presiding officer, who is also a 
member, has the legal right, as such member, 
to vote on questions coming properly before 
the body for decision and to vote a second 
time as presiding officer when the law or 
valid rule of the body itself governing its 
proceedings confers upon such officer the 
right to give the casting vote. People ex 
rel. Remington v. Rector, etc., 48 Barb.
(N.Y.) 603; Whitney v. Common Council of 
Village of Hudson, 69 Mich. 189, 37 N.W. 184;

2/ The New York statute has since been changed to read: "[H]e 
Tthe mayor] shall vote only in his capacity as mayor of the 
village and his vote shall be considered as one vote." Anson v. 
Starr, 101 N.Y.S. 2d 948.

6



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2 McQuillin, Mun. Corp, § 590."

Tennessee, Reeder v. Trotter, 142 Tenn. 37, 215 S.W. 400, and 

Maryland, Mayor and City Council of Havre de Grace v. State Board 

of Health, 234 Md. 222, 198 A. 2d 732, adhere to the rule.

The Attorney General of Alabama has so construed Section 404 

in at least three opinions. Quarterly Reports of Attorney General 

(Report of June 26, 1951), Vol. 63, p. 72, and Attorney General's 

opinions of October 28, 1964, and of October 28, 1968.

The Court is of the further opinion that the so called one- 

man, one-vote rule is without application and does not render un­

constitutional Section 404 which was obviously adopted to prevent 

stalemates in small towns and municipalities and to promote the 

orderly administration of their routine business transactions.

In Derrington v. Plummer, 240 F. 2d 922, Judge Rives, speaking 

for the court, stated that "no doubt the county may in good faith 

lawfully sell and dispose of its surplus property, and its subse­

quent use by the grantee would not be state action."

There are constitutional rights as well as constitutional 

restrictions. The City certainly has a right to sell its surplus 

property, and the Court fails to find that there was any discrimi­

nation in so doing. In this Court's opinion it would be a strange 

perversion of a constitutional right to sell and dispose of property 

if there was a legal interdiction running with the land that the 

property would not be used for the purpose of establishing a 

private school, even though the school admitted only white students.

The Court is of the opinion that the plaintiffs are not en­

titled to the relief prayed for, and a decree will be entered 

dismissing the case on the merits.

Done and Ordered, this the 29th day of December, 1969.

United S ta te s  D i s t r i c t  Judge

7



90

IN  THE UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT FOR THE NORTHERN 
DISTRICT OF ALABAMA, SOUTHERN DIVISION

REBECCA WRIGHT, et al., )
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)

C IV IL  ACTION
P la in t i f f s

vs. NO. 69-561
THE CITY OF BRIGHTON 
ALABAMA, a Municipal 
Corporation; et al.,

UEC 29 1969
Defendants

D E G R E E

Pursuant to the opinion in lieu of formal findings of 

fact filed contemporaneously herewith;

It is ORDERED, ADJUDGED and DECREED that this action be 

and the same is hereby dismissed, with costs taxed against the 

plaintiffs.

Done and Ordered, this the 29th day of December, 1969.

United States District Judge

A ‘

V I ' '  •*



IN THE UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT FOR THE NORTHERN 

DISTRICT OF ALABAMA, SOUTHERN DIVISION

REBECCA WRIGHT, et als., 0

PLAINTIFFS 0 C I V I L  A C T I O N
VS: 0

THE CITY OF BRIGHTON, ALABAMA, 
et als. 0

0

A

NO. 69-561

DEFENDANTS FILED IN CLERK’S OFFICE
NORTHfcRN DISTRICT OK ALABAMA

0 JAN B i970

NOTICE OF APPEAL S l u U . L  n. O A V IS  
CUE2JSPV.U. ' * . 
O Y; ~  IRK

Notice is hereby given that the Plaintiffs above named, 

Rebecca Wright, et als., hereby appeal to the United States Court 

of Appeal for the Fifth Circuit from the order and judgement 

entered by this court on the 29th day of December, 1969, dismissing 

Plaintiffs request for an injunction and other relief herein.

Done this the ^  day of January, 1970.

Attorney for Plaintiffs 
2111 5th Avenue, North 
Bessemer, Alabama

I Certify that I have served a copy of this Notice of Appeal 
upon Honorable Norman K. Brown, attorney for the Defendants herein 
y United States Mail, postage prepaid, at his office 1818-3rd 

avenue, North, Bessemer, A 1ahama.
Done this the day of January, 1970.

And the Honorable Hugh A. Lieke
Boom 923} Frank Nelson Bldg. 
Birmingham, Alabama 35203

cr... ~

Attorneys for Plaintiffs



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I N  T H E  U N I T E D  S T A T E S  D I S T R I C T  C O U R T  F O R  T H E

N O R T H E R N  D I S T R I C T  OF A L A B A M A ,  S O U T H E R N  D I V I S I O N
PILED IN CLERK’S OFFICE

fUWTHERI'i DISTRICT OF ALABAMA
R E B E C C A  W R I G H T ,  BE N  W A L L E R , )
G U S  D I C K E R S O N ,  P E A R L  IE D A -  ) Ft 3 1 6 1970
VIS, )

)
P L A I N T I F F S ,  ) 

)
V. )

)
THE C I T Y  OF B R I G H T O N ,  A L A -  ) 
BAMA, a m u n i c i p a l  c o r p o r a -  ) 
tion; W. M. PER R Y ,  F R E D  ) 
W E S T ,  W A L T E R  J E N K I N S ,  LE O N - )  
A R D  L E W I S  and R I C H A R D  LEWIS^) 
as m e m b e r s  o f  the C i t y  Court-) 
c i l  of Bri g h t o n ;  and E. B. ) 
P A R S O N S ,  i n d i v i d u a l l y  and ) 
as M a y o r  of the C i t y  of )
B r i g h t o n ,  A l a b a m a ,  an d  HOO-) 
V E R  A C A D E M Y ,  a c o r p o r a t i o n , )

)
D E F E N D A N T S .  )

WILLIAM E. B AVI S'
CLER823J/ S. DIST'RICICOURl 
By..

C I V I L  A C T I O N

NO. C A  6 9 - 5 6 1

C A P T I O N

T H E  A B O V E  E N T I T L E D  C A U S E  c a m e  o n  to be heard 

before the H o n o r a b l e  H. H. G r o o m s ,  F e d e r a l  D i s t r i c t  

Judge, on the 1 6 t h  d a y  of D e c e m b e r ,  1969, at 9:30 

A. M . , B i r m i n g h a m ,  A l a b a m a ,  w h e n  the f o l l o w i n g  p r o ­

c e e d i n g s  w e r e  had a n d  done:



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A P P E A R A N C E S

Mr. D a v i d  H. Hood, Jr., 2 1 1 1  F i f t h  A v e n u e ,  

North, B e s s e m e r ,  A l a b a m a ,  and Mr. D e m e t r i u s  C. 

Nevton, 4 0 8  N o r t h  1 7 t h  Street, B i r m i n g h a m ,  A l a b a m a ,  

a p p e a r i n g  for the P l a i n t i f f s .

Mr. N o r m a n  K. Brown, A t t o r n e y  at Law, R e a l t y  

Bui l d i n g ,  B e s s e e m e r , A l a b a m a ,  a p p e a r i n g  for the C i t y  

of B r i ghton.

Mr. H u g h  Locke, of the f i r m  of L o c k e  &  L o cke 

923 F r a n k  N e l s o n  Bui l d i n g ,  B i r m i n g h a m ,  A l a b a m a ,  a p ­

p e a r i n g  for H o o v e r  A c a d e m y ,  Inc.

2

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P R O C E E D I N G S

D E C E M B E R  16, 1969 9 : 3 0  A. M.

' T H E  C O U R T :  W e l l ,  are the p a r t i e s  r e a d y ?

MR. HOOD: We are re a d y ,  Y o u r  Honor.

THE C O U R T :  D e f e n d a n t s  r e a d y ?

MR. BROWN: D e f e n d a n t ,  City of B r i g h t o n ,  is 

re a d y ,  Y o u r  Honor.

MR. L O C K E :  Judge, the D e f e n d a n t ,  H o o v e r

A c a d e m y ,  and as you r e c a l l  we had not b e e n  m a d e  a 

p a r t y  u n t i l  j u s t  at the last m i n u t e  before the last 

hear i n g ,  and w e  w o u l d  like to file some m o t i o n s .  I 

t h i n k  Mr. B r o w n  e s s e n t i a l l y  has filed these moti o n s ,  

but w e  w o u l d  like for the r e c o r d  to show our p o s i ­

t i o n  o n  the v a r i o u s  a s p e c t s  o f  it.

THE C O U R T :  On the m o t i o n  to d i s m i s s ?

MR. L O C K E :  Yes, sir. O n  the m o t i o n  to

t r a n s f e r  to a j u r y  d o c k e t ,  he r a i s e d  that point, 

and we w o u l d  like to a l s o  r a i s e  i t .

We w o u l d  like to file our m o t i o n  for a s u m ­

m a r y  j u d g m e n t .  I t h i n k  e s s e n t i a l l y  he r a i s e d  the 

p o i n t s  too.

TH E  C O U R T :  W e l l ,  I d o n ’t b e l i e v e  this is

Federal C o u r t  R e p o r t i n g  C o m p a n y

4 0 9  F e d e r a l  B u i l d i n g

B i r m i n g h a m ,  A l a b a m a



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B i r m i n g h a m ,  A l a b a m a

h

a j u r y  case, but I w i l l  take the m o t i o n  for s u m m a r y  

judgment, to dism i s s .

MR. L O C K E :  Yes, sir.

THE C O U R T :  A n d  I w i l l  take all m o t i o n s  under

a d v i s e m e n t .  A n d  you ma y  p r o c e e d  w i t h  the h e a r i n g  in 

the case, and I w i l l  r u l e  along.
|

MR. BROWN: M a y  w e  r e n e w  our p r e v i o u s  raotionaj

fil e d  if that is n e c e s s a r y .

THE COURT: A l l  right. T h a t  w i l l  be r e c o n ­

s i d e r e d  as filed. You ma y  p r o c e e d  w i t h  your e v i d e n c e .

MR. HOOD: A l l  right, Judge. For the record,

w e  w o u l d  first like to have al l  the e v i d e n c e  -- first 

w e  w o u l d  like all the a f f i d a v i t s  h e r e b e f o r e  s u b m i t t e d ,  

r e s u b m i t t e d  at this time.

THE COURT: E v e r y t h i n g  h e r e t o f o r e  taken, and

a n y  o b j e c t i o n s ,  that it w i l l  be r e c o n s i d e r e d  at this 

j u n c t u r e .

A l l  rig h t .

MR. HOOD: I w o u l d  like to c a l l  the s e c r e t a r y  

o f  the C i t y  of B r i g h t o n  -- the c l e r k  of the c o u r t  of 

the C i t y  o f  B r i ghton.

MR. BROWN: W h e n  you r e f e r  to the c l e r k  of

the c o u r t ,  you r e f e r  to the c i t y  c l e r k ?



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HR. HOOD: C i t y  clerk.

MR. BROWN: W e l l ,  w e  w i l l  have a c o u r t  c l e r k

THE C O U R T :  E v e r y b o d y  that is g o i n g  to testif

be s w o r n  in.

( W H E R E U P O N ,  all w i t n e s s e s  w e r e  s w o r n  in.)

T H E  C O U R T :  Is the r u l e  r e q u e s t e d ?  D o e s  any

body w a n t  the r u l e ?

A l l  r i g h t ,  the r u l e  is not r e q u e s t e d .

MRS. E L L E N  S. H I N D M A N .

being p r e v i o u s l y  d u l y  sworn, t e s t i f i e d  as follows:

Q

A

A

Q

A

Q

A l a b a m a ?

D I R E C T  E X A M I N A T I O N

(BY MR. HOO D : )  S t a t e  your name, please. 

E l l e n  S . H i n d m a n .

THE C O U R T :  W h a t  is the last name?

H i n d m a n ,  H - i - n - d - m - a - n .

A n d  your a d d r e s s ?

3802 B a n k  S t reet, B r i g h t o n .

A r e  y o u  an e m p l o y e e  of the C i t y  of Brighton,

A  Y e s .

Q W h a t  p o s i t i o n  do y o u  hold, i f  any, please,

ma 'am?



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A C l e r k - t r e a s u r e r .

Q How long have you been c l e r k - t r e a s u r e r  of

the C i t y  of B r i g h t o n ?

A Since the last of June.

Q I see. So yo u  w e r e  a c l e r k  o f  the c o u r t

as o f  J u l y  1 6 t h  of t h i s  year, is that r i g h t ?

A T h a t ' s  right.

MR. BROWN: If the C o u r t  please, now she is

not a c o u r t  clerk.

THE COURT: C l e r k  o f  the city, c i t y  c l e r k .

MR. HOOD: T h a t ' s  ri g h t ,  c i t y  clerk. I * m

g o i n g  to a s k  you to l o o k  at page 325 of your m i n u t e s ,  

please. A n d  l ' m  g o i n g  to ask you w h e t h e r  or not 

there is a r e s o l u t i o n  o f f e r e d  there at that time by 

two m e m b e r s  of the c i t y  c o u n c i l ?
:

A Yes .
|

Q A n d  does this r e s o l u t i o n  r e f e r  to the s c h o o l

b u i l d i n g  now i n  issue before this c o u r t ?

A  Y e s .

Q I ' m  g o i n g  to a s k  you to r e a d  that for me,

p l e a s e .

THE C O U R T :  W h a t  date is it?

MR. HOOD: J u l y  16th.

F e d e r a l  C o u r t  R e p o r t i n g  C o m p a n y

4 0 9  F e d e r a l  B u i l d i n g

B i r m i n g h a m ,  A l a b a m a



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4 .

THE C O U R T :  A l l  r i g h t .

A  "To the M a y o r  and C o u n c i  linen of B r i g h t o n ,

A l a b a m a :

"We, C o u n c i  linen W a l t e r  E. J e n k i n s  and Leonard 

Lewis, h e r e b y  r e s p e c t f u l l y  o f f e r  the f o l l o w i n g  r e s o ­

lution:

" R e s o l v e d :

" W h e r e a s ,  there is a g r e a t  need for a c o m ­

m u n i t y  s e r v i c e  b u i l d i n g  for the C i t y  of Br i g h t o n ,  

A l a b a m a ,  and for the g r e a t e r  p u r p o s e  of h o u s i n g  all 

a n t i - p o v e r t y  c o m m u n i t y  a c t i o n  an d  food s t a m p  programs 

that c a n  be of a g r e a t  b e n e f i t  to a l l  our pe o p l e  and 

p r e v e n t  t h e i r  h a v i n g  to go to o t her c i t i e s  or a r eas 

to e n j o y  the a f o r e m e n t i o n e d  p r o g r a m s .

"We m o v e  that the C i t y  of B r i g h t o n  rent, 

lease or p u r c h a s e  the old B r i g h t o n  J u n i o r  H i g h  S c h o o l  

now v a c a n t ,  to be u s e d  for the p u r p o s e s  set out above. 

Time b e ing of the i m p o r t a n c e .

" R e s p e c t f u l l y  s u b m i t t e d ,

L. L e wis 

W. E. J e n k i n s "

T H E  C O U R T :  W a s  that in J u l y  o f  *69?

A Yes, sir.



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Federal Court Reporting Company 
4 0 9  fe d e ra l Building  

Birm ingham . Alabam a
------— ------------------------ ------------------------------------- — 4--- R

|
T H E  C O U R T :  July 16, *69?

A  Yes, sir.

MR. BROWN: Have you got that o r i g i n a l ?

A' I t ’s b a c k  there.

MR. HOOD: I w o u l d  like to see the o r i g i n a l

r e s o l u t i o n .

A It Is in that folder there.

Q L o o k  at this, please, ma'am. Is this the
i |

r e s o l u t i o n  that you have just read; w a s  it e n t e r e d  

into the r e c o r d s  of the c i t y  c o u n c i l  as o f  J u l y  16 

of this year?

A Y e s .

MR. HOOD: I w o u l d  like to m a r k  that for

i d e n t i f i c a t i o n  p u r p o s e s  and offer it in e v i d e n c e
|

as P l a i n t i f f s '  E x h i b i t  No. 1.
i

MR. BROWN: No o b j e c t i o n s .

( P l a i n t i f f s '  E x h i b i t  1 w a s  m a r k e d  for i d e n ­

t i f i c a t i o n .  )

Q I ' m  g o i n g  to ask you to state to the C o u r t

w h e t h e r  an y  a c t i o n  at al l  w a s  tak e n  on this r e s o l u ­

tion by the c i t y  c o u n c i l ,  please, m a ' a m ?

A W e l l ,  I d o n ' t  r e m e m b e r  e x a c t l y  w h a t  they did.

MR. BROWN: C o u l d  w e  let her r e c i t e  the



100

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B i r m i n g h a m ,  A l a b a m a

m i n u t e  b o o k ?

T H E  C O U R T :  D o  the m i n u t e s  s h o w  a n y  a c t i o n

t a k e n  o n  the r e s o l u t i o n ?

A  Yeah, I g u e s s  it does. Do yo u  w a n t  me to

r e a d  that?

T H E  C O U R T :  Yes, j u s t  r e a d  the a c t i o n  taken.

A  " A l d e r m a n  J e n k i n s  m o v e d  the i m m e d i a t e  a d o p ­

t i o n  of the r e s o l u t i o n .  The m o t i o n  w a s  s e c o n d e d  by 

L e o n a r d  Lewis. A  d i s c u s s i o n  f o l l o w e d .  It w a s  s u g ­

g e s t e d  to c o n t i n u e  the d i s c u s s i o n  at the next m e e t ­

ing. A l d e r m a n  J e n k i n s  t h e n  m o v e d  to s u s p e n d  al l  

r u l e s  and get to the m a t t e r  i m m e d i a t e l y .  A l d e r m a n  

L e o n a r d  L e w i s  s e c o n d e d  the m o t i o n .  A d i s c u s s i o n  f o l ­

lowed, and it w a s  d i s c l o s e d  that the r e s o l u t i o n  as 

it w a s  w o r d e d  w a s  o f  a p e r m a n e n t  n a ture, and c o u l d  

not be a d o p t e d  at the same m e e t i n g  at w h i c h  it w a s  

i n t r o d u c e d  u n l e s s  u n a n i m o u s  c o n s e n t  of al l  m e m b e r s  

p r e s e n t  w a s  f i rst o b t a i n e d . "

HR .  HOOD: Judge, I w o u l d  like for the record

at t h i s  time to m a r k  that for i d e n t i f i c a t i o n  purposes

THE C O U R T :  It is P l a i n t i f f s 9 E x h i b i t  1.

MR. BROWN: If the C o u r t  p l ease, I b e lieve 

t h a t  t h e s e  m i n u t e s  are a l r e a d y  a part of the record.



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1 0

MR. HOOD: Not those. If it please the C o u r t ,

for the p u r p o s e s  of the r e c o r d ,  I w o u l d  like to have 

this i d e n t i f i e d  as the m i n u t e  book used by the c i t y  

c l e r k  in the r e g u l a r  o r d e r  of b u s i n e s s  of the c i t y  

c o u n c i l ,  and off e r  the same into e v i d e n c e ,  as P l a i n ­

tiffs' E x h i b i t  No. 2.

MR. BROWN: M a y  we s t i p u l a t e  that that part i
i

o f  the m i n u t e  b o o k  that you d e e m  r e l e v a n t  c a n  be re- j
j

p r o d u c e d  so that w e  c a n  c a r r y  the m i n u t e  b o o k  b a c k  

to the c i t y  hall? |

MR. HOOD: We w i l l  have no o b j e c t i o n s  to that.

THE C O U R T :  Page 325 and 326 are the r e l e v a n t

p o r t i o n s  .

MR. HOOD: Judge, w e  w o u l d  a l s o  like to a s k

the c l e r k  to turn to page 328 of the m i n u t e  book, 

please. T h i s  is as of A u g u s t  6 t h  o f  this year, 1969. 

Is there a r e s o l u t i o n  in this r e c o r d  r e l a t i v e  to the 

lease of this p r o p e r t y  in issue here to H o o v e r  A c a -  j 

d e m y ?

A Is there w h a t ?

Q D o  y o u  have a n y  r e c o r d  of a lease b e i n g  p r o ­

posed for Hoover A c a d e m y  to use this old s c h o o l  

b u i l d i n g  that is before this C o u r t  to d a y ?



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A  Y e s .

Q D o  y o u  have the o r i g i n a l  l e ase w i t h  y o u  here

today, p l e a s e ,  m a ’am?

MR. B R O W N : W h a t  w a s  the d a te?

A  He w a n t s  the o r i g i n a l  lease. I t ’s in that

f o l d e r .

Q I ' m  g o i n g  to a s k  you to r e a d  the r e s o l u t i o n

i n t r o d u c e d  o n  A u g u s t  6 t h  r e l a t i v e  to l e a s i n g  the p r o ­

p e r t y  to H o o v e r  A c a d e m y ,  please, ma'am.

A  " D u ring the d i s c u s s i o n ,  a M r . C. L. S m i t h

s o u g h t  r e c o g n i t i o n  f r o m  the a u d i e n c e ,  and the M a y o r
!

i n q u i r e d  o f  the c o u n c i l  if t h ere w e r e  a n y  o b j e c t i o n s '  

to r e c o g n i z i n g  M r .  Smith, and there b e i n g  no o b j e c ­

tions, Mr. S m i t h  w a s  r e c o g n i z e d  and made k n o w n  the
!

fact to the c o u n c i l  that the H o o v e r  A c a d e m y  w o u l d  

like to s u b m i t  a p r o p o s a l  to lease the B r i g h t o n  Junic 

H i g h  S c h o o l  b u i l d i n g ,  an d  r e q u e s t e d  an o p p o r t u n i t y  

to s u b m i t  a c o n c r e t e  p r o p o s a l  to lease the p r o p e r t y . "  

Q  A l l  r i g h t .  On or before J u l y  16 o f  this year

had y o u  had a n y  c o r r e s p o n d e n c e  w i t h  H o o v e r  A c a d e m y  

r e l a t i v e  to l e a s i n g  this p r o p e r t y ,  please, m a ’am?

A  I d i d n ' t ,  no.

Q Is there an y  r e c o r d  of a n y  c o r r e s p o n d e n c e

Federal Court Reporting Company
4 0 9  F e d e r a l  B u i l d i n g

B i r m i n g h a m ,  A l a b a m a



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Federal Court Reporting Company 
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Birm ingham , Alabam a
12

w i t h  H o o v e r  A c a d e m y  prior to J u l y  1 6 t h  r e l a t i v e  to 

l e a s i n g  this p r o p e r t y  for s c h o o l  p u r p o s e s ?

A  I d o n ' t  g u e s s  so.

Q Y o u  d o n ' t  have any, d o  y o u ?

A No.

Q A l l  rig h t .  Now let me ask you to l o o k  at

this. Is this lease b e t w e e n  y o u r s e l f  and H o o v e r  

A c a d e m y ?

T H E  C O U R T :  Wel l ,  that r e s o l u t i o n ,  w a s  it

e n a c t e d ;  you d i d n ' t  go i n t o  the a c t i o n  t a k e n  on the 

r e s o l u t i o n .  Y o u  r e a d  the r e s o l u t i o n  of A u g u s t  6th.

Q W h a t  a c t i o n  w a s  tak e n  on that r e s o l u t i o n ,

please, o f  A u g u s t  6th?

MR. BROWN: Mrs. Hindman, he is r e f e r r i n g

b a c k  to the f i rst r e s o l u t i o n .

THE C O U R T :  A l l  the r e s o l u t i o n s  in r e g a r d

to this lease.

A  '’A l d e r m a n  W e s t  t h e n  m o v e d  that the M a y o r  be

a u t h o r i z e d  to n e g o t i a t e  w i t h  r e p r e s e n t a t i v e s  of the 

H o o v e r  A c a d e m y  c o n c e r n i n g  their p r o p o s a l  a n d  to r e ­

p o r t  a n y  p r o p o s a l  the a c a d e m y  m i g h t  have b a c k  to the 

c o u n c i l .  The m o t i o n  wa s  s e c o n d e d  by A l d e r m a n  Perry, 

and v o t e  of the c o u n c i l  w a s  as f o l l o w s : "



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Y o u  w a n t  me to r e a d  how they v o t e d ?

THE C O U R T :  How did t h e y  v o t e ?

A  " A l d e r m a n  L e o n a r d  Lewis, ' A y e 1, A l d e r m a n

J e n k i n s ,  'Aye', A l d e r m a n  W e s t ,  ' A y e 1, A l d e r m a n  Ri c h a r  

Le w i s ,  'Pass', A l d e r m a n  W. H. Perry, 'Aye*, M a y o r  

P a r s o n s ,  ' A ye'."

TH E  C O U R T :  I b e l i e v e  A l d e r m a n  W e s t  v o t e d

nay.

A  No, that is on --
j

TH E  C O U R T :  T h a t  is s o m e t h i n g  e l s e  you are

r e a d i n g  here?

A  T h a t  w a s  on a n o t h e r  r e s o l u t i o n .  He w a n t e d

to k n o w  w h a t  w a s  done a b o u t  that. This is on this

o t t e r  r e s o l u t i o n .

T H E  C O U R T :  Now the one that you r e a d  r e l a ­

ted to w h i c h  r e s o l u t i o n ?  The r e s o l u t i o n  o f  J u l y  16 

or --

A  No. T h i s  r e l a t e d  to this r i g h t  here.

TI E  C O U R T :  The r e s o l u t i o n  of A u g u s t  6th?

A  Yes, sir.

THE C O U R T :  W i t h  r e s p e c t  to l e a s i n g  the

a c a d e m y

A  Yes, sir.

F e d e r a l  C o u r t  R e p o r t i n g  C o m p a n y

4 0 9  F e d e r a l  B u i l d i n g

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f e d e r a l  C o u r t  R e p o r t i n g  C o m p a n y

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THE C O U R T :  I m e a n  w i t h  r e s p e c t  to l e a s i n g

to the a c a d e m y ?

A Yes, sir.

THE C O U R T :  T h a t  w a s  to c o n s i d e r  the m a t t e r .

Q It w a s  not to lease it?

A No.

THE CO U R T :  E v e r y b o d y  v o t e d ? i

A To c o n s i d e r  it.

Q E x c e p t  one person, he a b s t a i n e d  f r o m v o t i n g .  |

A He passed.

Q Now l ' m  g o i n g  to a s k  you ~~ before we go

f ur t h e r , I w o u l d  like to i n t r o d u c e  that lease into

e v i d e n c e as E x h i  bit 3, and I w o u l d  like a l s o to have

page 328 o f  the mi n u t e  b o o k  a l o n g  w i t h  the oth e r  

p e r t i n e n t  s e c t i o n s  i n t r o d u c e d .

I * m  g o i n g  to ask y o u  to tell me w h a t  w a s  

the next a c t i o n  t a k e n  r e l a t i v e  to the c i t y  c o u n c i l  

on this lease to H o o v e r  A c a d e m y ,  p l e a s e ?

A  W e ll, I g u e s s  it w a s  on A u g u s t  12th.

Q W h a t  a c tion, if any, w a s  t a k e n  at that time,

pl e a s e  ?

A  Wel l ,  they i n t r o d u c e d  an o r d i n a n c e  a n d  passed

on it to r e n t  the a c a d e m y  -- r e n t  it to H o o v e r  Acadeni y.



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Q A l l  r i g h t .  I w o u l d  like for y o u  to r e a d  that

p l e a s e .

A  A l l  this?

Q  Yes.

A  "The M a y o r  a n n o u n c e d  that the p u r p o s e  o f  the ;

m e e t i n g  w a s  to c o n s i d e r  an o r d i n a n c e  a u t h o r i z i n g  the

M a y o r  to lease B r i g h t o n  J u n i o r  H i g h  S c h o o l  to H o o v e r  

A c a d e m y .  The lease w a s  r e a d  to the c o u n c i l  and the 

p r o v i s i o n s  t h e r e o f  w e r e  d i s c u s s e d  at length.

" W h e r e u p o n ,  A l d e r m a n  P e r r y  i n t r o d u c e d  the
!

f o l l o w i n g  o r d i n a n c e  and m o v e d  for i m m e d i a t e  p a s s a g e ,  ■ 

w h i c h  m o t i o n  w a s  s e c o n d e d  by A l d e r m a n  W e s t .
i

" O R D I N A N C E  NO. 2 - 6 9

"An o r d i n a n c e  to a u t h o r i z e  the M a y o r  to lease 

r e a l  p r o p e r t y  o w n e d  by the c i t y  and not n e e d e d  for 

p u b l i c  or m u n i c i p a l  p u r p o s e s .

"Be it o r d a i n e d  by the c i t y  c o u n c i l  o f  the 

C i t y  o f  B r i g h t o n ,  A l a b a m a ,  as follows:

"1. The M a y o r  is h e r e b y  a u t h o r i z e d  to e x e ­

c u t e  a lease b e t w e e n  the C i t y  of B r i g h t o n  and H o o v e r  

A c a d e m y ,  l e a s i n g  the B r i g h t o n  J u n i o r  H i g h  S c h o o l  

b u i l d i n g  and p r e m i s e s  to said H o o v e r  A c a d e m y  for a 

p e r i o d  of two y e a r s  at the a n n u a l  r e n t a l  of twelve

F e d e r a l  C o u r t  R e p o r t i n g  C o m p a n y

4 0 9  F e d e r a l  B u i l d i n g

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16

h u n d r e d  d o l l a r s ,  w i t h  an o p t i o n  to r e n e w  for an a d ­

d i t i o n a l  two years, a l s o  c o n t a i n i n g  an o p t i o n  to 

p u r c h a s e  by lessee at the e n d  of the f i r s t  t w o - y e a r  

pe r i o d  at a n e g o t i a t e d  s a l e s  price, s a i d  r e a l  p r o p e r ­

ty not b e i n g  n e e d e d  for pu b l i c  or m u n i c i p a l  p u r p o s e s ,

"2. O n  the p a s s a g e  of this o r d i n a n c e ,  the 

M a y o r  s h a l l  be a u t h o r i z e d  to e x e c u t e  said lease, 

c o p y  of w h i c h  is a t t a c h e d  h e r e t o  and m a d e  a part 

hereof.

" W h e r e u p o n ,  the c o u n c i l  p r o c e e d e d  to vote 

on said o r d i n a n c e ,  w h i c h  vote is r e c o r d e d  as follows:

" A l d e r m a n  L e o n a r d  Lewis, 'Nay*.

" A l d e r m a n  J e n k i n s ,  'Nay*.

" A l d e r m a n  Perry, 'Aye*.

" A l d e r m a n  R i c h a r d  Lewis, 'Nay'.

" A l d e r m a n  W e s t ,  'Aye'. j

"Mayor Parsons, 'Aye'.

" W h e r e u p o n ,  the c l e r k  a n n o u n c e d  the vote w a s

t i e d .

"The M a y o r  then s t a t e d  that he w o u l d  e x e r ­

cise his p r e r o g a t i v e  to c a s t  a s e c o n d  v o t e  to bre a k  

the tie, and pass the o r d i n a n c e ,  s i n c e  the o r d i n a n c e  

w a s  n o t  of a p e r m a n e n t  nature. W h e r e u p o n ,  the M a yor



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4}.

v o t e d  the s e c o n d  time in favor o f  the p a ssage of the 

o r d i n a n c e ,  and t h e r e u p o n ,  d e c l a r e d  the o r d i n a n c e  to 

have b e e n  d u l y  a d o p t e d . "

Q W a s  this a r e g u l a r  m e e t i n g  or a s p e c i a l  m e e t ­

ing, p l ease, m a ' a m ?

A  A  s p e c i a l  m e e t i n g .

D i d  you n o t i f y  al l  c o u n c i l m e n  of this mee t -Q

ing?

A

Q

Yes .

W h a t  m e t h o d  did y o u  use to n o t i f y  them, if

any, p l e a s e ?

A  C a l l e d  t h e m  o n  the t e l e p h o n e .

Q  W h a t  time did yo u  c a l l  t h em?

A  E a r l y  that m o r n i n g .  1 d o n ' t  r e m e m b e r  the

e x a c t  t i m e .

Q E a r l y  that m o r n i n g .  Is it n o t  a fact that

C o u n c i l m a n  L e o n a r d  L e w i s ,  C o u n c i l m a n  W a l t e r  E. 

J e n k i n s  and R i c h a r d  L e w i s  w e r e  al l  w o r k i n g  that 

m o r n i n g ?

MR. BROWN: W e  o b j e c t  to that.

A  I t a l k e d  to them.

Q A l l  r i g h t .

TH E  C O U R T :  T h e y  got to the m e e t i n g  a n y h o w .



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IS

MR. B R O W N :  T h e y  w e r e  al l  p r e s e n t  and p a r t i ­

c i p a t e d  .

THE COU R T :  W h i c h  are the N e g r o e s ,  L e w i s

and J e n k i n s ?

A Y e s .

Q I ' m  g o i n g  to ask you to s t a t e  w h e t h e r  or

not y o u  n o t i f i e d  the council o f  the p u r p o s e  of this 

m e e t i n g ,  please, prior to the m e e t i n g ?

A  No. I w a s  told to c a l l  t h e m  and to tell

them we w e r e  g o i n g  to have a s p e c i a l  m e e t i n g .

Q T h a t  w a s all?

A T h a t  w a s all.

Q Now I ' m g o i n g  to as k  yo u  -- J u d g e

time I w o u l d  like to i n t r o d u c e  that r e s o l u t i o n ,  the 

a c t i o n  o f  the c i t y  c o u n c i l  as of A u g u s t  6th, into 

e v i d e n c e  as P l a i n t i f f s '  E x h i b i t  4.

(Pl a i n t i f f s '  E x h i b i t  4 w a s  m a r k e d  for i d e n ­

t i f i c a t i o n .  )

T H E  C O U R T :  I p r e s u m e  this lease, it is d a ­

ted A u g u s t  11th, that this lease w a s  t e n d e r e d  to the 

c o u n c i l  and they a c t e d  on it that ni g h t ?

MR. BROWN: The r e s o l u t i o n  r e c i t e s  that it

w a s  r e a d  to the c o u n c i l  and d i s c u s s e d  at length.



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Federal Court Reporting Company 
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Birmingham, Alabam a

Q  No w  was there an y  a c t i o n  t a k e n  by the C i t y

c o u n c i l  on the n i g h t  o f  A u g u s t  6 t h  to c o n s i d e r  this 

q u e s t i o n  of l e a s i n g  this p r o p e r t y  to H o o v e r  Acad e m y ,  

p l ease, m a ' a m ?

A  On A u g u s t  6 t h ?

Q Yes, ma'am.

THE C O U R T :  She r e a d  that vote there, d i d n ' t

she ?

MR. HOOD: Yes, Jud g e .  T h e r e  w a s  a t w o - s t e p

p r o p o s i t i o n ,  a m o t i o n  to c o n s i d e r  and t h e n  a m o t i o n  

to adopt.

T H E  C O U R T :  W e l l ,  the m o t i o n  to c o n s i d e r

w a s  the one she r e a d ?

A  T h a t  is A u g u s t  6th.

THE C O U R T :  The m o t i o n  to a d o p t  d i d n ' t  come

on u n t i l  the 12th, as I u n d e r s t a n d , a n d  she r e a d  

that.
A  T h a t ' s  ri g h t .

Q So I ' m  g o i n g  to i n t r o d u c e  b o t h  of t h ose sec-

t i ons i n t o  e v i d e n c e .

Now I ' m  g o i n g  to a s k  you w h e t h e r  or no t  you

p u b l i s h e d  this o r d i n a n c e  l e a s i n g  the p r o p e r t y  to 

H o o v e r  A c a d e m y ,  p l ease, m a ' a m ?



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F e d e r a l  C o u r t  R e p o r t i n g  C o m p a n y

4 0 9  F e d e r a l  B u i l d i n g

B i r m i n g h a m ,  A l a b a m a

2 Q

A  Yes, I did.
' I

Q W h e n  d i d  y o u  p u b l i s h  it?
|

A  The n e x t  day.

Q How di d  y o u  p u b l i s h  it, please, m a ’am?

A  W e l l ,  w e  had a c o p y  in the o f f i c e  t h ere out

on the b u l l e t i n  board, an d  one at the post o f f i c e ,  

and one at M r . P e r r y ’s s e r v i c e  s t a t i o n .
I

Q Do y o u  s h o w  on y o u r  m i n u t e s  that t h ose --

this o r d i n a n c e  w a s  p u b l i s h e d  a n y w h e r e ,  p l e a s e ?

A  No. But it is on the o r d i n a n c e .

Q Do you see it there in your m i n u t e s  that you

did p u b l i s h  it?

MR. BROWN: If the C o u r t  please, it c o u l d n ' t

be in the m i n u t e s .  The p u b l i c a t i o n  f o l l o w s  the a c ­

tion of the c o u n c i l .
j

TH E  C O U R T :  D o e s  the law r e q u i r e  p u b l i c a t i o n ?

MR. BROWN: Th e  r e a s o n  the r e c o r d  c o u l d n ’t

show it, it c o u l d n ' t  be p u b l i s h e d  the n i g h t  it w a s  

a d o p t e d .  T h e  p u b l i c a t i o n  is s u b s e q u e n t .

Q D o  you have a n y  e v i d e n c e  of h a v i n g  p u b l i s h e d

the o r d i n a n c e  to lease this p r o p e r t y  at all, please, 

m a ’am?

A  L e t ' s  see.



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TH E  C O U R T :  The o n l y  p u b l i c a t i o n  w o u l d  be

the p r o p o s e d  o r d i n a n c e  a n d  t h e y  c o u l d n ’t p u b l i s h  an 

o r d i n a n c e  that w a s n ' t  a c t u a l l y  a d o p t e d ,  I d o n ’t 

s u p p o s e .

MR. BROWN: Some o r d i n a n c e s  have to be p u b ­

l i s h e d  a h e a d  of time and s o m e  a f t e r w a r d s ,

T H E  C O U R T :  I i m a g i n e  al l  p e r m a n e n t  o r d i n ­

a n c e s  w o u l d  have to be p u b l i s h e d .

A  T h a t  is a c o p y  that w a s  p o sted.
|

Q T h i s  o r d i n a n c e  does not r e f e r  to p u b l i c a t i o n ;

o f  a n y  kind, does it, p l e ase, m a ' a m ?

A  I d o n ' t  know.

Q You d o n ' t  see it on here a n y w h e r e ,  w h e r e  it

s h o w s  p u b l i s h e d ,  p u b l i c a t i o n ,  do you?

T H E  C O U R T :  N o t h i n g  to i n d i c a t e  o n  there

that it w a s  p u b l i s h e d .

A  No.

Q  A l l  r i g h t .

MR. BROWN: It is not the o r i g i n a l  o r d i n a n c e .

I d o n ' t  k n o w  m y s e l f  w h e t h e r  it w a s  p u b l i s h e d  or not. 

But that is no t  the o r i g i n a l  o r d i n a n c e .

MR. HOOD: W e  a s k e d  t h e m  t h r o u g h  a s u b p o e n a

d u c e s  t e c u m  to b r i n g  it.

F e d e r a l  C o u r t  R e p o r t i n g  C o m p a n y

4 0 9  F e d e r a l  B u i l d i n g

B i r m i n g h a m ,  A l a b a m a



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F e d e r a l  C o u r t  R e p o r t i n g  C o m p a n y

4 0 9  F e d e r a l  B u i l d i n g

B i r m i n g h a m ,  A l a b a m a

22

MR. BROWN: Is that the o r i g i n a l  o r d i n a n c e ?
I

A  No, it is a copy.
J

MR. HOOD: W h e r e  is the o r i g i n a l  o r d i n a n c e ,
\

{lease, m a ' a m ?

A In the book.

THE C O U R T :  It a p p e a r s  on the book. It w a s n 1

s u b m i t t e d  in w r i t i n g ,  w a s  it? W a s  it s u b m i t t e d  in 

w r i t i n g  or w a s  it j u s t  m a d e  o r a l ?

MR. HOOD: L e t  me a s k  yo u  this: Is this a

true and e x a c t  c o p y  o f  the o r d i n a n c e  that w a s  p a s s e d  

to lease this p r o p e r t y  to Hoover A c a d e m y ,  p l e ase, 

m a ' a m ?

t

A  Yes.

Q And does this r e f l e c t  the fact that no p u b ­

l i c a t i o n  w a s  had on this o r d i n a n c e  at all, c e r t i f i e d  

by you as clerk, please, m a ' a m ?  Ma'am, it is not 

o n  here, is it?

A  No.

Q  A l l  ri g h t .  Has this b e e n  i n t r o d u c e d  into

e v i d e n c e  ?

MR. NEWTON: No. I w o u l d  like to m a r k  it.

MR. HOOD: I w o u l d  like to have this m a r k e d

and o f f e r e d  i n t o  e v i d e n c e ,  m a y  it please the Co u r t .



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F e d e r a l  C o u r t  R e p o r t i n g  C o m p a n y

4 0 9  F e d e r a l  B u i l d i n g

B i r m i n g h a m , A l a b a m a

bit 4.

MR. BROWN: It has a l r e a d y  b e e n  m a r k e d  E x h i -

MR. HOOD: I'ra g o i n g  to as k  you to t u r n  to

y o u r  n e x t  M e t i n g s u b s e q u e n t  to A u g u s t  6th, please,

ma * am, of the c i t y c o u n c i l .

A A u g u s t  6 t h •

MR. N E W T O N : S u b s e q u e n t  to A u g u s t  12th.

MR. HOOD; S u b s e q u e n t  to A u g u s t  12th, please

ma ' a m , do y o u  have that?

A Y e s .

Q A l l  r i g h t .
|

I ' m  g o i n g  to a s k  y o u  to look

at that m i n u t e  and t e l l  this c o u r t  w h e t h e r  or not 

there is a n y  e v i d e n c e  o f  p u b l i c a t i o n  of the o r d i ­

n a n c e  to lease the p r o p e r t y  to H o o v e r  A c a d e m y  in

a n y  f o r m  or fash i o n .

THE C O U R T :  Let me a s k  yo u  this, w e  m a y

be -- is t h e r e  a n y  law that r e q u i r e s  the p u b l i c a t i o n  

of a n  o r d i n a n c e  s u c h  as this?

MR. BRO W N :  No, sir.

MR. HOOD: Yes, sir.

MR. BROWN: O n l y  o f  a p e r m a n e n t  nature.

MR. N E W T O N :  I d o n ’t k n o w  a n y t h i n g  more

p e r m a n e n t  than a lease that g i v e s  y o u  a r i g h t  to



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say, and as far as w e  are c o n c e r n e d ,  that is a per-
* j

raanent o r d i n a n c e .

THE C O U R T :  That w o u l d  be the same t h i n g  as

s e l l i n g  a n  a u t o m o b i l e  p e r h a p s  or some o t h e r  g o v e r n -  j 

ment. W o u l d  t h e y  have to p u b l i s h  it?

HR. N E W T O N :  If it is of a p e r m a n e n t  n a t u r e .

TH E  C O U R T :  I t h i n k  a d o p t i n g  a p e r m a n e n t

r e s o l u t i o n  to pave the s t r e e t ,  t h a t  w o u l d  be perraa- | 

nent, that m i g h t  be s o m e t h i n g  else.

HR. N E W T O N :  As I u n d e r s t a n d  this lease,

Your Honor, it w a s  for a t w o - y e a r  t e r m  w i t h  the o p ­

t i o n  to r e n e w  and to n e g o t i a t e  a sale that w a s  q u i t e  

p e r m a n e n t ,  and as c o n t r a c t i n g  parti e s ,  I t h i n k  Ho o v e r  

A c a d e m y  under the terms of that lease w o u l d  have a 

r i g h t  to e n f o r c e  the p e r m a n e n c y  of it, to s e l l  it.

It is our c o n t e n t i o n ,  and at this time, Y o u r  Honor, j 

w e  w o u l d  like to r e n e w  our c o n s t i t u t i o n a l  o b j e c t i o n s  

to one m a n  one v o t e  rule of the c o n s t i t u t i o n a l i t y  

v o t e  in this.

HR. HOOD: I ' m  g o i n g  to r e s p e c t f u l l y  a s k

the C o u r t  to take j u d i c i a l  k n o w l e d g e  of T i t l e  37, 

S e c t i o n  462, Code of A l a b a m a ,  1940, as R e c o m p i l e d .

A n d  in this s e c t i o n  it s u g g e s t s  that o r d i n a n c e s  o f

F e d e r a l  C o u r t  R e p o r t i n g  C o m p a n y

4 0 9  F e d e r a l  B u i l d i n g

B i r m i n g h a m ,  A l a b a m a



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F e d e r a l  C o u r t  R e p o r t i n g  C o m p a n y

4 0 9  F e d e r a l  B u i l d i n g

B i r m i n g h a m ,  A l a b a m a

ft

g e n e r a l  or p e r m a n e n t  n a t u r e  m u s t  be p u b l i s h e d .  An d  

un l e s s  the c l e r k  c e r t i f i e s  that it has b e e n  done, it

is i l l e g a l .  A n d  that w a s  b r o u g h t  out, Y o u r  Honor,
\

in the c a s e  o f  B u s h  v. G r e y h o u n d  C o r p o r a t i o n , 208 

F e d . 2d 540, H a w k i n s  v. B i r m i n g h a m , 248 Ala. 692,

29 S o . 2d 281, and R o a c h  v. T u s c u m b i a , 255 Ala. 478, 

52 S o . 2d 141.

Now I ' m  g o i n g  to a s k  you --

MR. BROWN: M a y  I be h e ard on this p o i n t

since w e  have g o n e  i n t o  q u e s t i o n s  o f  law?

TIE C O U R T :  W e ll, w e  h a v e n ' t  time to stop

and a r g u e  the c a s e  at this time. I w i l l  hear y o u  on 

a i l  the q u e s t i o n s  later on. There w a s  no p u b l i c a ­

t i o n  so far as y o u  knew.

MR. BROWN: T h a t  is w h a t  I w a n t  to

A  Yes, sir, I p u b l i s h e d  it. I mean, it w a s

put up o n  the b u l l e t i n  board, and w a s  put in two 

pu b l i c  places d o w n  in the city.

T H E  C O U R T :  That w a s  a f t e r  it w a s  p a s s e d  or

be f o r e  it w a s  p a s s e d ?  A r e  y o u  c o m p l a i n i n g  it w a s n ' t  

p u b l i s h e d  a f t e r  it w a s  p a s s e d ?

MR. HOOD: Yes, sir. I c o m p l a i n e d  it w a s

not p u b l i s h e d ,  and I f u r t h e r  c o m p l a i n  there is no



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Federal C o u r t  R e p o r t i n g  C o m p a n y

4 0 9  F e d e r a l  B u i l d i n g

B i r m i n g h a m ,  A l a b a m a

26

c e r t i f i c a t i o n  by the c l e r k  that it had b e e n  p u b ­

l i s h e d .  And of c o u r s e  in the c a s e  just ci t e d ,  u n ­

less that is done, Y o u r  Honor, the t h i n g  is u n c o n -
\

gfcitutional.

A  I d i d  p u b l i s h  it.

MR. HOOD: A n d  you d o n ' t  have a c e r t i f i c a t e

s h o w i n g  y o u  did p u b l i s h  it, please, m a ' a m ?

A  W h a t  do y o u  m e a n  c e r t i f i c a t e ?

TH E  CO U R T :  I t h i n k  it w o u l d  d e p e n d  on w h a t  |

k i n d  of o r d i n a n c e  it is.
' I

MR. BROWN: C a n  I be h e a r d  on this?
!

T H E  CO U R T :  L e t ' s  go ahead.

Q A l l  r i g h t ,  sir. I ' m  g o i n g  to ask you to

t u r n  to y o u r  next m e e t i n g  of S e p t e m b e r  8, 1969, as 

s h o w n  on page 332 of your m i n u t e s .

THE CO U R T :  W h a t  d a y  is this, now?

MR. HOOD: S e p t e m b e r  8th. Now I ' m  g o i n g  to

ask yo u  to state w h a t  n o t i c e  did y o u  give o f  this 

m e e t i n g ,  please, m a ' a m ?

A I c a l l e d  t h e m  on the t e l e p h o n e .

Q  W h e n  did y o u  c a l l ;  do yo u  know w h a t  time,

w h e t h e r  it w a s  i n  the m o r n i n g  or a f t e r n o o n  or w h e n ?

A  It w a s  in the m o r n i n g .



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Q  W e r e  a l l  c o u n c i l m e n  at home at the time you

c a l l e d  the m ?

A  Y e s .

0 T h e y  w e r e ?

A  I t a l k e d  to them.

Q A n d  di d  yo u  te 11 t h e m  the p u r p o s e  o f  this

s p e c i a l  m e e t i n g ?

A  No.

Q A l l  r i g h t .  At this m e e t i n g ,  I a m  g o i n g  to

a s k  you to sta t e  w h a t  c o u n c i l m e n ,  if any, w e r e  p r e ­

sent .

A  A l l  the c o u n c i l m e n  w e r e  present.

Q A l l  r i g h t .  I ' m  g o i n g  to a s k  y o u  to r e a d

for the r e c o r d  the a c t i o n  t a k e n  that n i g h t  by the 

c i t y  c o u n c i l .

T H E  C O U R T :  S t a r t s  r i g h t  a l o n g  here, I b e ­

lieve, d o e s n ' t  it?

A  "The M a y o r  s t a t e d  that the p u r p o s e  of the

m e e t i n g  w a s  to c o n s i d e r  a p r o p o s a l  s u b m i t t e d  by the 

H o o v e r  A c a d e m y  to a c c e l e r a t e  its o p t i o n  to p u r c h a s e  

the B r i g h t o n  J u n i o r  H i g h  S c h o o l  b u i l d i n g  and p r e m i ­

ses w h i c h  p r o p o s a l  w a s  r e a d  to the c o u n c i l  and being 

in w o r d s ,  p h r a s e s  and f i g u r e s  as f o l l o w s :

118
F e d e r a l  C o u r t  R e p o r t i n g  C o m p a n y

4 0 9  F e d e r a l  B u i l d i n g

B i r m i n g h a m ,  A l a b a m a



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B i r m i n g h a m ,  A l a b a m a

28

"'We p r o p o s e  to buy B r i g h t o n  J u n i o r  H i g h  

p r e m i s e s  for $ 1 2 , 5 0 0 . 0 0  a n d  p r o p o s e  $ 5 0 0 . 0 0  c a s h

p a y m e n t  on d e l i v e r y  of deed, $ 5 0 0 . 0 0  T h i r t y  date
\

t h e r e a f t e r ,  an d  the b a l a n c e  at $ 1 0 0 . 0 0  per m o n t h  

u n t i l  paid in full, u n p a i d  p r i n c i p a l  to bear i n ­

t e r e s t  six per cent. We w i l l  e x e c u t e  m o r t g a g e  for 

b a l a n c e  p a y a b l e  to C i t y  of B r i g h t o n . 1

"A g e n e r a l  d i s c u s s i o n  of the p r o p o s a l  f o l ­

lowed, at the en d  of w h i c h  A l d e r m a n  P e r r y  i n t r o d u c e d !  

the f o l l o w i n g  o r d i n a n c e  and m o v e d  for its i m m e d i a t e  

pass a g e ,  w h i c h  m o t i o n  w a s  s e c o n d e d  by A l d e r m a n  W e st. 

S a i d  o r d i n a n c e  b e i n g  in w o r d s ,  p h r a s e s  and f i gures 

as foll o w s :

" O R D I N A N C E  NO. 3-69

"An o r d i n a n c e  to a u t h o r i z e  the M a y o r  to sell 

r e a l  p r o p e r t y  o w n e d  by the c i t y  and not n e e d e d  for 

pu b l i c  or m u n i c i p a l  p u r p o s e s .

"Be it o r d a i n e d  by the c i t y  c o u n c i l  of the 

C i t y  of B r i g h t o n ,  A l a b a m a ,  as follows:

"1. The M a y o r  is h e r e b y  a u t h o r i z e d  to e x e ­

c u t e  a d e e d  for and on b e h a l f  of the City of B r i g h t o n  

to the H o o v e r  A c a d e m y  c o n v e y i n g  the B r i g h t o n  Jun i o r  

H i g h  S c h o o l  b u i l d i n g  a n d  p r e m i s e s  for the s u m  of



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F e d e r a l  C o u r t  R e p o r t i n g  C o m p a n y

4 0 9  F e d e r a l  B u i l d i n g

B i r m i n g h a m ,  A l a b a m a

$ 1 2 , 5 0 0 , 0 0  p a y a b l e  $ 5 0 0 . 0 0  o n  d e l i v e r y  o f  deed, and 

$ 5 0 0 . 0 0  T h i r t y  d a y s  t h e r e a f t e r ,  a n d  the b a l a n c e  at 

the rate o f  $ 1 0 0 . 0 0  per m o n t h .  The u n p a i d  b a l a n c e  

tb bear i n t e r e s t  at six per c e n t  per a n n u m  u n t i l  

paid, s a i d  p r o p e r t y  not n e e d e d  for public or m u n i c i ­

pal p u r p o s e s .  S a i d  p r o p e r t y  is l e g a l l y  d e s c r i b e d  

as f o l l o w s :"

T I E  C O U R T :  T h e r e  is no n e e d  to r e a d  the

d e s c r i p t i o n .

A  "2. On the p a s s a g e  o f  the o r d i n a n c e ,  the

M a y o r  s h a l l  be a u t h o r i z e d  to e x e c u t e  s a i d  deed.

"The c o u n c i l  d i s c u s s e d  the o r d i n a n c e  and 

t h e n  p r o c e e d e d  to vote on the p a s s a g e  of s a i d  o r d i ­

nance, w h i c h  v o t e  w a s  t a k e n  d o w n  and r e c o r d e d  as 

f o l l o w s :

" A l d e r m a n  L e o n a r d  Lew i s ,  ’Nay'.

" A l d e r m a n  Perry, ’A y e ’ .

" A l d e r m a n  J e n k i n s ,  ’Nay*.

" A l d e r m a n  R i c h a r d  Lewis, ’Nay'.

" A l d e r m a n  Wes t ,  'Aye'.

" M a y o r  P a r s o n s ,  'Aye'.

" W h e r e u p o n ,  the c l e r k  a n n o u n c e d  the vote

w a s  tied



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30

"The M a y o r  t h e n  s t a t e d  that he w o u l d  e x e r -
j I

else his p r e r o g a t i v e  and d u t y  to c a s t  a s e c o n d  v o t e  | 

to b r e a k  the tie, and pass the o r d i n a n c e ,  since the 

o r d i n a n c e  w a s  not of a p e r m a n e n t  n a ture. W h e r e u p o n  

the M a y o r  v o t e d  the s e c o n d  time in f a v o r  of the p a s ­

sage of the o r d i n a n c e ,  and t h e r e u p o n ,  d e c l a r e d  the 

o r d i n a n c e  to have b e e n  d u l y  a d o p t e d . "

Q I ' m  g o i n g  to a s k  yo u  w h e t h e r  or n o t  there

w a s  a n y  a c t i o n  t a k e n  by the c o u n c i l  to c o n s i d e r  this
i

r e s o l u t i o n  to s e l l  before it w a s  p a s s e d ?

A Y o u  m e a n  be f o r e  it was b r o u g h t  up that n i g h t ?

Q Wa s  there a n y  m o t i o n  to c o n s i d e r  this a c t i o n

bef o r e  it w a s  b r o u g h t  up to s e l l  it, just as you r e a d  

it t h e r e ?

THE C O U R T :  That w o u l d  have b e e n  -- if there

had b e e n  s u c h  action, there w o u l d  have been -- w a s
i

there any a c t i o n  t a k e n  b e t w e e n  t h o s e  dates, b e t w e e n  

the date of the lease on A u g u s t  1 2 t h  a n d  the sale, 

w a s  the r e  a n y  a c t i o n  t a k e n  o n  that?

MR. BROWN: Judge, w e  w i l l  have to c h e c k  the

b o o k s .

A  I d o n ' t  t h i n k  so.

MR. HOOD: T h e r e  is n o t h i n g  in y o u r  m i n u t e s



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— 31

2 b e t w e e n  t h e  l e a s e  a n d  t h e  s a l e  o f  t h i s  p r o p e r t y ,  is
, 3 t h a t  r i g h t ,  m a'am?

4 A No.

5 Q T h e r e  w a s  no m o t i o n  t o  c o n s i d e r ,  no r e s o l u -

6 t i o n  to c o n s i d e r  on  t h e  s a l e  o f  t h i s  p r o p e r t y  p r i o r

7 t o  t h e a c t i o n  o f  S e p t e m b e r  8 t h ,  i s  t h a t  r i g h t ?

8 A No, I  d o n ' t  t h i n k  s o .

9
Q A l l  r i g h t .  Now w a s  t h i s  p r o p o s e d  s a l e  pu b -

10 l i s  hed b e f o r e  t h e  m e e t i n g  o f  t h e  c o u n c i l  t o  a c t  on

11 i t ,  m a 9am, e i t h e r  by  n u m b e r s  o r  e i t h e r  by  p o s t i n g ?

12 A B e f o r e  t h a t  n i g h t ?

13
Q T h a t ' s  r i g h t .

14 A No.

15 MR. LOCKE : D o e s  c o u n c i l  c o n t e n d  t h a t  a l l

16 members w e r e n ' t  p r e s e n t ?

17 MR. HOOD: I ' m  g o i n g  t o  a s k  y o u  t o  s t a t e  - -

18 A T h e y  w e r e  a l l  p r e s e n t  a t  t h a t  m e e t i n g .

19 Q I ' m  g o i n g  t o  a s k  y o u  t o  s t a t e  w h e t h e r  t h e r e

20 w a s  a n y p u b l i c a t i o n  o f  a n y  k i n d  o r  c h a r a c t e r  p r i o r

21 t o  t h e l e a s i n g  o f  t h i s  p r o p e r t y  o f  H o o v e r  A c a d e m y

22 by  y o u r _ _

23 A B e f o r e  i t  w a s  l e a s e d ?



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B i r m i n g h a m ,  A l a b a m a

Q  T h a t  ' s  right.

A No.

Q I ’m  g o i n g  to a s k  y o u  to t e l l  this C o u r t  w h e n

w a s  the f i rst time y o u r  o f f i c e  had an y  c o n t a c t  w i t h  

H o o v e r  A c a d e m y  r e l a t i v e  to e i t h e r  l e a s i n g  or b u y i n g  

or s e l l i n g  this p r o p e r t y  to t h e m ?  Did you have any 

c o r r e s p o n d e n c e  w h a t s o e v e r ?

A I d i d n ' t .

Q W a s  there any c o r r e s p o n d e n c e  that c a m e  i n t o

y o u r  o f f i c e ,  to your k n o w l e d g e ,  r e l a t i v e  to the sale 

or lease o f  this p r o p e r t y  to H o o v e r  A c a d e m y ?  j

A  Not to me.

Q W e l l ,  do you know o f  a n y  c o r r e s p o n d e n c e  that

c a m e  in at all, please, m a ' a m ,  r e g a r d i n g  this p r o p e r ­

ty b e t w e e n  the C i t y  o f  B r i g h t o n  and H o o v e r  A c a d e m y ?

T H E  CO U R T :  You k n o w  o f  no s u c h  c o r r e s p o n ­

de n c e ?

A  No, sir.

THE C O U R T :  W a s  this last o r d i n a n c e  p u b l i s h e d

a f t e r  its a d o p t i o n  by p o s t i n g ,  as y o u  s a y ?

A  Yes, sir.

Q  Do y o u  have a c o p y  o f  that o r d i n a n c e  w h e r e

w e  c a n  c h e c k  it to s e e  w h e t h e r  or not it w a s  p o s t e d ?



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It m a y  have s l i p p e d  your m e m o r y .

A  It w a s  posted.

Q Do y o u  have a n y  e v i d e n c e  o n  this o r d i n a n c e

s h o w i n g  that it had been p o s t e d  at all, a n y  c e r t i f i ­

c a t i o n  by y o u  as c l e r k ?

A  No. But it w a s  posted.

MR. BROWN: Now at this point, I ' m  g o i n g  to

-- it is p r o b a b l y  m y  f a u l t  that t h e s e  c o p i e s  are 

here i n s t e a d  o f  the o r i g i n a l s .  I ' m  g o i n g  to c a l l  

c i t y  hall, w i t h  the c o u r t ' s  i n d u l g e n c e ,  and a s k  

the o r i g i n a l  o r d i n a n c e  that a p p e a r s  in the o r d i ­

n a n c e  b o o k  w h i c h  w o u l d  be the o n l y  o r d i n a n c e ,  w o u l d  

r e f l e c t  w h e t h e r  or n o t  it w a s  p o s t e d ,  w e  w i l l  have 

t h ose b r o u g h t  up here.

MR. HOOD: Of c o u r s e  I s u b p o e n a e d  those

r e c o r d s  at 8:40.

THE C O U R T :  I d o n ' t  know w h e t h e r  they k n e w

a n y t h i n g  a b o u t  the p u b l i c a t i o n .

MR. BROWN: I d i d n ' t  k n o w  the point.

MR. HOOD: A n d  a l s o  the fact t h e y  w e r e  not

c e r t i f i e d ,  Y o u r  Honor, and at this time I w o u l d  like 

to m a r k  this i n s t r u m e n t  for i d e n t i f i c a t i o n  pur p o s e s .  

( P l a i n t i f f s '  E x h i b i t  5 w a s  m a r k e d  for

F e d e r a l  C o u r t  R e p o r t i n g  C o m p a n y

4 0 9  F e d e r a l  B u i l d i n g

B i r m i n g h a m ,  A l a b a m a



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3*r

i d e n t i f i c a t i o n . )

MR. HOOD: A n d  I w o u l d  like to o f f e r  it into

e v i d e n c e .

Le t  me a s k  the c l e r k  one o t h e r  q u e s t i o n .

L o o k  at this again, p l e a s e ,  m a 'a m .  Is t h i s  an e x a c t  

d u p l i c a t e  o f  the o r d i n a n c e  as p a s s e d  r e l a t i v e  to 

the sale of that p r o p e r t y  to H o o v e r  A c a d e m y ?

A  It is j ust like the one that i s  i n  t h e  b o o k ,

Q It is the same thing?

A  Yes, tha t ' s  ri g h t .

Q W h a t  page does the one in the b o o k  a p pear,

pl e a s e  ?

A  332.

Q Page 332. A l l  ri g h t .  Now as c l e r k  of the

C i t y  of B r i ghton, w a s  it your r e s p o n s i b i l i t y  to 

n o t i f y  the c o u n c i l m a n  o f  the s p e c i a l  and r e g u l a r  

m e e t i n g s ,  m a ' a m ?

A  W e l l ,  the M a y o r  a s k e d  me t o  do i t .

Q T h a t ' s  ri g h t .  Y o u  a l w a y s  n o t i f i e d  them?

A  Yes.

MR. HOOD: T h a t  is all. I t h i n k  that is all,

Y o u r  H o n o r .

THE C O U R T :  A l l  ri g h t .



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C R O S S  E X A M I N A T I O N

Q (BY MR. B R O W N : )  Mrs. H i n d m a n ,  w e r e  y o u  the

c ier k - t r e a s u r e r  o f  the c i t y  i n  J a n u a r y  w h e n  this 

p r e s e n t  c o u n c i l  t o o k  o f f i c e ?

A No, sir.

Q Mrs. Reid w a s  the c l e r k ,  is that c o r r e c t ?

A Yes, sir.

Q W o u l d  yo u turn b a c k  to the o r g a n i z a t i o n a l

m e e t i n g ,  p l e a s e ,  of the c i t y  c o u n c i l  o f  Brighton, 

w h i c h  w o u l d  be in O c t o b e r  o f  last year.

A  W o u l d  it be O c t o b e r  2nd?

Q I w i l l  a s k  yo u  w h e t h e r  or no t  the m i n u t e

b o o k  r e f l e c t s  that o n  O c t o b e r  16, 1968, the c i t y  

c o u n c i l ,  the p r e s e n t  c i t y  c o u n c i l  m e t  in an organi 

z a t i o n a l  s e s s i o n ?

A  A  r e g u l a r  s e s s i o n .

Q R e a d  the first p a r a g r a p h .

A  "The C i t y  C o u n c i l  of the C i t y  of B r i g h t o n ,

A l a b a m a ,  m e t  in r e g u l a r  s e s s i o n  at C i t y  Hall, 7:30 

O ' c l o c k  P. M. M a y o r  P a r s o n s  p r e s i d e d  for the c o n ­

t i n u a t i o n  a n d  c o m p l e t i o n  o f  the r e c e s s e d  o r g a n i z a ­

t i o n a l  m e e t i n g  w h i c h  w a s  b e g u n  on the 7 t h  d a y  of 

O c t o b e r ,  1968.



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"The f o l l o w i n g  m e m b e r s  o f  the c o u n c i l  w e r e

p r e s e n t :

" M a y o r  E . B. Pars o n s ,  A l d e r m a n  L e o n a r d  L e w i s ,
\

A l d e r m a n  W a l t e r  J e n k i n s ,  W. M. Perry, R i c h a r d  L e w i s . "  

Q A t  that o r g a n i z a t i o n a l  s e s s i o n ,  d o e s  the

m i n u t e s  r e f l e c t  o r d i n a n c e  No. 6 - 6 8  wa s  a d o p t e d ?

A  Yes, sir.

Q And is that e n t i t l e d  -- the o r d i n a n c e  to be

e n t i t l e d ,  "An o r d i n a n c e  to e s t a b l i s h  r u l e s  and p r o ­

c e d u r e " ?  !

A  Yes, sir.

Q And I w i l l  hand you w h a t  p u r p o r t s  to be a

c o p y  of that o r d i n a n c e .  Is that a c o r r e c t  c o p y  of

the o r d i n a n c e ?

A  Yes, sir.

MR. HOOD: Let me see that, Mr. Brown.

MR. BROWN: L e t  me f i n i s h  i d e n t i f y i n g  it.
|

Is it s i g n e d  by e a c h  m e m b e r  o f  the c o u n c i l ,  to-wit,

E. B. P a r s o n s ,  R i c h a r d  Lewis, W. M. Perry, Fred W e s t ,  

W. E. J e n k i n s  and L e o n a r d  L e w i s ?

A Yes, sir.

Q Is it s t i l l  in e f f e c t  to y o u r  k n o w l e d g e ?

A  Yes, sir.



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MR. N E W T O N :  I w o u l d  like to a s k  her a q u e s ­

t i o n  or tw o  on v o i r  dire.

T H E  C O U R T :  A l l  r i g h t .

\
V O I R  D I R E  E X A M I N A T I O N

Q (BY MR. N E W T O N : )  Ma'am, is this a t t e s t e d

to by a n y o n e ?

A  Is it w h a t ?

Q A t t e s t e d  to by a n y o n e ,  the c l e r k ?

A  I d o n ' t  u n d e r s t a n d  w h a t  you mean.

T H E  C O U R T :  W i t n e s s e d  by the c l e r k ?

Q  Is it w i t n e s s e d  to or a t t e s t e d  to by an y

p e r s o n  o t h e r  t h a n  by these s i g n a t u r e s ?

A  I d o n ' t  know.

T H E  C O U R T :  It d o e s n ' t  show it.

Q  W e r e  you then the c l e r k  at this time?

A  No.

Q T h e n  you have no k n o w l e d g e  of this o t h e r

t h a n  h a v i n g  s e e n  t h is?

A  It is in the book.

THE C O U R T :  Th e  c o r r e s p o n d e n c e  t o  the o r i g i ­

n a l  r e c o r d s  o f  the m i n u t e s .

A Yes, sir



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3 8

THE C O U R T :  W h a t  is the s i g n i f i c a n c e  of

that?

MR. BROWN: The o n l y  p o i n t  I ' m  m a k i n g  is

S e c t i o n  3 of the o r d i n a n c e ,  w h i c h  p r o v i d e s  for 

s p e c i a l  m e e t i n g s .  I t h i n k  it is p e r t i n e n t  to the 

i n q u i r y  here. A n d  I w o u l d  like to r e a d  it for the 

r e c o r d .

TH E  COU R T :  A l l  right.

MR. BROWN: " S p e c i a l  m e e t i n g s  ma y  be h e l d

at the c a l l  of the m a y o r  by s e r v i n g  n o t i c e  to e a c h  

m e m b e r  of the c o u n c i l  not less than t w e n t y - f o u r  

hours before the time set for s u c h  s p e c i a l  m e e t i n g s ;  

or s p e c i a l  m e e t i n g s  m a y  be held as p r o v i d e d  by S e c ­

tion 430, T i tle 37, of the A l a b a m a  C o d e  of 1940, 

w h e n e v e r  two a l d e r m e n  r e q u e s t  in w r i t i n g  that the 

p r e s i d i n g  o f f i c e r  c a l l  s u c h  m e e t i n g ;  u p o n  the f a i l u r e  

or r e f u s a l  o f  the p r e s i d i n g  o f f i c e r  to c a l l  s u c h  

m e e t i n g  w h e n  r e q u e s t e d ,  the two a l d e r m e n  m a k i n g  the 

r e q u e s t  s h a l l  have the r i g h t  to c a l l  s u c h  m e e t i n g . "

T h e r e  is no w r i t t e n  n o t i c e  u n d e r  t h e i r  rules.

THE C O U R T :  U n d e r  t h e i r  s p e c i a l  r u l e s ,  ca n

t h e y  c a l l  t h e m  u n d e r  less than t w e n t y - f o u r  hours* 

n o t i c e ?  T h a t  s a i d  not less t h a n  t w e n t y - f o u r  hours.



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4 0 9  F e d e r a l  B u i l d i n g

B i r m i n g h a m ,  A l a b a m a

MR. BROWN: T h i s  under the s t a t u t e  has no

time s p e c i f i e d .

T H E  C O U R T :  I see. A r e  t h e r e  a n y  o t h e r  p r o ­

v i s i o n s  in t h e r e  w i t h  r e s p e c t  to p u b l i c a t i o n  of 

o r d i n a n c e s  ?

MR. BROWN: No, sir. T h a t  is c o v e r e d  by

the g e n e r a l  law w h i c h  w e  w i l l  f u r n i s h  Your H o nor 

w i t h  the c i t a t i o n s  o n  it.

T H E  C O U R T :  A l l  r i g h t .

MR. BROWN: B e f o r e  I a n s w e r  you, I w a n t  to

be sure I h a v e n ' t  o v e r l o o k e d  it. But we w o u l d  

c a l l  the C o u r t ' s  a t t e n t i o n ,  h o w e v e r ,  in e a c h  o f  

these m i n u t e s  that w e  have i n q u i r e d  i n t o  that all 

m e m b e r s  o f  the c o u n c i l  w e r e  p r e s e n t .  An d  I believe 

the law is, if t h e y  are p r e s e n t  and p a r t i c i p a t e  in 

the c o u n c i l  m e e t i n g s ,  that no t i c e  is not m a t e r i a l  

an y  further.

T H E  C O U R T :  I i m a g i n e  u n l e s s  y o u  s h o w  it

is p r e j u d i c i a l  some w a y .

MR. N E W T O N :  But if Y o u r  H o n o r  p l e a s e ,  w h i l e

n o t i c e  m a y  be w a i v e d ,  the s u b j e c t  m a t t e r  o f  the 

nee ting for w h i c h  it is c a l l e d  s h o u l d  be k n o w n  prior 

to a n y  s u c h  s p e c i a l  m e e t i n g .  A n d  that is a l s o  in



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------------------------------------------------------- 4 a

F e d e r a l  C o u r t  R e p o r t i n g  C o m p a n y

4 0 9  F e d e r a l  B u i l d i n g

B i r m i n g h a m ,  A l a b a m a

the g e n e r a l  law.

MR. HOOD: A n d  p u b l i c a t i o n ,  Y o u r  Honor, is

set out in T i t l e  37, S e c t i o n  462. A n d  this p u r p o r t e d  

i n s t r u m e n t  that is s o u g h t  to be i n t r o d u c e d  into e v i -  j 

d e n c e  is far from bei n g  s h o w n  to be a u t h e n t i c a t e d ,  

and v i o l a t e s  the best e v i d e n c e  rule.

TH E  COURT: It is just a d u p l i c a t e  o f  w h a t

you have got in the r e cord. So I d o n ' t  see a n y  e r r o r  

in o f f e r i n g  a d u p l i c a t e  c o p y  of the r e cord.

MR. BROWN: I o f f e r e d  the o r i g i n a l  ordinance.,

THE C O U R T :  For the c o n v e n i e n c e  of the Court,

I w o n ' t  have the o r i g i n a l  o r d i n a n c e  there w i t h  me.

I d o n ' t  s u p p o s e  unless there is some d i s c r e p a n c y  b e ­

t w e e n  the two, I w i l l  take the copy, b e c a u s e  of the 

s u b s t i t u t e  for the o t h e r s .

MR. HOOD: We r e n e w  our o b j e c t i o n ,  Y o u r

H o n o r .

MR. BROWN: W e  o f f e r  the co py of the o r d i ­

nance .

THE C O U R T :  If y o u  w a n t  to c h e c k  it a n d  find 

an y  d i f f e r e n c e ,  I w i l l  be h a p p y  to c o n s i d e r  the d i f -  

fere n e e .

MR. BROWN: W i t h  leave to p h o t o s t a t  the



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F e d e r a l  C o u r t  R e p o r t i n g  C o m p a n y

4 0 9  F e d e r a l  B u i l d i n g

B i r m i n g h a m ,  A l a b a m a

o r i g i n a l  o r d i n a n c e ,  for this o r d i n a n c e  w i l l show

k 1

th e

o r i g i n a l  p u b l i c a t i o n .

( D e f e n d a n t s *  E x h i b i t  1 w a s  m a r k e d  for i d e n ­

t i f i c a t i o n .  )

MR. HOOD: Judge, I m i g h t  r e s p e c t f u l l y  s u b ­

m i t  to the C o u r t ,  as to the p u b l i c a t i o n ,  the c l e r k  

has a l r e a d y  t e s t i f i e d  to, and of c o u r s e  those r e c o r d s ;  

w e r e  s u b p o e n a e d  to be before the C o u r t  today. A n d  

n o t  h a v i n g  b r o u g h t  t h o s e  r e c o r d s ,  I d o n ' t  t h i n k  we
I

o u g h t  to be b o und by these p u r p o r t e d  r e c o r d s  of t h e  j 

C i t y  of B r i g h t o n .  Th e  r e c o r d s  s h o u l d  be before t h e  

C o u r t  this m o r n i n g .

THE COURT: I u n d e r s t a n d  he is g o i n g  to bring

t h e m  in.

MR. B R O W N : If the C o u r t  please, this lady I

has b e e n  the c i t y  c l e r k  since the time she has t e s ­

t i f i e d  to, a n d  she is i n e x p e r i e n c e d  in t h ese matters.

I c a l l e d  Mrs. H i n d m a n ,  a n d  the mayor, and told them 

to o b e y  the s u b p o e n a ,  and have the r e c o r d s  here.

T h e y  c o n s i d e r e d  that c o p i e s  o f  the r e c o r d s ,  n o t  k n o w ­

in g  that the p u b l i c a t i o n  an d  the c e r t i f i c a t e  w o u l d  

be i n  issue, an d  t h e y  have b r o u g h t  c o p i e s  o f  the ordi­

n a n c e s  r a t h e r  t h a n  the o r d i n a n c e  book.



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TIE COURT: B r i n g  t h e  o r d i n a n c e  b o o k  o r  t h e I
o r i g i n a l ,  w h a t e v e r  y o u  h a v e .

MR. BROWN: We w i l l  h a v e  th e m  a t  t h e  e n d  o f

t h e  c o u r s e  o f  t h e  t r i a l .

MR. HOOD: L e t  me a s k  t h e  c l e r k  j u s t  on e

q u e s t i o n .  Now do y o u  h a v e  a n y  o t h e r  c o p i e s  o f  o r d i ­

n a n c e s  t h a t  h a v e  b e e n  i n t r o d u c e d  h e r e  a t  y o u r  o f f i c e  

t h a t  y o u  know o f  t h a t  h a v e  b e e n  c e r t i f i e d  by  y o u ?

A You mean t h a t  i s  on t h e  f i l e s ?

Q T h a t ' s  r i g h t .

A T h a t  i s  a  c o p y ?

Q T h a t ' s  r i g h t .  T h i s  i s  e x a c t l y  w h a t  is on

t h e  o t h e r  r e c o r d ,  i s  t h a t  r i g h t ?

A Y e s .  I

MR. HOOD: T h a t  i s  a l l .

A I t  i s  j u s t  l i k e  i t  i s  i n  t h e  b o o k  h e r e ,  t h e

m i n u t e  b o o k .

MR. HOOD: T h a t  i s  a l l ,  p l e a s e ,  m a 'a m .

CONTINUED CROSS EXAMINATION

Q (BY MR. BROWN:) M r s .  Hin dman,  t h e  o r d i n a n c e s !

t h a t  y o u  h a v e  t e s t i f i e d  t o ,  w e r e  t h e y  p r e p a r e d  by  

y o u  o r  p r e p a r e d  by  me?

F e d e r a l  C o u r t  R e p o r t i n g  C o m p a n y

4 0 9  F e d e r a l  B u i l d i n g

B i r m i n g h a m ,  A l a b a m a



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134

Federal Court Reporting Company
409 Federal Building 
Birmingham, Alabama

A Prepared by you.

Q All right. Now when we prepare ordinances 5

in my office, do we put a certificate of publication
i

on the bottom of the original, is that correct?

ME. NEWTON: Now, Your Honor, if she knows I

what goes on in his office --

THE COURT: Gentlemen, we are going to bring

these in here, aren't we?

MR. BROWN: But he is trying to get the lady j

to say that here the copy is the exact duplicate, 

and she doesn't know what he is getting at about the 

pub lication.

MR. NEWTON: At the same time he is trying

to get her £0 testify what is going on in his office.j

MR. BROWN: We are not trying to change any

records. She can stay in the presence of the Court 

and call the chief of police £0 bring the records 

up here.

THE COURT: Well, tell the chief of police

to bring them up here. It is not to impeach it on 

an immaterial issue. We want to get back to the 
gist of the matter, and the crux of it rather than 

on the p e r i p h e r y  on it.



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f e d e r a l  C o u r t  R e p o r t i n g  C o m p a n y

4 0 9  F e d e r a l  B u i l d i n g

B i r m i n g h a m ,  A l a b a m a

44

Q Now w h e n  yo u  w r i t e  the m i n u t e s ,  you d o n ' t

set f o r t h  all the p u b l i c a t i o n  c e r t i f i c a t e s  that are 

s h o w n  on the o r i g i n a l  o r d i n a n c e ,  b e c a u s e  p u b l i c a t i o n  

takes place a f ter the c o u n c i l  a d j o u r n s ,  d o e s n ' t  it?

MR. N E WTON: Ag a i n ,  Your Honor, if I m a y

o b j e c t  to c o u n s e l  t e s t i f y i n g .  I w o u l d  like to e n t e r  

that i n t o  the record.

THE C O U R T :  I t h i n k  it w o u l d  d e p e n d  on the

nat u r e  of the o r d i n a n c e  i n v o l v e d .  Some p e r m a n e n t  

o r d i n a n c e  of the c i t y  s t a t u t e  w o u l d  r e q u i r e  some 

p u b l i c a t i o n .

MR. BROWN: A f t e r  it is a d o p t e d ,  o n l y  a

z o n i n g  o r d i n a n c e  has to be p u b l i s h e d  in advan c e .

THE C O U R T :  A l l  right.

Q Now do y o u  have an o r d i n a n c e  b o o k  for the

c i t y ?

A Yes, sir.

Q  Are the o r i g i n a l  o r d i n a n c e s  a c t e d  on by the

c o u n c i l  k e p t  in that book?

A  Yes, sir.

Q A r e  they n u m b e r e d  s e r i a l l y ?

A  Yes, sir.

Q  Are t h e y  in y o u r  p o s s e s s i o n  h e r e  in C o u r t ?



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F e d e r a l  C o u r t  R e p o r t i n g  C o m p a n y

4 0 9  F e d e r a l  B u i l d i n g

B i r m i n g h a m ,  A l a b a m a

A No, sir.

Q They are at city hall?

A Yes, sir.

M-

THE COURTS I thinkyou better bring them.

Q Is somebody there that knows where the books

or the folders that you keep them in are?

A Mrs. Reid, I guess.

MR. BROWN: May we have a five minute recess

and let the mayor call?

THE COURT: Well, we will take a recess.

Does anyone els® want to ask this witness anything?

MR. BROWN: I think not at this time.

THE COURT: All right. We will take the 

regular recess of twenty minutes, and you get the 

people in here.

(WHEREUPON, proceedings were in recess from 

10:20 A. M. unti1 10:45 A. M. , following which the 

following occurred:)

THE COURT: Do you have any further from

this witness?

MR. BROWN: Not at this time.

MR. NEWTON: No, sir. We would like to re­

serve the right to recall the witness.



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F e d e r a l  C o u r t  R e p o r t i n g  C o m p a n y

4 0 9  F e d e r a l  B u i l d i n g

B i r m i n g h a m ,  A l a b a m a

46

MR. N E W TON: I w o u l d  like to use the b o o k

for my next w i t n e s s .

THE C O U R T :  Okay. L e a v e  it r i g h t  there.
V

C a l l  your n e x t  w i t n e s s .

MR. N E W T O N :  I call M a y o r  Pars o n s .

M A Y O R  E. B. P A R S O N S .

b e i n g  p r e v i o u s l y  d u l y  sworn, t e s t i f i e d  as f o l l o w s :

D I R E C T  E X A M I N A T I O N

Q (BY MR. N E W T O N : )  Sta t e  your name, please,

s i r .

A  E. B. Parsons.

Q Mr. Parsons, are you the m a y o r  of the C i t y

of B r i g h t o n ?

A  Yes .

Q An d  how long have you b e e n  m a y o r  o f  the C i t y

of B r i g h t o n ?

A T h i r t e e n  y e a r s - -  a b o u t  t h i r t e e n  and a half.

Q T h e n  you w e r e  m a y o r  of the C i t y  of B r i g h t o n

d u r i n g  the m o n t h  o f  July, A u g u s t ,  an d  S e p t e m b e r  of 

this yea r ?

A  Y e s .

Q  Ma y o r ,  on the o c c a s i o n  o f  -- I w o u l d  like to



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Federal Court Reporting Company 
409 Federal Building
Birmingham, Alabama 41

a s k  you, sir, and w h i l e  I ' m  d o i n g  that, as mayor, 

y o u ' r e  the p r e s i d i n g  o f f i c e r  o f  the c i t y  c o u n c i l ,  

is that c o r r e c t ?

A  Yes, I am.

Q I w o u l d  like to a s k  you to look at page

325 o f  that r e c o r d  b o o k  that w a s  p r e v i o u s l y  o f f e r e d  

i n t o  e v i d e n c e ,  and I w o u l d  like for yo u  to r e a d  

b e g i n n i n g  w i t h  a d i s c u s s i o n  of the m i n u t e s  there, 

s i r .

THE C O U R T :  W h a t  date is t h is?

A  J u l y  16th.

MR. NEWTON: J u l y  16th. Now first of all,

m a y  I see P l a i n t i f f s '  E x h i b i t  1. I b e l i e v e  it is 

r i g h t  t h ere by you, Y o u r  Honor. In those m i n u t e s ,  

it r e f e r s  to a r e s o l u t i o n  by t w o  m e m b e r s  o f  the 

c i t y  c o u n c i l .  Is that that r e s o l u t i o n ?

A  It is.

Q L e t  the r e c o r d  show the m a y o r  i d e n t i f i e d

P l a i n t i f f s '  E x h i b i t  1 as b e ing the r e s o l u t i o n  r e ­

f e r r e d  to.

Now, M a y o r  Parsons, w o u l d  y o u  rea d ,  please, 

sir, t h a t  p a r t  of those m i n u t e s  b e g i n n i n g  w i t h  a

d i s c u s  sion.



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F e d e r a l  C o u r t  R e p o r t i n g  C o m p a n y

4 0 9  F e d e r a l  B u i l d i n g

B i r m i n g h a m ,  A l a b a m a

4-8-

A  "A d i s c u s s i o n  f o l l o w e d ,  and it w a s  d i s c l o s e d

that the r e s o l u t i o n  as it wa s  w o r d e d  w a s  of a p e r m a -
j

n e n t  nature, and c o u l d  not be a d o p t e d  at the same 

m e e t i n g  at w h i c h  it w a s  i n t r o d u c e d  u n l e s s  u n a n i m o u s  

c o n s e n t  of all m e m b e r s  p r e s e n t  w a s  first o b t a i n e d . "

Q A l l  ri g h t ,  sir. Now, Mayor, I w o u l d  like to

a s k  you to look at P l a i n t i f f s '  E x h i b i t  1, and r e a d  it, 

sir, b e g i n n i n g  w i t h ,  "W h e r e a s " .

MR. BROWN: Let ' s  read it all if w e  are g o i n g

to r e a d  it.

MR. NEWTON: That w a s  just s a v i n g  some time.

It w a s  the guts of it, but he m a y  r e a d  it all, sir.

A  "State of A l a b a m a ,  J e f f e r s o n  C o u n t y ,  C i t y

of B r i g h t o n

" R E S O L U T I O N :  |

"To the M a y o r  and C o u n c i l m e n  of B r ighton,

A l a b a m a :

"We, C o u n c i l m a n  W a l t e r  E. J e n k i n s  an d  L e o n a r d  

Lewis, h e r e b y  r e s p e c t f u l l y  o f f e r  the f o l l o w i n g  r e s o ­

lution:

"R E S O L V E D :

"Wh e r e a s ,  there is a g r e a t  need for a c o m ­

m u n i t y  s e r v i c e  b u i l d i n g  for the C i t y  of B r ighton,



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F e d e r a l  C o u r t  R e p o r t i n g  C o m p a n y

4 0 9  F e d e r a l  B u i l d i n g

B i r m i n g h a m ,  A l a b a m a

45-

A l a b a m a ,  and for the g r e a t e r  p u r p o s e  of h o u s i n g  all 

a n t i - p o v e r t y  c o m m u n i t y  a c t i o n  and food s t a m p  program!! 

that c a n  be of a g r e a t  b e n e f i t  to all our p e o p l e  and 

p t e v e n t  t h e i r  h a v i n g  to g o  to o t h e r  c i t i e s  or a r eas 

to e n j o y  the a f o r e m e n t i o n e d  p r o g r a m s .

"We move that the C i t y  of B r i g h t o n  r e nt, 

lease, or p u r c h a s e  the old B r i g h t o n  J u n i o r  H i g h  

S c h o o l  now v a c a n t ,  to be u s e d  for the p u r p o s e s  set 

out above. T i m e  b e i n g  of the i m p o r t a n c e .

" R e s p e c t f u l l y  s u b m i t t e d ,
I

"L. L e w i s

"W. E. J e n k i n s "

Q A l l  r i g h t ,  sir. And w a s  this the r e s o l u t i o n

of w h i c h  y o u  r u l e d  that it w a s  of a p e r m a n e n t  nature j

and c o u l d  not be a c t e d  o n  at t h a t  m e e t i n g  w i t h o u t  a 

u n a n i m o u s  a p p r o v a l ?

A  It w a s  d u r i n g  the d i s c u s s i o n  w e  a s k e d  our

l e gal d e p a r t m e n t  on that for that.

Q A n d  y o u  a l s o  m a d e  that r u l i n g  at that time

as r e f l e c t e d  in those m i n u t e s ?

A Ri g h t .

Q Now w i l l  you t u r n  to the m i n u t e s  of, I believe,

A u g u s t  12th. No w  c a n  y o u  t e l l  us at that m e e t i n g ,



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F e d e r a l  C o u r t  R e p o r t i n g  C o m p a n y

4 0 9  F e d e r a l  B u i l d i n g

B i r m i n g h a m ,  A l a b a m a

w h e t h e r  the c i t y  c o u n c i l  a g r e e d  to lease that p r o p e r ­

ty to H o o v e r  A c a d e m y ?
j

A  Yes, this is the m e e t i n g .

Q Now w a s  that the first time that this w a s
|

b r o u g h t  before y o u r  c i t y  c o u n c i l ,  the q u e s t i o n  of 

e i t h e r  l e a s i n g  or s e l l i n g  to H o o v e r  A c a d e m y ?

A  T h i s  is the m e e t i n g  w h e r e  Mr. S m i t h  --

T H E  COU R T :  T h a t  is the m e e t i n g  of A u g u s t

12th, i s n ' t  it?

A  The m e e t i n g  of A u g u s t  12th. No, it w a s  the

m e e t i n g  before this m e e t i n g  here.

Q T h a t  m e e t i n g  of —  w e l l ,  w h i l e  w e  are on

that m e e t i n g  of A u g u s t  12th, d i d  y o u  a u t h o r i z e  the 

c i t y  c l e r k  to n o t i f y  the c o u n c i l m a n  to c o m e  to that 

m e e t i n g  on A u g u s t  12th?

A  Yes, I did.

Q Di d  you a u t h o r i z e  the c i t y  c l e r k  to tell

e a c h  and e v e r y  m e m b e r  o f  the c i t y  c o u n c i l  the purpose’ 

for w h i c h  that m e e t i n g  was bei n g  c a l l e d ?

A  No.

Q  T h e n  is it a fact, sir, that the p u r p o s e  of

the m e e t i n g  w a s  o n l y  a n n o u n c e d  a f t e r  the c o u n c i I m e n  

w e r e  there o n  A u g u s t  12th?



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F e d e r a l  C o u r t  R e p o r t i n g  C o m p a n y

4 0 9  F e d e r a l  B u i l d i n g

B i r m i n g h a m ,  A l a b a m a

A  Right.

Q A l l  r i g h t ,  sir. C a n  y o u  tell us w h e n  you

told the c i t y  c l e r k  w h e n  to c a l l  the m e e t i n g ?

A' W h a t  date does A u g u s t  1 2 t h  -- w h a t  d a y  w a s

that on?

q  A u g u s t  1 2 t h  w a s  on M o n d a y  -- no, sir, that

is w r o n g .

A  W e ll, w e  give t h e m  t w e n t y - f o u r  hours.

Q W a i t  just a m i n u t e .

A I w a s  g o i n g  to a n s w e r  your q u e s t i o n .

Q I d o n ' t  w a n t  to know w h a t  you n o r m a l l y  did.

I w a n t  to know w h a t  y o u  did on this o c c a s i o n .

W h e n  did the c l e r k  c a l l  these people, if you

know?

A  it w o u l d  be M o n d a y  if T u e s d a y  w a s  the 12th. j
i1

Q D o y o u  know of your o w n  k n o w l e d g e  that she

c a l l e d  t h e m  the d a y  p r e v i o u s  to the mee ting?

A  No, I d o n ' t  know that she did call. She

wa s  told to call.

q  A l l  ri g h t ,  sir. Now let's go b a c k  to the

m e e t i n g  of A u g u s t  6th, M a y o r  P a r s o n s .  L o o k  at -- 

A  L e t  me ge t  b a c k  to this last a n s w e r  though.

I said I did not k n o w  she c a l l e d .  I do c h e c k  her



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F e d e r a l  C o u r t  R e p o r t i n g  C o m p a n y

4 0 9  F e d e r a l  B u i l d i n g

B i r m i n g h a m , A l a b a m a

and a s k  her if she calls, an d  she told me she did. 

Q No w  w h e n  di d  y o u  c h e c k  her?

A W o u l d  have been o n  M o n d a y .
\

Q On M o n d a y ?

A Right.

TI E  COURT: I d o n  t see a n y  c a l e n d a r  a r o u n d

here a n y w h e r e  .

A S o m e b o d y  said it w a s  T u e s d a y .

THE COURT: A u g u s t  12th w a s  on T u e s d a y .

Q A l l  right, sir. Now is it --

T H E  COURT: And she c a l l e d  on M o n d a y ?

A On Monday.

Q It is your t e s t i m o n y  that e a c h  and e v e r y

m e m b e r  o f  this c i t y  c o u n c i l  got no t i c e  of this m e e t ­

ing t w e n t y - f o u r  hours before the m e e t i n g  w a s  held, 

this is your t e s t i m o n y ?

A Right, to the best of my k n o w l e d g e .

Q W e l l  no w  I w o u l d  like to know if they did

or if they did not, if y o u  know.

HR. BROWN: W e l l  now, if the C o u r t  p l e a s e , --

T H E  C O U R T :  I t h i n k  the C o u r t  u n d e r s t a n d s

that he told the c l e r k  to call, a n d  he c h e c k e d  back, 

a n d  she had c a l l e d ,  a n d  that is the s u b s t a n c e  o f  his



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F e d e r a l  C o u r t  R e p o r t i n g  C o m p a n y

4 0 9  F e d e r a l  B u i l d i n g

B i r m i n g h a m ,  A l a b a m a

il

te s t i m o n y .

Q W o u l d  y o u  l o o k  at your m i n u t e s  of A u g u s t

6th. Was there any m e n t i o n  of the sale or lease to 

H d o v e r  A c a d e m y  the p r o p e r t y  in that m e e t i n g  of 

A u g u s t  6th?

A  Yes, it was.

Q W o u l d  you tell us w h a t  h a p p e n e d  at that

m e e t i n g  t h a t  the r e c o r d  r e f l e c t s ?

A Says, " D u r i n g  the d i s c u s s i o n ,  a Mr. C. L.

S m i t h  s o u g h t  r e c o g n i t i o n  from the a u d i e n c e ,  and the 

M a y o r  i n q u i r e d  o f  the c o u n c i l  o f  there w e r e  any 

o b j e c t i o n s  to r e c o g n i z i n g  Mr. Smith, and there being 

no o b j e c t i o n s ,  Mr. S m i t h  w a s  r e c o g n i z e d  and made 

k n o w n  the fact to the c o u n c i l  that the Ho o v e r  A c a ­

d e m y  w o u l d  like to s u b m i t  a p r o p o s a l  to lease the 

B r i g h t o n  J u n i o r  H i g h  S c h o o l  b u i l d i n g ,  a n d  r e q u e s t e d  

an o p p o r t u n i t y  to s u b m i t  a c o n c r e t e  p r o p o s a l  to 

lease the p r o p e r t y . "

Q A l l  right, sir.

MR. L O C K E : E x c u s e  me. W h a t  w a s  the date

o f  that, please, sir?

A

Q

A u g u s t  6th.

A l l  ri g h t .  Now w a s  a n y  s u c h  p r o p o s a l  made



145
F e d e r a l  C o u r t  R e p o r t i n g  C o m p a n y

4 0 9  F e d e r a l  B u i l d i n g

B i r m i n g h a m ,  A l a b a m a

5 4

at that m e e t i n g  of A u g u s t  6th?

A  No.

Q T h e n  I g a t h e r  that the n e x t  p r o p o s a l  w a s
\

made at the m e e t i n g  of A u g u s t  12th, 1969, the p r o ­

posal, the o n l y  p r o p o s a l ?

A  No. B e t w e e n  A u g u s t  6 t h  and A u g u s t  12th,

I m e t  w i t h  Mrs. Stanton, a f t e r  the c o u n c i l  gave me 

the a u t h o r i t y  at this A u g u s t  6 t h  m e e t i n g  to m e e t  

w i t h  them.

Q W i l l  yo u  r e a d  that p o r t i o n  of that a u t h o r i t y

f r o m  the m i n u t e s  of A u g u s t  6th?

A  " A l d e r m a n  W e s t  then m o v e d  that the m a y o r  be

a u t h o r i z e d  to n e g o t i a t e  w i t h  r e p r e s e n t a t i v e s  of the 

H o o v e r  A c a d e m y  c o n c e r n i n g  t h eir p r o p o s a l  an d  to r e ­

p o r t  a n y  p r o p o s a l s  the a c a d e m y  m i g h t  have b a c k  to 

the c o u n c i l .  The m o t i o n  wa s  s e c o n d e d  by A l d e r m a n  

Perry, a n d  v o t e  of the c o u n c i l  wa s  as f o l l o w s : "

Q R e a d  that, sir.

A  " A l d e r m a n  L e o n a r d  Lewis, 'Aye'.

" A l d e r m a n  R i c h a r d  Lewis, 'Aye*.

" A l d e r m a n  J e n k i n s ,  'Aye'.

" A l d e r m a n  W. M. Perry, 'Nay'.

" A l d e r m a n  West, 'Nay'.



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"Mayor Parsons, 'Nay'."

Q A l l  r i g h t ,  sir. Now did yo u  have a n y  --

w h o  was Mr. Smith, w h o  a s k e d  for r e c o g n i t i o n ?

A  He w a s  tlie r e p r e s e n t a t i v e  or he i d e n t i f i e d

h i m s e l f  as b e ing the r e p r e s e n t a t i v e  of H o o v e r  A c a ­

d e m y  .

Q A l l  r i g h t .  A n d  as you say, you subsequently

met w i t h  s o m e o n e  e l s e ?

A llight.

Q A n d  w h o  w a s  that perso n?

A Mrs. Stan t o n .

Q A n d  how did you h a p p e n  to meet w i t h  Mrs.

S t a n t o n ;  did Mr. S m i t h  a r r a n g e  the m e e t i n g  between 

yo u  and Mrs. S t a n t o n ?
j

A  I have f o r g o t t e n  w h e t h e r  Mrs. S t a n t o n  c a l l e d j

me or Mr. -- e i t h e r  Mr. L o c k e  —  I ' m  a little c o n ­

fused on this. But w e  me t  in Mr. B r o w n ' s  office, 

an d  the m e e t i n g  w a s  set up. I b e l i e v e  I a s ked Mr. 

B r o w n  to set the m e e t i n g  up.

Q So t h e n  you, as m a y o r  o f  the city, initiated

the m e e t i n g  and n e g o t i a t i o n s  b e t w e e n  the C i t y  of

B r i g h t o n  an d  H o o v e r  A c a d e m y ?

A  W e l l ,  yes, sir. A f t e r  the c o u n c i l  gave me



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Federal C o u r t  R e p o r t i n g  C o m p a n y

4 0 9  F e d e r a l  B u i l d i n g

B i r m i n g h a m ,  A l a b a m a

54-

this a u t h o r i t y ,  or had in our m e e t i n g  here, that I 

w a s  to n e g o t i a t e  a c o n t r a c t  w i t h  them, and that is 

w  he n we

Q 1 Did those m i n u t e s  s a y  y o u  w e r e  to n e g o t i a t e

a c o n t r a c t  w i t h  them?

A  To n e g o t i a t e  -- no. That is -- let me r e a d

this again. " A l d e r m a n  W e s t  t h e n  m o v e d  that the m a y o r  

be a u t h o r i z e d  to n e g o t i a t e  w i t h  r e p r e s e n t a t i v e s  of 

the H o o v e r  A c a d e m y  c o n c e r n i n g  their p r o p o s a l  a n d  to

r e p o r t  an y  p r o p o s a l s  the a c a d e m y  m i g h t  have back to |
i

the c o u n c i l . "

Q A l l  ri g h t ,  sir. A n d  b e t w e e n  that A u g u s t

6 t h  m e e t i n g ,  y o u r  next m e e t i n g  w a s  A u g u s t  12th?

A Right.

Q A n d  you m a d e  a r e p o r t ,  and had an e l e c t i o n  |

that same ni g h t ,  is that c o r r e c t ,  had a vote on it 

that same ni g h t ?

A  Right.

Q A n d  o n  A u g u s t  12th, you v o t e d  to lease to

H o o v e r  A c a d e m y ,  is that c o r r e c t ?

A  That is c o r r e c t .

Q Y o u  did not have a u n a n i m o u s  vote, did you?

As a m a t t e r  of fact, you had a tie, an d  yo u  bro k e  th$

i



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F e d e r a l  C o u r t  R e p o r t i n g  C o m p a n y

4 0 9  F e d e r a l  B u i l d i n g

Birm ingham , Alabam a
Si-

tie by v o t i n g  twice, is that c o r r e c t ?

A  Right. M y  u n d e r s t a n d i n g  on that, if I might

add this, that in c a s e  of a tie, t h e n  I w a s  r e q u i r e d  

by law to untie it.

Q Is it a l s o  your u n d e r s t a n d i n g  that y o u r  vote

w h i c h  m a y  c r e a t e  a tie is p e r m i s s i v e  and not m a n d a ­

tory?

A  It is p e r m i s s i v e .
I

Q Now is it a fact that you e f f e c t i v e l y  created]

the tie and broke the tie in this i n s t a n c e ,  is that 

c o r r e c  t ?

A  A c c o r d i n g  to the r e c o r d s  here, I did vote

I w a s  the s i x t h  p e r s o n  that voted, w h i c h  w o u l d  have 

c r e a t e d  a tie.

Q By b e i n g  the s i x t h  p e r s o n  to v o te, you then

c r e a t e d  a tie, is that c o r r e c t ?

A  Right.

Q An d  t h e n  by bei n g  the s e v e n t h  p e r s o n  to vote,

y o u  broke the tie?

A  Ri g h t .

Q A n d  you are one an d  the s a m e  p e r s o n  w h o  c r e ­

a t e d  an d  broke the tie?

A Yes I v o t e d  to tie it, a n d  t h e n  I v o t e d



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to u n t i e  it.

F e d e r a l  C o u r t  R e p o r t i n g  C o m p a n y

4 0 9  F e d e r a l  B u i l d i n g

Birmingham, Alabama
58

Q Your Honor, m a y  I see E x h i b i t  1 again.

THE COURT: Was there any a c t i o n  t a k e n  on

this J u l y  1 6 t h  r e s o l u t i o n  of a n y  k i nd? It a p p e a r s  

that the c i t y  o w n e d  the p r o p e r t y  at that time. The 

c o u n c i l m e n  d i d n ' t  know that fact, is that -- in 

o t her w o r d s ,  that r e s o l u t i o n  says that t h e y  lease 

or sell.

MR. BROWN: I w i l l  e x p e c t  to d e v e l o p  that

fur t h e r .

MR. NEWTON: I had p l a n n e d  to a s k  the M a y o r .

If at y o u r  m e e t i n g  of J u l y  16th, did the C i t y  of 

B r i g h t o n  own the B r i g h t o n  J u n i o r  H i g h  S c h o o l  b u i l d ­

ing at that time?

A Yes, w e  did o w n  it.

Q A l l  ri g h t .  So then it w a s  public p r o p e r t y

o w n e d  by the C i t y  of B r i g h t o n  at that time?

A  Right.

Q An d  --

MR. L O C K E :  M a y  I a s k  c o u n s e l  at this point,

he used the ph r a s e  a w h i l e  back, one m a n  one vote.

Is that -- for my e n l i g h t e n m e n t ,  is that w h a t  yoi/re 

q u e s t i o n i n g  the w i t n e s s  about?



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TH E  C O U R T :  I d i d n ' t  k n o w  w h a t  --

MR. N E W T O N :  No. I ' m  q u e s t i o n i n g  the w i t ­

ness a b o u t  on the q u e s t i o n  I have a s k e d  him, however 

w e  have -- y o u  m a y  not have b e e n  p r e s e n t .  But it is 

part of the r e cord, w e  have c h a l l e n g e d  the c o n s t i ­

t u t i o n a l i t y  that g i v e s  the m a n  the r i g h t  to vote 

t w i c e .

MR. L O C K E :  Y o u  have the a u t h o r i t y  on a

one m a n  one v o t e ?

T H E  C O U R T :  T h i s  r e s o l u t i o n  o f  A u g u s t  12th

w a s  inapt, b e c a u s e  you a l r e a d y  o w n e d  the property, 

the c i t y  did, and there is no q u e s t i o n  of r e n t i n g  

and l e a s i n g  or p u r c h a s i n g  it.

MR. N E W T O N :  Your Honor, I t h i n k  the Court

m i g h t  not be u n d e r s t a n d i n g ,  as I u n d e r s t a n d  it rathe^, 

w h a t  the r e s o l u t i o n  is about. T h e y  a s k e d  t h e m  to 

let t h e m  use this p r o p e r t y  for per s o n a l .

T H E  C O U R T :  T h a t  is in the w h e r e a s  provision

MR. N E W TON: Right. T h e n  he says w e  move

that it rent, lease or p u r c h a s e  the o l d  B r i g h t o n  

H i g h  S c h o o l  b u i l d i n g  now b e i n g  used for the purpose 

as set out above. A n d  o b v i o u s l y  t h e y  t h e n  owned it. 

A n d  of c o u r s e  the o n l y  r e a s o n  in the m i n u t e s  for not



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F e d e r a l  C o u r t  R e p o r t i n g  C o m p a n y

4 0 9  F e d e r a l  B u i l d i n g

Birm ingham , Alabam a
60

h e a r i n g  itwas the fact that it w a s  o f  a p e r m a n e n t  

nature. That w a s  the a n s w e r  g i v e n  to the m o v a n t s  

in this i n s t a n c e ,  the r e a s o n  we w o n ' t  c o n s i d e r  it, 

tills is o f  a p e r m a n e n t  nature, yet on A u g u s t  12th, 

they do the same thing.

T H E  C O U R T :  Of c o u r s e  I d o n ' t  t h i n k  t h e i r

c o n s t r u c t i o n  of an o r d i n a n c e  w o u l d  make it p e r m a ­

nent or m a k e  it t e m p o r a r y .  It is w h a t  the law w o u l d  

sa y  w a s  p e r m a n e n t  and w h a t  is t e m p o r a r y ,  and that 

is one of the t h i n g s  I w a n t  you to c o v e r  in the 

a r g u m e n t  and the brief in this c a u s e .  A l l  ri g h t ,  

p r o c e e d .

Q A l l  right, sir. Now s u b s e q u e n t  to a c o u r t

h e a r i n g  in w h i c h  your c i t y  a t t o r n e y w a s  p r e s e n t ,  yo u  j 

c a l l e d  the s e c o n d  c a l l e d  m e e t i n g ,  is that r i g h t ?

A  Right.

Q A n d  how w a s  that m e e t i n g  c a l l e d ?

A  Let me see w h a t  date

TH E  C O U R T :  W h a t  m e e t i n g  are y o u  r e f e r r i n g

to there? T h e r e  are a series of m e e t i n g s .

MR. N E W T O N :  Yes, sir.

TH E  C O U R T :  The A u g u s t  6 t h  m e e t i n g  w a s  to
/

c o n s i d e r ,  and A u g u s t  1 2 t h  w a s  to lease, and now



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B i r m i n g h a m ,  A l a b a m a

1L

S e p t e m b e r  8th.

MR. N E W T O N :  A n d  had a h e a r i n g  in this

C o u r t  and then t h ere w a s  a n o t h e r  m e e t i n g  c a l l e d .

THE CO U R T :  That w a s  the m e e t i n g  at w h i c h

it w a s  r e s o l v e d  to s e l l  it, I pres u m e .

MR. N E W TON: Yes, sir. A n d  I t h i n k  it is

i m p o r t a n t  to note that that f o l l o w e d  this m e e t i n g ,  

b e c a u s e  the C o u r t  m a d e  some s t a t e m e n t s ,  I think, 

that p r o m p t e d  it.

W h a t  w a s  the date o f  the s e c o n d  c a l l e d  m e e t ­

ing?

A S e p t e m b e r  8th.

THE CO U R T :  S e p t e m b e r  8th.

A Now that is the s e c o n d  c a l l e d  m e e t i n g .

Q A l l  r i g h t ,  sir. Now w h a t  m e t h o d  did you

use, M a y o r  Parso n s ,  to c a l l  that m e e t i n g  of S e p t e m ­

ber 8th?

A  This m e e t i n g ,  w e  a s k e d  our police d e p a r t ­

m e n t  to c o n t a c t  Mr. Sims and Mr. Bates. T h e y  

w e n t  to e a c h  c o u n c i l m a n ’s home.

Q A l l  r i g h t , sir. So t h e n  the c i t y  c o u n c i l

got n o t i c e  o f  the s e c o n d  m e e t i n g  t h r o u g h  the po l i c e  

d e p a r t m e n t ?  Now w h e n  you say w e  did, y o u  as m a y o r



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a s k e d  the po l i c e  d e p a r t m e n t  to c o n t a c t  e a c h  c o u n c i l

m e m b e r  ?

A  I did.

Q W h e n  did y o u  give t h e m  that n o t i f i c a t i o n ?

A  A g a i n  I w a n t  to know w h a t  da y  S e p t e m b e r  8 t h

i s .

THE C O U R T :  S e p t e m b e r  8 t h  is on --

MR. LOCKE: S e p t e m b e r  8 t h  w o u l d  be M o n d a y .

A  M o n d a y .

Q Now did y o u  tell the police c h i e f  on S u n d a y

to do this then?

A T h e y  e i t h e r  n o t i f i e d  t h e m  on S a t u r d a y  or

Sunday. I told them to be sure to give t h e m  t w e n t y -  

four hours' notice. And it w a s  o n  -- w e l l ,  it w a s  

the lat t e r  part of the w e e k ,  F r i d a y  or S a t u r d a y ,  is 

w h e n  I a s k e d  t h e m  to n o t i f y  e a c h  c o u n c i l m a n .

Q A l l  right. Did y o u  c h e c k  to see if that

had b e e n  d o n e ?

A I did.

Q  A l l  r i g h t .  W h o  did you c h e c k  w i t h ?

A  The c h i e f  o f  police, Mr. Sims.

Q Did he t e l l  you he had p e r s o n a l l y  n o t i f i e d

e v e r y o n e ?



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B i r m i n g h a m ,  A l a b a m a

A  He told me that they h a d  b e e n  n o t i f i e d .

Now w h e t h e r  he s a i d  p e r s o n a l l y  or had told their 

family, some of the i r  family, I have f o r g o t t e n .

O' Let me as k  y o u  this: U n d e r  your r u l e s  and

r e g u l a t i o n s  that you a d o p t e d  at the o r g a n i z a t i o n a l  

m e e t i n g  p r e v i o u s l y  r e f e r r e d  to here, is one of the 

m e t h o d s  of n o t i f y i n g  m e m b e r s  o f  the c o u n c i l  is by 

t e l l i n g  t h e i r  w i v e s  or their c h i l d r e n ?

A W e l l ,  we get t h e m  -- try to get t h e m  by

w o r d .  A n d  n i n e t y - n i n e  out of a h u n d r e d  t i mes they 

are all p r e s e n t .  So w e  feel like that t h e y  do get 

w o r d  of the m e e t i n g s .

Q A l l  r i g h t , s i r .

THE C O U R T :  T h e y s h o w e d  up a n y h o w ?

A T h e y  s h o w e d  up.

Q But by v i r t u e  of the fact they shew up,

does that prove that that s q u a r e s  w i t h your t w e n t y -

four hour n o t i c e  p r o v i s i o n  in y o u r

M R . BROWN: We o b j e c t  to that.

TH E  C O U R T :  S u s t a i n  the o b j e c t i o n .  That is

a r g u m e n t a t i v e .

MR. N E W T O N :  We e x c e p t .

Now w e  have b e e n  talking, M a y o r  Parsons, about



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4 0 9  F e d e r a l  B u i l d i n g

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4 4

a b o o k  w h e r e  the o r i g i n a l s  o f  the s e  d o c u m e n t s  w e r e  

kept, and I w o u l d  like to as k  y o u  if this is that 

book?

A  Yes, sir.

Q Now I w o u l d  like to a s k  y o u  to look at this

o r d i n a n c e  to sell, o r d i n a n c e  No. 3~69, d a t e d  the 

8 t h  d a y  of S e p t e m b e r ,  1969, and a s k  you if this is ! 

your s i g n a t u r e ?

A  It is.

Q A n d  I w o u l d  like to a s k  y o u  if there is any

c e r t i f i c a t i o n  by the c l e r k  o n  this o r d e r ?

A No, it is not on this.

THE COU R T :  W h a t  is that? Is that a n o t h e r

o r d i n a n c e  or is that the same o r d i n a n c e ?

MR. NEWTON: No, sir. This is the o r d i n a n c e

to sell.
I

I w o u l d  like to show you, s i r , a l s o  in this 

book o r d i n a n c e  No. 2-69, and it is d a t e d  the 1 2 t h  o f  

A u g u s t ,  1969, and I w o u l d  like to ask yo u  if this is 

your s i g n a t u r e  here, sir?

A  It is.

Q A n d  I w o u l d  like to a s k  yo u  a g a i n  if there

is a n y  c e r t i f i c a t i o n  by the c i t y  c l e r k ?



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A  It is not.

Q And, sir, is this the o r d i n a n c e  to lease the

p r o p e r t y  to H o o v e r  A c a d e m y ?

A  It is.

Q A n d  o r d i n a n c e  3-69, w a s  that the o r d i n a n c e

to s e l l  to H o o v e r  A c a d e m y ?

A It is.

Q An d  it is your t e s t i m o n y  that there is no

s u c h  c e r t i f i c a t i o n  by the c l e r k  in e i t h e r  o r d i n a n c e  

2 - 6 9  or o r d i n a n c e  3~69?

A  T h a t ' s  rig h t .

MR. NEWTON: I b e l i e v e  that is al l  I have,

s i r .

T H E  C O U R T :  A l l  right.

C R O S S  E X A M I N A T I O N

Q (BY MR. B R OWN:) M a y o r ,  the c o u n c i l  w a s  c o m ­

p o s e d  o f  the same i n d i v i d u a l s  d u r i n g  a l l  of these 

m e e t i n g s  that you w e r e  d i s c u s s i n g  on your d i r e c t  

e x a m i n a t i o n ,  the same i n d i v i d u a l s  w h o  w e r e  at the 

o r g a n i z a t i o n a l  m e e t i n g ,  t h ere has been no c h a n g e  in 

the p r e s e n t  c o u n c i l  s i n c e  it t o o k  o f f i c e  in October 

o f  last y e a r ?

Federal Court Reporting Company
4 0 9  F e d e r a l  B u i l d i n g

B i r m i n g h a m ,  A l a b a m a



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66

A  T h a t  is c o r r e c t ,  the same c o u n c i l .

Q Now have y o u  had o c c a s i o n s  o v e r  the y e a r s

to have m a n y  or few s p e c i a l  m e e t i n g s  of the council?! 

A  W e l l ,  I w o u l d  say s e v e r a l .

Q This p r e s e n t  c o u n c i l ,  have they had s e v e r a l

s p e c i a l  m e e t i n g s  r e l a t e d  to o t h e r  m a t t e r s  o t h e r  

t h a n  the H o o v e r  A c a d e m y  p r o p e r t y ?

A  I c a n ’t r e c a l l  unl e s s  I go b a c k  to the m i n -  !
I

utes. But it seems it m i g h t  have been one. But I 

w o u l d  have to c h e c k  the m i n u t e s  here to be sure on 

t h a t .

Q Well, have y o u  had s p e c i a l  m e e t i n g s  at the

r e q u e s t  of the b l a c k  m e m b e r s  of the c o u n c i l  r e l a t i v e  

to fire plugs and the p a r k  and things of that nature)?

MR. HOOD: We o b j e c t  to that, i r r e l e v a n t ,

i n c o m p e t e n t ,  i m m a t e r i a l ,  v i o l a t e s  the e v i d e n c e  w r i t ­

ten bef o r e  the C o u r t ,  and i r r e l e v a n t ,  i m m a t e r i a l ,  

incorape t e n t .

T H E  C O U R T :  O v e r r u l e d .

MR. BROWN: I * m  t r y i n g  to show - - g o  ahead.

MR. NEWTON: The m i n u t e  b o o k  is r i g h t  there,

Y o u r  Honor, if he c a n  point out a n y  s u c h  s p e c i a l  

m e e t i n g s .



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B i r m i n g h a m ,  A l a b a m a

hi

Q The method by which these special meetings i

were called, by the notice, were they any different

t han what has been the practice over the thirteen
\years that you have been the mayor?

A No.

Q Have you ever gone through any formality

about giving members written notice or registered 

mail notice for any meetings?

MR. HOOD: We again object to this line of

questioning. He has introduced what he called or­

ganizational procedural minutes into the evidence 

here , and to explain the way by evidence, is irrele­

vant, incompetent, immaterial.

MR. BROWN: It must be something unusual

about the manner about which they were notified.

THE COURT: I will overrule the objection.

The Court will consider the whole picture involved.

MR. NEWTON: We except.

A The same method was used.

Q Throughout the thirteen years that you have

been mayor?

A Right.

Q Were you on the council prior to that time?



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409 Federal Building
Birmingham, Alabama 68

A F r o m  1937 to 1956.

Q A l l  ri g h t .  Y o u  have been a m e m b e r  of the

g o v e r n i n g  b o d y  of the C i t y  of B r i g h t o n  since 1937, 

is that c o r r e c t ?

A  T h a t ' s  corre c t .

Q Now the s p e c i a l  m e e t i n g s  that the c i t y  c o u n ­

c i l  had of the c i t y  o f  B r i g h t o n  r e l a t i v e  to this 

H o o v e r  Acade m y ,  w a s  it the s p e c i a l  m e e t i n g s  c a l l e d  

in a l l  r e s p e c t s  as had been the case s i nce 1937?

A  T o  the best of my k n o w l e d g e  it has.

Q Now do yo u  r e c a l l  this p l a i n t i f f s '  E x h i b i t

1, this y e l l o w  r e s o l u t i o n  w h i c h  w a s  p r o d u c e d  at the 

c o u n c i l  m e e t i n g ?

TIE CO U R T :  Of July 16th.

Q Yes, o f  J u l y  16th?

A  Y e s .

Q M a y o r ,  I w i l l  ask you w h e t h e r  or not at that

time that the r e s o l u t i o n  w a s  r e a d  at l e n g t h  to the 

c o u n c i l  an d  d i s c u s s e d ?

A  It w a s .

Q  I w i l l  a s k  yo u  w h e t h e r  or not as c i t y  a t t o r ­

ney, w h e t h e r  or not the c i t y  a t t o r n e y  at that time 

w e n t  to T i t l e  37 to i n q u i r e  as to the n a t u r e  of that



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F e d e r a l  C o u r t  R e p o r t i n g  C o m p a n y

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B i r m i n g h a m ,  A l a b a m a

o r d i n a n c e  ?

MR. HOOD: Ju d g e ,  I ' m  g o i n g  to o b j e c t .  I

d o n ' t  t h i n k  the m a y o r  is c a p a b l e  o f  c i t i n g  w h a t  

T i t l e  37 is c o m p o s e d  of. I t h i n k  it is i r r e l e v a n t ,  | 

i m m a t e r i a l .

T H E  C O U R T :  I t h i n k  he c a n  t e l l  w h a t  t o o k

place t h e r e . He c a l l e d  on c o u n s e l  for i n s t r u c t i o n s ,  

is that r i g h t ?

A T h a t ' s  right.

MR. HOOD: Note an e x c e p t i o n ,  Your Honor.

Q I w i l l  ask y o u  w h e t h e r  or not the o f f e r  of

the r e s o l u t i o n ,  that is, A l d e r m e n  L e w i s  and J e n kins 

w a s  q u e s t i o n e d  as to the i n t e n t  of the o r d i n a n c e  at 

l e n g t h  at the time it w a s  o f f e r e d ?

A  I d o n ' t  q u ite u n d e r s t a n d .  j

Q The p u r p o s e  of the o r d i n a n c e  -- the c i t y

o w n e d  the p r o p e r t y  at the time this r e s o l u t i o n  was 

i n t r o d u c e d ?

A  Right.

Q T h e  r e s o l u t i o n  as it s p e a k s  for i t self, it

says it is a r e s o l u t i o n  r e q u e s t i n g  the c i t y  to buy, 

rent, lease or p u r c h a s e  the o l d  B r i g h t o n  school, 

i s n ’t it?



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A  Right.

Q I w i l l  ask y o u  w h e t h e r  or n o t  d i s c u s s i o n s

w e r e  had w i t h  you and the c i t y  a t t o r n e y  and the 

o f f e r e r s  o f  the r e s o l u t i o n  as to the i n t e n t  or m e a n ­

i n g  of the o r d i n a n c e ?

MR. NEWTON: Your Honor, b e f o r e  he a n s w e r s

that q u e s t i o n ,  a g a i n  I w o u l d  like to -- I ' m  a s s u m i n g !
i

this w a s  in the c o u r s e  o f  a r e g u l a r  m e e t i n g ,  and 

if s u c h  a d i s c u s s i o n  w a s  made, it s e e m s  it s h o u l d  be j 

r e p o r t e d  in those m i n u t e s .

THE COU R T :  T h e y  d o n ’t p r o p o s e  to r e c o r d

v e r b a t i m .  O n l y  the a c t i o n  taken. O v e r r u l e .  Di d  

yo u  u n d e r s t a n d  the q u e s t i o n ?

A l ’m  just a little c o n f u s e d  on -- c o u n s e l ,  I ’tji

sorry. [
Q D i d  the C i t y  of B r i g h t o n  o w n  this b u i l d i n g

at the time this r e s o l u t i o n  w a s  o f f e r e d ?

A  W e  did .

Q W e l l ,  w a s  not it d i s c u s s e d  that the r e s o l u ­

t i o n  r e q u e s t e d  the c i t y  to buy s o m e t h i n g  that it a l ­

r e a d y  o w n e d ?

A  Right.

Q A n d  in that light, w a s  it not d i s c u s s e d  as



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to w h a t  w a s  --

MR. N E W T O N :  I ' m  g o i n g  to i n t e r p o s e  --

Q -- the i n t e n t  o f  the r e s o l u t i o n  w a s  gone

ihto, w a s n ’t it?

A T h a t ' s  r i g h t .

MR. N E WTON: That w a s  a l e a d i n g  q u e s t i o n .

THE C O U R T :  It wa s  a l e a d i n g  q u e s t i o n ,  but

I w i l l  o v e r r u l e  the o b j e c t i o n .

MR. N E WTON: We e x c e p t .

Q W a s  it e v e r  r e s o l v e d  at the m e e t i n g  at w h i c h

that r e s o l u t i o n  w a s  i n t r o d u c e d ,  the in t e n t  of the
i

r e s o l u t i o n  as s t a t e d  by the o f f e r e r s  of it, did 

they e v e r  tell us w h a t  t h e y  i n t e n d e d  by the r e s o l u -  

ti on?

T H E  C O U R T :  In o t h e r  w o r d s ,  w a s  there any

d i s c u s s i o n s  as to the p u r p o r t  or p u r p o s e  o f  the r e s o ­

lution, that is w h a t  y o u ' r e  a s k i n g , i s n ' t  it?

MR. BROWN: Yes, sir.

A  W e l l ,  I ' m  sorry, I j u s t  d o n ' t  s e e m  --

Q Did the c i t y  o w n  the p r o p e r t y  -- r e a d  the

r e s o l u t i o n ,  w h a t  it says.

A  "We m o v e  t h a t  the C i t y  of B r i g h t o n  rent,

F e d e r a l  C o u r t  R e p o r t i n g  C o m p a n y

4 0 9  F e d e r a l  B u i l d i n g

B i r m i n g h a m ,  A l a b a m a

lea s e  or p u r c h a s e  the old . . It



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Q S t o p  there, rent, lease or p u r c h a s e .  Did

the c i t y  o w n  it at that time?

A  T h a t ' s  ri g h t .

Q D i d  you i n t e r p r e t  t h a t  to be a r e q u e s t  to

le as e ?

MR. N E W T O N :  I o b j e c t ,  c a l l s  for a m e n t a l

o p e r a t i o n .

jL2.

i

TH E  C O U R T : Well, as to the w a y  he i n t e r p r e  -

ted it, as I u n d e r s t a n d  the q u e s t i o n ,  w a s  the purpos|e 

o f  this r e s o l u t i o n ,  w h e t h e r  it w a s  p r o p o s e d ,  w h y  

w e r e  t h e y  p r o p o s i n g  a r e s o l u t i o n  like this w h e n  t h e y  

a l r e a d y  o w n e d  the p r o p e r t y .  W a s  there an y  d i s c u s ­

s i o n  o f  that type?

A  Yes, sir.
|

MR. HOOD: M a y  it p l e a s e  the Court, w e  are

g o i n g  to o b j e c t ,  c a lls for a c o n c l u s i o n .

THE C O U R T :  W a s  there a n y  a c t i o n  t a k e n  on

that ?

MR. BROWN: We n e v e r  r e s o l v e d  w h a t  the p u r ­

pose w a s .  The r e s o l u t i o n  s p e a k s  for i t s e l f .

MR. N E W TON: He is t a l k i n g  a b o u t  he n e v e r

r e s o l v e d ,  ye t  the m i n u t e s  r e f l e c t e d  that the p r e s i d ­

ing o f f i c e r  r u l e d  w h y  this c o u l d  not be held, this



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w a s  In the m i n u t e s .

MR. BROWN: He r u l e d  it a f t e r  a l e n g t h y  d i s ­

c u s s i o n ,  and r e a d i n g  of the c o de, as to w h a t  a p e r ­

m a n e n t  o r d i n a n c e  w a s ,  and I w a n t  to go i n t o  that at 

this time.

We r e a d  an d  w e n t  i n t o  a l e n g t h y  d i s c u s s i o n  

a b o u t  the S u p r e m e  C o u r t  of A l a b a m a  h a v i n g  r u l e d  that 

a n y  o r d i n a n c e  or r e s o l u t i o n  w a s  of a p e r m a n e n t  operaf
I

tion.

MR. HOOD: Judge, I ' m  g o i n g  to o b j e c t  to

that. The w i t n e s s  is on the stand. !

MR. BROWN: This a l l  h a p p e n e d  at the m e e t i n g l

T H E  C O U R T :  O v e r r u l e  the o b j e c t i o n ,  I w i l l

hear itall.

MR. BROWN: The o r d i n a n c e  w h i c h  c o n t i n u e s

in force u n t i l  r e p e a l e d ,  a n d  we i n q u i r e d  o f  the a u ­

thors as to the i n t e n t  to a s c e r t a i n  w h e t h e r  or not 

it w a s  s u c h  a r e s o l u t i o n  that w o u l d  c o n t i n u e  in force 

u n t i l  r e p e a l e d .

THE C O U R T :  A l l  r i g h t .

MR. BROWN: It w a s  o n l y  a f t e r  that, that a

r u l i n g  w a s  m a d e  that -- it m u s t  be of a p e r m a n e n t  

n a t u r e  s i n c e  the c i t y  a l r e a d y  o w n e d  the p r o p e r t y .

F e d e r a l  C o u r t  R e p o r t i n g  C o m p a n y

4 0 9  F e d e r a l  B u i l d i n g

B i r m i n g h a m ,  A l a b a m a



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T h e y  c o u l d n ' t  lease It. T h e y  c o u l d n ' t  buy it. And 

f r a n k l y  it w a s  c o n t i n u e d  over for t h e m  to r e d r a f t  

it a n d  be more s p e c i f i c .

MR. N E WTON: J u s t  a m i n u t e ,  Y o u r  Honor.

TIE CO U R T :  I t h i n k  w e  have gone i n t o  this

r e s o l u t i o n  e n o u g h .  I t was o f f e r e d  here to show it w a s  

a r e s o l u t i o n ,  and t o o k  other a c t i o n  w h e n  it c a m e  to 

the sale of the property.

MR. BROWN: Yes, sir. We h a v e n ' t  t o l d  the

e n t i r e  story. It w a s  d i s c u s s e d  at length, and I 

d o n ' t  u n d e r s t a n d  the r e s o l u t i o n ,  but be that as it 

may, that is for the C o u r t  to c o n s t r u e .

T H E  CO U R T :  I w i l l  c o n s t r u e  that.

Q M a y o r ,  at the n e x t  m e e t i n g  are the p r e v i o u s

m i n u t e s  r e a d  back to the c o u n c i l ?

A  T h e y  are.

Q Has that been the p r a c t i c e  and does the

m i n u t e  b o o k  so r e f l e c t ?

A  It does.

Q Does the min u t e  b o o k  r e f l e c t  a n y  o b j e c t i o n s

by an y  c o u n c i l m a n  as to w h a t  t r a n s p i r e d  at the p r e ­

v i o u s  m e e t i n g  w h e n  the m i n u t e s  w e r e  r e a d  back?

A  No, it d o e s  not.

F e d e r a l  C o u r t  R e p o r t i n g  C o m p a n y

4 0 9  F e d e r a l  B u i l d i n g

B i r m i n g h a m ,  A l a b a m a

74



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Federal Court Reporting Company 
409 Federal Building 
Birmingham, Alabama

Q Now w h e n  the c o u n c i l  -- w h e n  the H o o v e r  A c a ­

demy, p u r s u a n t  to the a u t h o r i t y  g i v e n  you by the 

c o u n c i l  to n e g o t i a t e  w i t h  them, w a s  a w r i t t e n  o f f e r  

m a d e  to p u r c h a s e  the p r o p e r t y ?

A  It w a s .

Q I w i l l  hand you w h a t  p u r p o r t s  to be a letter

o n  the l e t t e r h e a d  o f  L o c k e  &  Locke, a d d r e s s e d  to the 

city, an d  I w i l l  a s k  you is that the c o m m u n i c a t i o n  

that y o u  r e c e i v e d ?

A  It is.

Q A l l  r i g h t ,  sir. W h a t  is the date o n  it?

A  S e p t e m b e r  3, 1969.

Q W i l l  y o u  r e a d  it for the r e c o r d ,  p l ease, sir?

A "M a y o r  of B r i g h t o n

'City C o u n c i l  of B r i g h t o n  j

" B r i g h t o n  C i t y  Hall !
|

" B r i g h t o n ,  A l a b a m a  j

"Dear Sir:

"We p r o p o s e  to buy B r i g h t o n  J u n i o r  H i g h  

p r e m i s e s  for $ 1 2 , 5 0 0 . 0 0 ,  and p r o p o s e  $ 5 0 0 . 0 0  c a s h  j 

p a y m e n t  on d e l i v e r y  o f  deed, $ 5 0 0 . 0 0  t h i r t y  days 

t h e r e a f t e r ,  a n d  the b a l a n c e  at $ 1 0 0 . 0 0  per m o n t h  

u n t i l  paid in full, u n p a i d  p r i n c i p a l  to bear interest



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six per cent. F i r s t  p a y m e n t  due s i x t y  days from 

d a t e  o f  d e l i v e r y  of deed. We w i l l  e x e c u t e  m o r t g a g e  

for b a lance p a y a b l e  to C i t y  of Bri g h t o n .

' "Yours v e r y  truly,

" H o o v e r  A c a d e m y ,  Inc.
I

"Mrs. J. K. S t a n t o n . "

MR. BROWN: We i n t r o d u c e  that.

THE CO U R T :  Was it f o l l o w i n g  that, that you
i

m a d e  some a p p r a i s a l ?

A  Right.

THE COU R T :  All right, this w i l l  be marked.

( D e f e n d a n t s '  E x h i b i t  2 w a s  m a r k e d  for i d e n ­

t i f i c a t i o n .  )

MR. N E W TON: M a y  I a s k  him one q u e s t i o n  on

v o i r  dire a b o u t  the m a t t e r ?  j

T H E  C O U R T :  A l l  ri g h t .

V O I R  D I R E  E X A M I N A T I O N

Q (BY MR. N E W T O N : )  Di d  you r e c e i v e  that l e t ­

ter?

A This letter w a s  -- it d i d n ' t  c o m e  to my o f ­

fice. I had t h e m  s e n d  it to Mr. B r o w n ' s  office.

Q Do y o u  know how Mr. B r o w n  go t  it?

F e d e r a l  C o u r t  R e p o r t i n g  C o m p a n y

4 0 9  F e d e r a l  B u i l d i n g

B i r m i n g h a m ., A l a b a m a



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F e d e r a l  C o u r t  R e p o r t i n g  C o m p a n y

4 0 9  F e d e r a l  B u i l d i n g

B i r m i n g h a m ,  A l a b a m a

A  No, I don't.

MR. N E W T O N :  A p p a r e n t l y  that l e t t e r  has nevef

b e e n  f o l d e d  or p l a c e d  in a n  e n v e l o p  at a n y  time.

T^iat is the r e a s o n  I w a s  a s k i n g  yo u  that q u e s t i o n .

TIE C O U R T :  P r o b a b l y  it w a s  d e l i v e r e d  to Mr.

— 11-

Brown.

MRS. J. K. S T A N T O N :  I t o o k  it d o w n  there.

THE C O U R T :  Al l  r i g h t ,  go ahead. j

C O N T I N U E D  C R O S S  E X A M I N A T I O N

Q (BY MR. B R O W N : )  N o w  p u r s u a n t  to that offer,!

di d  you --

MR. N E W T O N :  I o b j e c t  to the a d m i s s i o n  of

that s i n c e  it w a s  not d e l i v e r e d  to him, and he had 

no k n o w l e d g e  of it. O b v i o u s l y  e x c e p t  that w a s  d e ­

l i v e r e d  to s o m e o n e  e l s e .

T H E  C O U R T :  Have you s e e n  it b e f o r e ?

A  Yes, sir. Mr. B r o w n  c a l l e d  me and told me

he had it, a n d  I a s k e d  h i m  then -- I a s k e d  him to 

g e t  us s o m e  a p p r a i s a l s  on the b u i l d i n g  to see w h e ­

ther or not this m i g h t  be a fair price.

THE C O U R T :  I w i l l  o v e r r u l e  the o b j e c t i o n

in c o n n e c t i o n  w i t h  t h a t  letter, s u b j e c t  to its being



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Federal C o u r t  R e p o r t i n g  C o m p a n y

4 0 9  F e d e r a l  B u i l d i n g

B i r m i n g h a m ,  A l a b a m a

7 *

c o n n e c t e d  up. 1 w i l l  o v e r r u l e  the o b j e c t i o n .

MR. NEWTON: W e  e x c e p t .

Q W e r e  red. e s t a t e  a p p r a i s e r s  o b t a i n e d  a f t e r

that?

A  T h e y  w e r e .

Q I w i l l  hand y o u  w h a t  p u r p o r t s  to be the o r i ­

g i n a l  of a r e a l  e s t a t e  a p p r a i s a l  o n  the l e t t e r h e a d  

of P a d e n  R e a l t y  C o m p a n y ,  s i g n e d  at the e n d  by E v a n s  

J. S m i t h s o n ,  a n d  I w i l l  a s k  you if you c a n  r e c o g n i z e  

tha t ?  Do you recognize it, M a y o r ?

A Yes, I do.

Q Now w h o  is Mr. E v a n s  J. S m i t h s o n ?

A  He wa s  the r e p r e s e n t a t i v e  o f  P a d e n  R e a l t y

C o m p a n y  at the time.

Q A l l  r i g h t .  Do yo u  know -- is he l i v i n g  or

d e a d  now?

A He is dead now.

Q W h e n  did he pass a w ay?

A  W e l l ,  in the last few w e e k s .  I c a n ' t  r e m e m ­

ber the date.

Q  Now I w i l l  a s k  yo u  if this a p p r a i s a l  w a s

p r e s e n t e d  to the c o u n c i l  at the time that they v o t e d  

to s e l l  the p r o p e r t y ?



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F e d e r a l  C o u r t  R e p o r t i n g  C o m p a n y

4 0 9  F e d e r a l  B u i l d i n g

B i r m i n g h a m ,  A l a b a m a

A  It w a s .

Q W e r e  o t t e r  be a 1 e s t a t e  a p p r a i s a l s  o b t a i n e d ?

A  Y e s , sir. W e  have one f r o m  N o r t o n  R e a l t y

C o m p a n y ,  s i g n e d  by Mr. T. E. N o r t o n ;  and one from 

E d w a r d s  R e a l t y  C o m p a n y ,  s i g n e d  by Mr. Jess E d w a r d s .

Q Ar e  tho s e the o r i g i n a l s you have there?

A T h e y  are.

Q A l l  right. W h a t  is the a p p r a i s a l  o f  the

N o r t o n  a p p r a i s a l ?

MR. N E W TON: I o b j e c t  to that. I d o n ' t

t h i n k  it is the best e v i d e n c e .  And w e  have no o p ­

p o r t u n i t y  to c r o s s  e x a m i n e  a n y o n e  w h o  m a y  have made 

that a p p r a i s a l ,  by s i m p l y  r e a d i n g  it into the r e ­

c o r d  .

T H E  C O U R T :  It w a s  s u b m i t t e d  to the c o u n c i l ?

A  Right.

T H E  C O U R T :  O v e r r u l e  the o b j e c t i o n .

MR. N E W T O N :  We e x c e p t .

A  N o r t o n  R e a l t y  C o m p a n y  w a s  $ 1 2 , 0 0 0 . 0 0 .

MR. BR O W N :  A l l  r i g h t ,  w e  o f f e r  t h a t  in e v i ­

d e n c e  .

( D e f e n d a n t s '  E x h i b i t  3A w a s  m a r k e d  for i d e n ­

t i f i c a t i o n . )



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F e d e r a l  C o u r t  R e p o r t i n g  C o m p a n y

4 0 9  F e d e r a l  B u i l d i n g

Birmingham, Alabama
SO

MR. N E WTON: Same o b j e c t i o n .

Q W h a t  d i d  --

THE C O U R T :  O v e r r u l e .

Q W h a t  did Mr. --

MR. NEWTON: We e x c e p t .

Q W h a t  w a s  Mr. E d w a r d s '  a p p r a i s a l ?

A  Edwards R e a l t y  C o m p a n y  w a s  $ 1 2 , 0 0 0 . 0 0 .

MR. BROWN: We o f f e r  that in e v i d e n c e .

MR. N E W T O N :  Same o b j e c t i o n .

T H E  CO U R T :  O v e r r u l e .

MR. N E W TON: We e x c e p t ,

( D e f e n d a n t s '  E x h i b i t  3B w a s  m a r k e d  for i d e n ­

t i f i c a t i o n . )

Q An d  w h a t  w a s  Mr. S m i t h s o n ' s  a p p r a i s a l ?

A P a d e n  R e a l t y  C o m p a n y  w a s  $ 1 2 , 5 0 0 . 0 0 .  j

MR. BROWN: W e  o f f e r  that as our n e x t  e x h i -  |

bit.

MR. NEWTON: Same o b j e c t i o n .

TH E  C O U R T :  O v e r r u l e .

MR. N E W T O N : We e x c e p t .

( D e f e n d a n t s '  E x h i b i t  3C w a s  m a r k e d  for i d e n ­

t i f i c a t i o n . )

T H E  C O U R T :  W e r e  these a p p r a i s a l s  m a d e  all



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F e d e r a l  C o u r t  R e p o r t i n g  C o m p a n y

4 0 9  F e d e r a l  B u i l d i n g

B i r m i n g h a m ,  A l a b a m a

a v a i l a b l e  to the m e m b e r s  of the c o u n c i l  that n i g h t ?

A  Yes, sir, they w e r e .

THE C O U R T :  A n d  they h a d  b e e n  in the p o s s e s ­

s i o n  of the c l e r k  s i n c e  then?

A Yes, sir.

THE C O U R T :  I r e a l l y  d o n ' t  t h i n k  you need

to o f f e r  t h e m  o t h e r  t h a n  the a m o u n t s  of the a p p r a i s a  

w o u l d  be a l l  the C o u r t  is c o n c e r n e d  w i t h .

MR. BROWN: I w i t h d r a w  them, s u b j e c t  to the

a m o u n t s  b e i n g  in e v i d e n c e  on e a c h  a p p r a i s a l .

T H E  C O U R T :  A l l  r i g h t .  He w i t h d r a w s  the a p ­

p r a i s a l s  then, a n d  it is in the r e c o r d ,  and he has 

t e s t i f i e d  as to the a m o u n t s .  I w i l l  let t h a t  stand. 

Q  A l l  r i g h t ,  sir. Now w h e n  did the c i t y  buy

this p r o p e r t y ,  M a y o r ,  if y o u  r e c a l l ?

A The year w a s  19- --

TH E  C O U R T :  Have you g o t  a d e e d  or a n y t h i n g

Ls

there for it?

A  I t h i n k  w e  have go t  a c o p y  o f  the deed.

T H E  C O U R T :  I c o u l d  have b e e n  w r o n g ,  but

I t h i n k  it w a s  1966 w a s  the o r i g i n a l  deed.

Q D i d  yo u  buy it f r o m  the c o u n t y  b o a r d  o f  e d u ­

c a t i o n ?



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F e d e r a l  C o u r t  R e p o r t i n g  C o m p a n y

4 0 9  F e d e r a l  B u i l d i n g

B i r m i n g h a m ,  A l a b a m a

A  Yes, w e  did.

Q At the time y o u  b o u g h t  it, had the c o u n t y

c l o s e d  the s c h o o l ?

A' T h e y  had c l o s e d .

Q Wa s  it being o p e r a t e d ?

A  No.

Q Did the C i t y  of B r i g h t o n  e v e r  o p e r a t e  the

s c h o o l ?

A  No.

Q Has the C i t y  of B r i g h t o n  e v e r  had a s c h o o l

s y s t e m  or o p e r a t e d  a s c h o o l  s y s t e m ?

A  Not d u r i n g  m y  time.

Q Not s i n c e  1937, at least?

A  Right.

Q W e l l ,  you d o n ’t know of an y  prior to that,

do you?

A No. I have n e v e r  h e a r d  o f  it.

Q  No w  how d i d  the c i t y  come to buy this p r o ­

per t y ;  w a s  it by a bid or a d v e r t i s e m e n t  or w h a t ?

A  By bid. The c o u n t y  -- the board o f  e d u c a ­

t i o n  p u b l i s h e d  t h a t  t h e y  w e r e  g o i n g  to s e l l  the 

b u i l d i n g  by bid.

Q A l l  r i g h t .  Now w^here is it s i t u a t e d ;  is it



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F e d e r a l  C o u r t  R e p o r t i n g  C o m p a n y

4 0 9  F e d e r a l  B u i l d i n g

Birmingham, Alabama
- a j .

near the c i t y  hall?

A  It is a b o u t  two b l o c k s  from the c i t y  hall.

Q  Now did the c i t y  put it to an y  use w h i l e  it

o w n e d  it at all?

A  No.

Q A l l  r i g h t .  Wa s  it i n s u r e d  d u r i n g  t h a t  time?

A  No, it c o u l d n ' t  -- w e  c o u l d n ' t  ge t  i n s u r a n c e

on it w h i l e  it w a s  v a cant.

Q Now d e s c r i b e  this b u i l d i n g ;  is it a t h r e e -

s t o r y  or t w o - s t o r y  b r i c k  b u i l d i n g ?

A  It is a t h r e e - s t o r y  b r i c k  b u i l d i n g .

TH E  C O U R T :  Is it one b u i l d i n g  or are there

an y  o u t s i d e  b u i l d i n g s ?

A  O n e  b u i l d i n g .

Q  Is it an old b u i l d i n g ?  !

A  I * m  not p o s i t i v e ,  but I t h i n k  the b u i l d i n g

w a s  built m a y b e  in 1925.

Q Now d e s c r i b e  the i n t e r i o r ;  is it s u i t a b l e

for -- w e l l ,  is it c u t  up i n t o  c l a s s r o o m s ?

A  W e l l ,  it w a s  c u t  up in c l a s s r o o m s  w h i l e  the

s c h o o l  w a s  i n  o p e r a t i o n .

Q I see. No w  di d  the c i t y  e v e r  have a n y  m u n i ­

c i p a l  n e e d  o r  use o f  the b u i l d i n g  w h i l e  it o w n e d  it?



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F e d e r a l  C o u r t  R e p o r t i n g  C o m p a n y

4 0 9  F e d e r a l  B u i l d i n g

Birmingham, Alabama
8 4

A  No, it did not.

Q Was it s u i t a b l e  for a fire hall?

A  No.

Q C i t y  Hall?

A No. Not w i t h o u t  a lot o f  r e n o v a t i o n ,  w h a t

yo u  m i g h t  build a new b u i l d i n g  for.

T H E  C O U R T : Is it c l o s e  to the c i t y  hall?

A  It is w i t h i n  a b out two blocks, two blocks

and a half.

Q Just one m o ment, i f  the C o u r t  p l ease.

(Short pause.)

Q Now w e r e  the w i n d o w s  b o a r d e d  up at the time

you sold it, p l y w o o d  a c r o s s  the w i n d o w s ?

A  T h e y  w e r e .

Q W e r e  the gla s s  w i n d o w s  i n t a c t  or n o t ?

A  I w o u l d  s a y  no.

Q Had they been b r o k e n  out?

A  B r o k e n  out. Now that is to the best of ray

k n o w l e d g e  o f  w h a t  I could see.

Q Now w h a t  h e a t i n g  s y s t e m  w a s  in it?

A  It w a s  a furn a c e ,  c o a l  furnace.

Q W h a t  w a s  the sta t e  o r  r e p a i r  o f  the h e a t i n g

s y s t e m  at the time it w a s  sold, if y o u  k n o w ?



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f e d e r a l  C o u r t  R e p o r t i n g  C o m p a n y

4 0 9  F e d e r a l  B u i l d i n g

B i r m i n g h a m ,  A l a b a m a

81.

A  I u n d e r s t a n d  —  to m y  k n o w l e d g e ,  t h e y  just

d i d n ' t  have a n y  h e a t i n g  s y s t e m ,  that the f u r n a c e  

w a s  bad.

Q T h e  plu m b i n g ,  do y o u  know a n y t h i n g  a b o u t  the

p l u m b i n g ;  w a s  it in g o o d  s t a t e  o f  r e p a i r ,  or bad 

s t a t e ?  j

A Bad state.

Q Now a f t e r  the c o u n c i l  v o t e d  to s e l l  it as

s u r p l u s  property, the d e eds w e r e  s i g n e d  b y  you as 

m a y o r  in a c c o r d a n c e  w i t h  the o r d i n a n c e ?

A  T h a t ’s right, they w e r e .

MR. N E W T O N :  Your Honor, I w o u l d  like to

move that the a n s w e r  a f t e r  the c o u n t y  a g r e e d  to 

s e l l  it as s u r p l u s  p r o p e r t y  be s t r i c k e n .  T h e r e  is 

no s u c h  e v i d e n c e  here.

THE C O U R T :  W e l l ,  the r e s o l u t i o n  r e c i t e s

it as s u r p l u s  p r o p e r t y .

Q I w i l l  r e p h r a s e  it. A f t e r  the c o u n c i l  passed

its r e s o l u t i o n  a u t h o r i z i n g  y o u  to s e l l  it, did you 

s e l l  it and s i g n  a d e e d ?

A  W e  did.

Q Is this a c o p y  o f  the d e e d ?

A It is.



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F e d e r a l  C o u r t  R e p o r t i n g  C o m p a n y

4 0 9  F e d e r a l  B u i l d i n g

B i r m i n g h a m ,  A l a b a m a

--- 86

Q R e c o r d e d  in Real Book 119, page 118. A n d

did you take the m o r t g a g e  b a c k  in a c c o r d a n c e  w i t h

the ter m s  of the a g r e e m e n t ?

A We did.

Q Is that a true a n d  c o r r e c t  c o p y  o f  the m o r t ­

gage, to the best of your k n o w l e d g e ?

A  It is.

MR. BROWN: We o f f e r  these.

(De f e n d a n t s '  E x h i b i t  4 w a s  m a r k e d  for i d e n ­

t i f i c a t i o n .  )

MR. BROWN: And w e  o f f e r  the m o r t g a g e  as

the next e x h i b i t .

( D e f e n d a n t s '  E x h i b i t  5 w a s  m a r k e d  for i d e n ­

t i f i c a t i o n .  )

Q A c c o r d i n g  to the c o n s i d e r a t i o n  r e c i t e d  in

the d e e d  and the m o r t g a g e  and the t e r m s  of the 

a g r e e m e n t ,  has the H o o v e r  A c a d e m y  paid the C i t y o f  

B r i g h t o n  the $ 5 0 0 . 0 0  d o w n  p a y m e n t ?

A  T h e y  have.

Q Did t h e y  pay the b a l a n c e  of the d o w n  pay­

ment, a n o t h e r  $ 5 0 0 . 0 0 ?

A  T h e y  have.

Q  An d  have t h e y  m a d e  t h e i r  m o n t h l y  p a y m e n t s



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up to d a t e ?

A  It has. We r e c e i v e d  last m o n t h ' s .  I d o n't

k n o w  w h e t h e r  this m o n t h ' s  has c o m e  in or not. It 

w i l l ,  though, I ' m  sure.

MR. N E W T O N :  I o b j e c t  and m o v e  that be

s t r i c k e n .

A I ' m  s o r r y  I s a i d  that.

Q  Y o u  d o n ' t  k n o w  of an y  a r r e a r a g e ;  it is up to

date as far as in a c c o r d a n c e  w i t h  the m o r t g a g e ?

A  It is up to date w i t h  the c a l e n d a r  m o n t h s .  |
i

Q D i d  the c i t y  r e q u i r e  H o o v e r  A c a d e m y  to r e ­

i n s u r e  the b u i l d i n g ?

A Yes, w e  did.

Q  Did you, as the mayor, and the c i t y  hold

the c e r t i f i c a t e  s h o w i n g  the p r o p e r t y  to be i n s u r e d  

at this time?

A  W e  did.

Q D o  yo u  k n o w  the a m o u n t  o f  the i n s u r a n c e

b e i n g  c a r r i e d  on it?

A  $ 1 1 , 5 0 0 ,  I think. I ' m  n o t  p o s i t i v e  o f  that

figure. I k n o w  it is a b o u t  $ 1 0 , 0 0 0 .

T I E  C O U R T :  I n  o t h e r  w o r d s ,  y o u ’re the

F e d e r a l  C o u r t  R e p o r t i n g  C o m p a n y

4 0 9  F e d e r a l  B u i l d i n g

B i r m i n g h a m ,  A l a b a m a

n a m e d  loss p a y e e  in the m o r t g a g e ?



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Federal Court Reporting Company 

409 Federal Building 
Birmingham, Alabama

g a g e e  in the p o licy?

88

m o r  t-

A Right.

Q A n d  do you know w h o  - - d o  y o u  k n o w  the t r u s ­

tees for the s c h o o l  of H o o v e r  A c a d e m y ,  do y o u  know 

w h o  r u n s  the s c h o o l ?

A No, I don't.

Q Do you k n o w  Mrs. S t a n t o n  here?

A  T h i s  is the third time I have e v e r  s e e n  Mrs.

S t a n t o n .  Twice i n  this c o u r t r o o m ,  and w h e n  w e  w e r e  

n e g o t i a t i n g  the lease.

Q A l l  r i g h t .  Now does the C i t y  of B r i g h t o n

have a s c h o o l  board?

A No.
!

Q Does the C i t y  of B r i g h t o n  have an y  c o n n e c ­

tion a t a l l  w i t h  the H o o v e r  A c a d e m y ?  j|
A  W e  do not.

Q Have yo u  e v er?

A  N e v e r  have.

Q Have you e v e r  been, or has a n y  m e m b e r  of the

c o u n c i l ,  to y o u r  k n o w l e d g e ,  or a n y  c i t y  o f f i c i a l  e v e r  

b e e n  to a m e e t i n g  of the boa r d  o f  t r u s t e e s  or the 

o t h e r  g o v e r n i n g  b o d y  of the H o o v e r  A c a d e m y ?



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A  I h a v e n ' t ,  a n d  to m y  k n o w l e d g e ,  none of the

c o u n c i l  have.

Q Has a n y  m e m b e r  o f  the H o o v e r  A c a d e m y  e v e r
|

a p p e a r e d  be f o r e  the c o u n c i l  r e q u e s t i n g  funds or has 

a n y  p u b l i c  m o n e y  to y o u r  k n o w l e d g e  b e e n  e x p e n d e d  by 

the c i t y  on the H o o v e r  A c a d e m y  or for its b e n e f i t ?

A  It has not.

Q  Do y o u  have a n y  v o i c e  or does an y  m e m b e r  of

the c o u n c i l ,  to your k n o w l e d g e ,  have an y  v o i c e  in th4 

m a n a g e m e n t  or c o n t r o l  o f  the H o o v e r  A c a d e m y ? I
A  To my k n o w l e d g e  it don't.

Q Has a n y  o r d i n a n c e ,  r e s o l u t i o n ,  r u l e  or r e g u ­

l a t i o n  e v e r  b e e n  a d o p t e d  since y o u  have b e e n  mayor 

o f  the c i t y  and a m e m b e r  of the c o u n c i l  r e l a t i v e  to 

the g o v e r n i n g  or r e g u l a t i n g  the H o o v e r  A c a d e m y ?

A  It has not.

Q W a s  the H o o v e r  A c a d e m y  s i t u a t e d  in the City

o f  B r i g h t o n  p r i o r  to the time it p u r c h a s e d  t h i s  p r o ­

p e r t y ?

A  It w a s  not.

Q  Is there a n y  p r o p o s a l  by r e s o l u t i o n ,  o r d i ­

nance, r u l e  or r e g u l a t i o n  n o w  p e n d i n g  be f o r e  the

c i t y  c o u n c i l  o f  the C i t y  of B r i g h t o n  r e l a t i v e  to the

F e d e r a l  C o u r t  R e p o r t i n g  C o m p a n y

4 0 9  F e d e r a l  B u i l d i n g

B i r m i n g h a m ,  A l a b a m a



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Federal C o u r t  R e p o r t i n g  C o m p a n y

4 0 9  F e d e r a l  B u i l d i n g

B i r m i n g h a m ,  A l a b a m a

90

H o o v e r  A c a d e m y  or a n y  rule, regulation or control 

over that o r g a n i z a t i o n  or s c h o o l ?

A  It is not.

Q  Has a n y o n e  ever a p p e a r e d  before the council

o f  tbs city, s i n c e  you have b e e n  mayor or a member 

o f  the c o u n c i l ,  r e q u e s t i n g  that the City of Brighton 

p a r t i c i p a t e  in a n y  w a y  in the m a n a g e m e n t  or govern- | 

ing of the H o o v e r  A c a d e m y ?

A  T h e y  have not.

Q In short, Mayor, does the city have anything
i

to do w i t h  H o o v e r  A c a d e m y ?

A  It does not.

Q D o e s  H o o v e r  Academy have anything to do with

the c i t y ?

A  No, it does not.

Q Other t h a n  abide by the laws?

A  Right.

Q And o c c u p y  the b u i l d i n g  which they purchased?

A  Right.

T H E  C O U R T :  C o u n t y  board o f  e d u c a t i o n  o p e ­

r a t e s  the s c h o o l  that the pupils a t t e n d  there other 

t h a n  a t t e n d i n g  this a c a d e m y ?

A  T h e y  c l o s e d  this s c hool. To my k n o w l e d g e ,



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that is the o n l y  s c h o o l  b u i l d i n g  that the c o u n t y  

o p e r a t e d  w i t h i n  the c i t y  li m i t s  of B r i g h t o n .

T H E  C O U R T :  W h e r e  do t h e y  take the pupils,

s t u d e n t s  that w e r e  th e r e ;  w h a t  s c h o o l  do t h e y  go to? 

A  T h e y  go to d i f f e r e n t  s c h o o l s .  Some go to

the F a i r f i e l d  H i g h l a n d s  S c hool, L i p s c o m b  an d  o f  

c o u r s e  t h e y  have t h e i r  B r i g h t o n  E l e m e n t a r y ,  B r i g h t o n  

J u n i o r  H i g h  a n d  H i g h  S c h o o l  -- al l  t h e s e  s c h o o l s  are 

no w  o u t s i d e  the c i t y  li m i t s  of B r i g h t o n ,  but they 

are w i t h i n  the s c h o o l  j u r i s d i c t i o n .

THE C O U R T :  Are t h e y  c a l l e d  B r i g h t o n ,  are

the s c h o o l s  c a l l e d  B r i g h t o n  now?

A W e l l  --

T H E  C O U R T :  B r i g h t o n  E l e m e n t a r y  S c h o o l ?

A  It is B r i g h t o n  E l e m e n t a r y .

T H E  C O U R T :  But not in the c i t y  limits of

B r i g h t o n ?

A No, sir.

TH E  C O U R T : A n d  the h i g h  s c h o o l ,  do y o u  have

a j u n i o r  h i g h  s c h o o l ?

A  J u n i o r  --

T H E  C O U R T :  Y o u  h a v e  B r i g h t o n  J u n i o r  High?

A  It is B r i g h t o n  H i g h  S c h o o l .  It is B r i g h t o n

F e d e r a l  C o u r t  R e p o r t i n g  C o m p a n y

4 0 9  F e d e r a l  B u i l d i n g

B i r m i n g h a m ,  A l a b a m a



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J u n i o r  High. It is B r i g h t o n  J u n i o r  H i g h  up there 

near the B r i g h t o n  H i g h  School, a n d  that is o u t s i d e  

the c i t y  limits.

T H E  CO U R T :  Y o u  have no s c h o o l  w i t h i n  the

c i t y  limits o f  the C i t y  of B r i g h t o n ?

A  T h a t  is c o r r e c t .  That is o p e r a t e d  by the

c o u n t y .

THE C O U R T :  A n y t h i n g  e l s e  f r o m  this w i t n e s s ?

MR. BROWN: I ' m  g o i n g  to as k  h i m  one m o r e

q u e s t i o n .

Now, M a y o r ,  r e l a t i v e  to the p u b l i c a t i o n  o f  

o r d i n a n c e s ,  the s t a t e  s t a t u t e  gives the c i t y  o f  your 

c l a s s  to p u b l i s h  in n e w s p a p e r s  or post. Now w h a t  

p r o c e d u r e  has b e e n  a d o p t e d  in B r i g h t o n  for p u b l i c a ­

tion o f  its o r d i n a n c e s ?

A  Wte post t h e m  a t t h r e e  p u b l i c  places.

Q Is one of those p u b l i c  pla c e s  the m a y o r ' s

o f f i c e  ?

A W e l l ,  it is in the l o bby of the c i t y  hall

o n  the b u l l e t i n  board that w e  have there.

Q  A n d  w h e r e  e l s e ?

A  At the U. S. Post Office, and at the p r e s e n t

E a s t  B r i g h t o n  S e r v i c e  Station.

F e d e r a l  C o u r t  R e p o r t i n g  C o m p a n y

4 0 9  F e d e r a l  B u i l d i n g

B i r m i n g h a m ,  A l a b a m a



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Q Do y o u  post al l  o r d i n a n c e s  a n d  r e s o l u t i o n s ,

or o n l y  those o f  p e r m a n e n t  n a t u r e ?

MR. HOOD: W e  o b j e c t  to that. T h e  r e c o r d

s p e a k s  for itself.

T H E  C O U R T :  O v e r r u l e d .

MR. HOOD: W e  e x c e p t .

A  T h o s e  o f  o n l y  p e r m a n e n t  n a t u r e ,  I understand,

is the ones that w e  are s u p p o s e d  to post.

Q A l l  r i g h t .  Do you k n o w  of your o w n  knowledge

w h e t h e r  the o r d i n a n c e  a u t h o r i z i n g  the lease o f  this 

p r o p e r t y  o r  the o r d i n a n c e  a u t h o r i z i n g  the s a l e  of 

this p r o p e r t y ,  do you know of y o u r  o w n  p e r s o n a l  k n o w  

ledge w h e t h e r  e i t h e r  one of t h ose w e r e  p u b l i s h e d ?

MR. HOOD: Same o b j e c t i o n ,  Your Honor.

THE C O U R T :  O v e r r u l e d .

A No, I don't.

MR. HOOD: We e x c e p t .

MR. BROWN: A l l  r i g h t .  T h a t  is all.

R E D I R E C T  E X A M I N A T I O N

Q  (BY MR. N E W T O N : )  M a y o r ,  w h e n  y o u  b o u g h t  this

p r o p e r t y ,  is it a f a c t  t h a t  the C i t y  of B r i g h t o n  paid 

$ 1 0 , 1 0 6 . 0 0  for it?

F e d e r a l  C o u r t  R e p o r t i n g  C o m p a n y

4 0 9  F e d e r a l  B u i l d i n g

B i r m i n g h a m , A l a b a m a



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Federal Court Reporting Company 

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Birmingham, Alabama

A  T h a t  Is c o r r e c t .

Q  A n d  as of this time, yo u  paid that in c a s h

at o n e  t i me?
\

A  W e  did.

Q As of this time, you have r e c e i v e d  $ 1 , 0 0 0

plus some two or t h ree m o n t h l y  pa y m e n t s ,  is that 

c o r r e c t ?

A  Yes, sir.

Q You have r e c e i v e d  a p p r o x i m a t e l y  $ 1 , 3 0 0 . 0 0 ,

is that c o r r e c t ?

A  T h a t  is corr e c t .

Q  A l l  right. Now, Mr. B r o w n  here is not a

m e m b e r  of the c o u n c i l  here o f  the C i t y  of B r i g h t o n ?

A  No. He is the c i t y  a t t o r n e y .

Q A n y  s u c h  r u l i n g  on w h a t  is l e g a l l y  before

the c o u n c i l ,  you m a n y  times get an o p i n i o n  f r o m  him, 

but the r u l i n g  is yours, is that r i g h t ?  An d  I refej: 

b a c k  to the r u l i n g  to the m i n u t e s  o f  J u l y  16th, is j 

that y o u r  r u l i n g ,  sir, w h i c h  r e f e r s  to P l a i n t i f f s *

E x h i b i t  1?

A  T h i s  one h e re?

Q  Yes, sir. This p a r t  here r e c e n t l y  read, is

that y o u r  r u l i n g ?



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4 0 9  F e d e r a l  B u i l d i n g

B i r m i n g h a m ,  A l a b a m a

A  T h a t ' s  r i g h t ,  yes, sir.

MR. N E W T O N :  A l l  r i g h t ,  sir. I b e l i e v e  that

is all.

THE C O U R T :  A l l  r i g h t ,  yo u  m a y  c o m e  down,

M a y o r  P a r s o n s .

MR. N E W T O N :  Th e  p l a i n t i f f  w o u l d  like to call

Mrs. S t a n t o n .

MRS. J A N I E  S T A N T O N .

b e i n g  p r e v i o u s l y  d u l y  sworn, t e s t i f i e d  as follows:

D I R E C T  E X A M I N A T I O N  I

Q (BY MR. N E W T O N : )  S t a t e  y o u r  name, please,

ma'am.

A  Mrs. J a n i e  S t a n t o n .

Q Are yo u  a n  o f f i c e r  and d i r e c t o r  o f  Ho o v e r

A c a d e m y ,  I n c o r p o r a t e d ?

A  I * m  the p r e s i d e n t .

Q Is H o o v e r  A c a d e m y  a s c h o o l  for w h i t e  persons

o n l y ?

A  It's a p r i v a t e  s c h o o l .

Q Is it a s c h o o l  --

A  W e  h a v e  n e v e r  s a i d  a n y t h i n g  a b o u t  r a ce, color

o r  c r e e d



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F e d e r a l  C o u r t  R e p o r t i n g  C o m p a n y

4 0 9  F e d e r a l  B u i l d i n g

B i r m i n g h a m ,  A l a b a m a

Q W o u l d  you at this time be w i l l i n g  to a c c e p t

the a p p l i c a t i o n  of a b l a c k  p e r s o n ?

MR. L O C K E :  Judge, I o b j 6 c t  to this, in the

f i r s t  place 1 d o n ' t  t h i n k  it is m a t e r i a l .

MR. N E W T O N :  I t h i n k  it is.

THE C O U R T :  W h e t h e r  or not t h e y  w o u l d  be

w i l l i n g  to a c c e p t  -- the q u e s t i o n ,  I think, w o u l d  

be p r o p e r  to ask w h e t h e r  or not t h e y  have a c c e p t e d .

MR. L O C K E : Yes, sir. But e v e n  th e r e ,  I

t h i n k  w e  are more i n t e r e s t e d  in the i n t e n t  of the
iI

a c t i o n  of the c i t y  more than w e  are in the n a t u r e
|

or the a c t i o n  of the a c a d e m y .

THE CO U R T :  I t h i n k  he c a n  s h o w  the n a t u r e

o f  the a c a d e m y .  As part o f  this case, if t h e y  a c ­

c e p t  b l a c k  s t u d e n t s  at the H o o v e r  A c a d e m y ,  I d o n ' t  

t h i n k  w o u l d  have an y  b e a r i n g  on the case, that is 

the t h e o r y  of the case as I u n d e r s t a n d .  O v e r r u l e  

the o b j e c t i o n .

Q  Have you, Mrs. S t a n t o n ?

A  I have n e v e r  had an a p p l i c a t i o n  from a

b l a c k  p e r s o n ,  an d  I ' m  no t  the one that m a k e s  the 

d e c i s i o n s .  T h e  b o a r d - -  

Q W h o  m a k e s  the d e c i s i o n s ?



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n-

A  The e n t i r e  board.

Q A t  the time o f  that H o o v e r  A c a d e m y  w a s  o r ­

g a n i z e d ,  w e r e  you q u o t e d  as saying, w h e n  H o o v e r  

A c a d e m y  w a s  o r g a n i z e d  that it s t a r t e d  to do business, 

w e r e  y o u  q u o t e d  as s a y i n g  this w a s  a p r i v a t e  s c h o o l  

for w h i t e  p e r s o n s  o n l y ?

MR. L O C K E :  W e  o b j e c t .  |

A  No, sir.

T H E  C O U R T :  W e l l ,  she has a n s w e r e d .

MR. L O C K E :  Okay.

Q A r e  a n y  p e r s o n s  -- an y  e m p l o y e e s  o f  Hoover

A c a d e m y  b l a c k ?

A  No.

Q Are an y  m e m b e r s  of the board of H o o v e r  A c a ­

d e m y  b l a c k ?

A  No.

MR. L O C K E :  Jud g e ,  I t h i n k  all o f  that is

i m m a t e r i a l .

MR. N E W T O N :  I d o n ' t  t h i n k  so. Have y o u

s o l i c i t e d  m e m b e r s h i p s  or s t u d e n t s ,  w h i t e  and black, 

to a t t e n d  the s c h o o l ?

A  I d o n ' t  s o l i c i t  s t u d e n t s ./

Q  D o e s  a n y o n e  that y o u  k n o w  o f ?



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Federal Court Reporting Company 
409 Federal Building
Birmingham, Alabama

9 8

A  I don't know w h a t  a n y o n e  does.

Q How do you get your s t u d e n t s ,  please, m a ' a m ?

A  T h e y  have to m a k e  a n  a p p l i c a t i o n .

Q  All right. And how does that a p p l i c a t i o n  --

how is that a p p l i c a t i o n  made, please, m a ' a m ?

A  I take the a p p l i c a t i o n s ,  it is p a s s e d  on by

the board.

Q D o  you have a f o r m  of a p p l i c a t i o n  that a s t u ­

dent m i g h t  -- forms that a s t u d e n t  m i g h t  f i l l  out to 

a p p l y  to a t t e n d  Hoover A c a d e m y ?

A  We have an e n r o l l m e n t  card, and w e  have s p e ­

c i f i c a t i o n s ,  yes.

Q Now m u s t  that p r o p o s e d  s t u d e n t  a p p e a r  p e r ­

s o n a l l y  at H o o v e r  A c a d e m y  in o r der to m a k e  a p p l i e s -  j 

t i on?

A  T h e y  must.

Q And m u s t  they be a c c o m p a n i e d  by an ad u l t ?

A  T h e y  must.

Q A l l  ri g h t .  A n d  then do you take that applica­

t i o n  from the s t u d e n t ?

A  I h a v e .

Q A n d  you s a y  y o u  t u r n  it o v e r  to a b o a r d ?

A  T h a t ' s  right.



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4 0 9  F e d e r a l  B u i l d i n g

B i r m i n g h a m ,  A l a b a m a

Q  A n d  how m a n y  p e r s o n s  are o n  that b o a r d ?

A  N i n e .

Q A n d  that n i n e - m a n  b o a r d  t h e n  d e c i d e s  w h e ­

ther to a c c e p t  or r e j e c t  a s t u d e n t ?

A  T h a t ' s  r i g h t .

Q N o w  have you b e e n  the p r e s i d e n t  o f  H o o v e r

A c a d e m y  s i n c e  i t s  i n c e p t i o n ?

A  No.

Q A r e  you a m e m b e r  of that board w h i c h  d e c i d e s

w h a t  s t u d e n t s  to take?

A  S u r e l y .  I ’m  the p r e s i d e n t  o f  the s c h o o l .

Q A l l  ri g h t .  Have y o u  e v er, d u r i n g  the

s i nce H o o v e r  A c a d e m y  w a s  f i rst i n c o r p o r a t e d ,  had 

a n y  b l a c k  p e r s o n  e n r o l l  at the s c h o o l ?

A  T h e y  have n e v e r  a p p l i e d .

Q M a ' a m ,  have y o u  e v e r  had a n y  e n r o l l ?

A  No.

Q  A r e  a p p l i c a t i o n s  n o w  open, Mrs. Stan t o n ,

to all p e o p l e ?

A  As far as I ' m  c o n c e r n e d  t h e y  are.

MR. L O C K E :  W e l l ,  I w a n t  -- for w h a t  y e a r ?

THE C O U R T :  I w o u l d  p r e s u m e  it w o u l d  be the

n e x t  y e a r



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MR. N E W T O N :  They m a y  take t h e m  e v e r y  day.

I d o n  * t know.

W h e n  is the n e x t  e n r o l l m e n t  period, Mrs. 

S t a n t o n ,  at Ho o v e r  A c a d e m y ?

A I t h i n k  I told you that I w a s  not the one

that a c c e p t e d  the s t u d e n t s .

Q No, ma'am, I d i d n ' t  as k  you that. W h e n  is

the n e x t  t i m e ?

A  W h e n  is the next e n r o l l m e n t  time ?

Q  Yes, that is my q u e s t i o n .

A  P r e s u m a b l y  n e x t  year. Yo u  r u n  your s c h o o l

y e a r  by the w h o l e  year.

Q M a ' a m ,  I ' m  o n l y  a s k i n g  a b o u t  H o o v e r  A c a d e m y ,

w h e n  w i l l  yo u  take your next new s t u d e n t s ?

A  I h a v e n ' t  t a k e n  a n y  new s t u d e n t s .  I d o n ' t

know w h e t h e r  I ' m  g o i n g  to take any more u n t i l  next 

y e a r .

TH E  C O U R T :  You t o o k  your s t u d e n t s  in S e p ­

t e m ber, I p r e s u m e ,  a n d  t h e n  it w i l l  be o p e n  a g a i n  

n e x t  S e p t e m b e r ?

Q Now it is your t e s t i m o n y  that y o u  w i l l  not

take a n o t h e r  new s t u d e n t  b e t w e e n  now and S e p t e m b e r ?  

A  No, it is not.

Federal C o u r t  R e p o r t i n g  C o m p a n y

4 0 9  F e d e r a l  B u i l d i n g

B i r m i n g h a m ,  A l a b a m a



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Q Oh, t h e n  y o u  m i g h t  take s o m e  d u r i n g  the

year ?

A  I m i g h t  take an a p p l i c a t i o n ,  but as I told
\

you before, I am n o t  the one that -- the e n t i r e  

one that p a s s e s  o n  the s t u d e n t s .

Q I u n d e r s t a n d  that, ma' a m .

A  I am not the one to say w h o  is to be enrolLed

MR. L O C K E :  Judge, I t h i n k  w e  are pretty far

a f i e l d .  This is i m m a t e r i a l  as to -- I

THE C O U R T :  She is a n s w e r i n g ,  s a i d  she is

not the one.

MR. N E W T O N :  I d o n ' t  t h i n k  so, w e  m i g h t

have s o m e o n e  to ap p l y .

MR. L O C K E :  I c a n ' t  see that that e f fects

the p r e s e n t a t i o n  of the case. T h a t  is e x a c t l y  my 

point. His r i g h t s  a c c r u e  at the time he files 

this p e t i t i o n .  We c a n ' t  be s i t t i n g  here d e b a t i n g  

a b o u t  ten yea r s  hence.

MR. N E W TON: I ' m  t a l k i n g  a b o u t  this year.

Mrs. S t a n t o n ,  y o u ' r e  a m e m b e r  of that nine- 

p e r s o n  board?

A  I told you I ^ a s .

Q A l l  r i g h t .  A n d  you w i l l  take applications,



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w h e t h e r  y o u  a c c e p t  t h e m  now or not, y o u  w o u l d  take 

a p p l i c a t i o n s  now?

A  I w i l l  take a n  a p p l i c a t i o n ,  but X a m  not

the one -- the d e c i d i n g  f a c t o r  on t h e  s t u d e n t s .

Q Is it a fact that it is a s e g r e g a t e d  p r i v a t e

s c h o o l ,  and has b e e n  s i n c e  its i n c e p t i o n ?

MR. L O C K E :  X o b j e c t .  She has t e s t i f i e d  to

the fact. A n d  I t h i n k  it c a l l s  for a c o n c l u s i o n .

T H E  CO U R T :  I d i d n ' t  ge t  the q u e s t i o n .

MR. N E W T O N :  My q u e s t i o n  w a s ,  is it a fact

it is a s e g r e g a t e d  p r i v a t e  s c h o o l , a n d  has b e e n  s i n c e  

its i n c e p t i o n .

THE C O U R T :  W e l l ,  if they have a l l  w h i t e

s t u d e n t s  a n d  n e v e r  had a n  a p p l i c a t i o n ,  I t h i n k  the 

q u e s t i o n  i t s e l f  is s e l f - a n s w e r i n g .

Q Now d o  you k n o w  of y o u r  o w n  k n o w l e d g e  that

t h ere has n e v e r  b e e n  an a p p l i c a t i o n  f r o m  a b l a c k  

p e r s o n ?

A  I c e r t a i n l y  do.

Q Y o u  k n o w  o f  e a c h  and e v e r y  a p p l i c a t i o n ?

A I do.

Q T h a t  has b e e n  m a d e  to the s c h o o l  s i nce its

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I n c e p t i o n ?



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B i r m i n g h a m ,  A l a b a m a

A  Yes.

Q  How long w a s  It c a l l e d  to y o u r  a t t e n t i o n ,  If

it w a s ,  that the B r i g h t o n  H i g h  S c h o o l  p r o p e r t y  wa s  

for s a l e ?

A  It w a s n ' t  c a l l e d  to m y  a t t e n t i o n .  I w a s

l o o k i n g  for a s c h o o l  b u i l d i n g ,  an d  I f o u n d  it.

Q A l l  right. A n d  w h o is Mr. S m i t h ?

A He is on our board.

Q A l l  rig h t . Di d  y o u send Mr. S m i t h  to the

m e e t i n g  of the c i t y  c o u n c i l  in B r i g h t o n ?

A  He w e n t  d o w n  the r e  to look at the building.

I d i d n ' t  send him.
v

T H E  C O U R T :  As I u n d e r s t a n d ,  y ' a l l  d i d n ' t  --

the c i t y  d i d n ' t  i n i t i a t e  the sale?

A  Oh, no. Mr. S m i t h  has n o t h i n g  to do w i t h

the city.

Q  W h e n  d i d  y o u  f i r s t  have k n o w l e d g e  that this

b u i l d i n g  w a s  a v a i l a b l e ,  v a c a n t ?

A  Oh, I t h i n k  a b o u t  in July. I l o o k e d  all

s u m m e r ,  a n d  f r a n k l y  I d i d n ' t  -- I had f o r g o t t e n  that 

B r i g h t o n  w a s  on t h e  map. But I f o u n d  the school.

Q  W h e n  d i d  y o u  f i r s t  m a k e  a n y  o v e r t u r e s  or

some m e m b e r  o f  y o u r  b o a r d  to the C i t y  of B r i g h t o n



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104

about the b u i l d i n g ?

A  W h e n  did -- r e p e a t  that, please.

Q W h e n  did you or an y  m e m b e r  of y o u r  board

ra&ke a n y  o v e r t u r e s  to the C i t y  of B r i g h t o n  a b o u t  

e i t h e r  b u y i n g  or l e a s i n g  the b u i l d i n g ?

A I w r o t e  the m a y o r  and t o o k  it d o w n  to Mr.

B r o w n ' s  o f f i c e .  I f o und out he w a s  the m a y o r  -- 

the City of B r i g h t o n ' s  a t t o r n e y .  I b e l i e v e  it w a s  

S e p t e m b e r  3rd.

Q A l l  right. So you w r o t e  the let t e r  and

c a r r i e d  it to Mr. B r o w n ' s  o f f i c e ?

A  T h a t ' s  right.

Q O n  S e p t e m b e r  3rd, this w a s  the first time

y o u  made any a t t e m p t  of l e a s i n g  or p u r c h a s i n g ?

A  I had talked to Mr. Brown, I believe, and

a s k e d  h i m  if it w a s  p o s s i b l e  that it m i g h t  be for 

sa le .

T H E  CO U R T :  Now the n e g o t i a t i o n s  of the

lease w a s  prior to that time.

A  Yes, sir.

Q M y  q u e s t i o n  w a s ,  and I w i l l  r e p e a t  it, w a s

w h e n  w a s  the fir s t  time y o u  made a n y  o v e r t u r e s  to 

the C i t y  of B r i g h t o n  a b o u t  the lease or sale of this



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m

p r o p e r t y ?

THE CO U R T :  I t h i n k  she said July, d i d n ' t

she ?

A  It w a s  some time in July.

Q I b e lieve yo u  said y o u  s a w  the b u i l d i n g  at

that time, but at that time did yo u  t a l k  to a n y  o f f i ­

c i a l  of the C i t y  of B r i g h t o n  a b o u t  it?

A  No, I d i d n ' t  k n o w  any of the o f f i c i a l s .  But ,

I found out that Mr. B r o w n  w a s  the a t t o r n e y ,  so I j 

w e n t  to him.

Q And that w a s  on the o c c a s i o n  w h e n  you c a rried

him this l e t ter?

A No, I talked w i t h  him first, a s k e d  him if

t h e y  m a y b e  w e r e  i n t e r e s t e d ,  and he said they might.
|

THE C O U R T :  Have y ' all r e n o v a t e d  the b u i l d ­

ing?

A  Oh, yes. It looks so m u c h  better. Still

a lot o f  r e n o v a t i n g  to do though.

Q W h a t  r e p a i r s  have you d o n e  to the b u i l d i n g ?

A  Oh, my. I d o n ' t  think there w a s  but a b o u t

f o rty little w i n d o w s  in the w h o l e  bui l d i n g .  A n d  we 

have put a n  a w f u l  lot of w i n d o w s  in. W e  have got 

a s t o k e r  for the f u r n a c e .  W e  have p a i n t e d .  We have



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j u s t  done a lot of repa i r s .

Q Have you r e p a i r e d  the furn a c e ,  y o u  s a id?

A  We had to if w e  w a n t e d  a n y  heat.

Q A n d  you put in w i n d o w s ?

A  And that is a lot of w i n d o w s  in that th r e e -

s t o r y  building.

MR. N E WTON: 1 b e l i e v e  that is all.

F e d e r a l  C o u r t  R e p o r t i n g  C o m p a n y

4 0 9  F e d e r a l  B u i l d i n g

B i r m i n g h a m ,  A l a b a m a

1 0 4

C R O S S  E X A M I N A T I O N

Q (BY MR. BROWN:) Mrs. Stanton, does the

C i t y  o f  B r i g h t o n  or any o f f i c i a l  of the C i t y  of 

B r i g h t o n  have a n y t h i n g  to do w i t h  the m a n a g e m e n t  

or c o n t r o l  of the Ho o v e r  A c a d e m y ?

A  No, sir.

Q Has any o f f i c i a l  of the c i t y  e v e r  a t t e n d e d

a board m e e t i n g  that yo u  k n o w  of?

A  No, sir.

Q Do y o u  get an y  pu b l i c  funds at a l l  from

the C i t y  of B r i g h t o n ?

A No , s i r .

Q A r e y o u  a n s w e r a b l e  to a n y b o d y  in the c i t y

or c o n n e c t e d  w i t h  the c i t y ?

A No, sir.



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F e d e r a l  C o u r t  R e p o r t i n g  C o m p a n y

4 0 9  F e d e r a l  B u i l d i n g

B i r m i n g h a m ,  A l a b a m a

ya­

rn. BROWN: I b e l i e v e  that is all.

TIE CO U R T :  Yo u  c a n  c o m e  down. Do y o u  have

a n y  f u r t h e r  w i t n e s s e s ?

MR.

TIE

to r e c e s s .

MR.

N E W T O N :  W i t n e s s e s ?

C O U R T :  Yes, sir. I ' m  g o i n g  to have

D i d  yo u  w a n t  to as k  a q u e s t i o n ?

L O C K E :  Yes, sir, I w a s  g o i n g  to ask a

f e w .

THE C O U R T :  I ' m  s u p p o s e d  to r e c e s s  at twelvej

I t h o u g h t  you w e r e  thro u g h .  G o  ahead.

C R O S S  E X A M I N A T I O N  !

Q (BY MR. L O C K E : )  Mrs. S t a n t o n ,  this -- I

p r o b a b l y ,  Y o u r  Honor, w o u l d  like to put in some e x ­

hibits. This Ho o v e r  A c a d e m y  w a s  i n c o r p o r a t e d ,  was 

it not -- they have a s k e d  us to bring a c e r t i f i e d  

c o p y  in r e s p o n s e  thereto, and that is the C e r t i f i ­

c a t e  o f  I n c o r p o r a t i o n  of Ho o v e r  A c a d e m y ,  is it not?

T H E  C O U R T :  W h e n  w a s  it i n c o r p o r a t e d ?

A  O c t o b e r  13, 19- -- O c t o b e r  10, 1963.

Q A n d  t h e n  this is -- this a l s o  c o n t a i n s  the

b y - l a w s  that w e r e  a d o p t e d  by H o o v e r  A c a d e m y  at that 

time, is that c o r r e c t ?



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F e d e r a l  C o u r t  R e p o r t i n g  C o m p a n y

4 0 9  F e d e r a l  B u i l d i n g

B i r m i n g h a m ,  A l a b a m a

im

A Right.

Q A n d  we have here e v e n  an a m e n d m e n t  to the

c e r t i f i c a t e  of i n c o r p o r a t i o n  of H o o v e r  A c a d e m y ?

A  Y e s .

MR. L O C K E :  We w o u l d  like to o f f e r  all o f

those as e x h i b i t s .

( D e f e n d a n t s *  E x h i b i t s  6 A and 6 B w e r e  m a r k e d  

for i d e n t i f i c a t i o n . )

Q F r o m  the date of the o r g a n i z a t i o n  d o w n  to

the p r e s e n t  time, has Hoo v e r  A c a d e m y  m a i n t a i n e d  a 

s e p a r a t e  b a n k  acco u n t ,  has it not?

A Yes, sir.

Q A n d  m a i n t a i n e d  a s e p a r a t e  a c c o u n t  for s e p a ­

rate funds, an d  o p e r a t e d  as a c o r p o r a t i o n ?

A  T h a t ' s  right.

Q An d  you say that you w e r e  o r g a n i z e d  in 1963,

O c t o b e r  1 0 t h  was the date o f  i n c o r p o r a t i o n .  W h e r e  

w a s  the s c h o o l  l o c a t e d  at that time?

A  We s t a r t e d  at P a t t o n ' s  C h a p e l  o v e r  in Hoover.

Q W h e r e  w a s  the first b u i l d i n g ,  though, that

w a s  a c t u a l l y  -- your f i r s t  l o c a t i o n  w h e r e  w e  d r e w  

these p a p e r s  up?

A oh, a c r o s s  the s t r e e t  f r o m  G r a y m o n t  S c h o o l



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F e d e r a l  C o u r t  R e p o r t i n g  C o m p a n y

4 0 9  F e d e r a l  B u i l d i n g

B i r m i n g h a m ,  A l a b a m a

o n  E i g h t h  T e r r a c e  W e s t .  I d o n ' t  k n o w  e x a c t l y  the 

a d d r e s s .

Q Now s h o r t l y  a f t e r  that time, w e r e  you l o o k ­

ing for a s c h o o l  b u i l d i n g  to house the H o o v e r  A c a ­

demy?

A

Q

A

Q

ac a d e m y

T h a t ' s  right.

And w h a t  l o c a t i o n s  did y o u  find?

P a t t o n ' s  C h a p e l  w a s  the c l o s e s t  one.

E v e n  at that time it w a s  the d e s i r e  of the 

to have a p e r m a n e n t  s c h o o l  b u i l d i n g ,  w a s n ' t

it?

A  Yes, sir.

Q A n d  di d  the s c h o o l  move to P a t t o n ' s  C h a p e l

at that

Q

A

Q

A

Q

A

Q

time ?

Yes, sir.

Now w h e r e  is P a t t o n ' s  C h a p e l ?

In H o over, over the m o u n t a i n .

T h a t  is o v e r  R e d  M o u n t a i n ,  i s n ' t  it? 

T h a t ' s  r i g h t .

A n d  did the s c h o o l  o p e r a t e  there for

Y e s , s i r .

T h e y  bused the s t u d e n t s  over, is that

a w h i l e  !

cor

r e c t ?



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F e d e r a l  C o u r t  R e p o r t i n g  C o m p a n y

4 0 9  F e d e r a l  B u i l d i n g

B i r m i n g h a m ,  A l a b a m a

A  T h a t ' s  ri g h t .

Q At that time w a s  any o f  the c i t y  o f f i c i a l s

o f  B r i g h t o n ,  or did B r i g h t o n  have a n y t h i n g  to do 

w i t h  the a c a d e m y  at that time?

A No, sir.

Q F o l l o w i n g  the time that you spent -- w e l l ,

w h y  di d  you move from P a t t o n ' s  C h a p e l ?

A  B e c a u s e  we got t i r e d  o f  goi n g  over the m o u n ­

t a i n  in snow. We had to find a bui l d i n g .

Q The s n o w  sort o f  froze you out o v e r  the

m o u n t a i n ?

A Ye s , s i r .

Q W h e r e  did y o u  move then?

A  B a c k  up on F i f t h  Place W e st.

Q And you o p e r a t e d  the s c h o o l  on F i f t h  Place

W e s t ,  that is up in C o l l e g e  Hills, isn ' t  it?

A  Uh-huh.

Q W a s  a n y b o d y  a s s o c i a t e d  w i t h  the C i t y  of

B r i g h t o n  a s s o c i a t e d  w i t h  the s c h o o l  at that time?

A No, sir.

Q A l l  r i g h t .  An d  a f t e r  you o p e r a t e d  there,

were y o u  l o o k i n g  a l l  this time for a schod b u i l d i n g ?

A  W e  s u r e l y  w e r e .



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F e d e r a l  C o u r t  R e p o r t i n g  C o m p a n y

4 0 9  F e d e r a l  B u i l d i n g

B i r m i n g h a m ,  A l a b a m a

Q W h a t  o t h e r  sit e s  did you look for, or did

y o u  a t t e m p t  to get for H o o v e r  A c a d e m y ?

A Oh g o o d n e s s  yes. We lo o k e d  at a place in
\

W e s t  E n d  that had b e e n  f o r m e r l y  a g r o c e r y  store.

We w e r e  t h i n k i n g  a b o u t  g o i n g  w a y  out here to Sayre
I

last year.
|

Q D i d  you l o o k  for one d o w n  in M i d f i e l d ?

A  We looked at M i d f i e l d  for one.

Q So all of this time the a c a d e m y  w a s  looking

for a p e r m a n e n t  sit e ?

A  T h a t ' s  right.

Q A t  a n y  of that time, did an y  c i t y  o f f i c i a l  of

B r i g h t o n  have a n y t h i n g  to do w i t h  the a c a d e m y ?

A  I d i d n ' t  know B r i g h t o n  e x i s t e d .

THE CO U R T :  Y o u  had more t h a n  one place at ji
this time; d o n ' t  y o u  have one s c h o o l  place?

A No, sir. W e  d o n ' t  have m o r e  t h a n  one, but

I think we w i l l .

T H E  C O U R T :  I t h o u g h t  it w a s  b r o u g h t  out here

in the r a c i a l  h e a r i n g  that there w e r e  t h ree places.

A m  I w r o n g ?

MR. BROWN: T h ^ y  have had three d i f f e r e n t

l o c a t i o n s .



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A W e  have j u s t  m o v e d  a r o u n d ,  Judge.

THE C O U R T :  We are going to recess until

1:30, Hr. Locke. Yo u  can come down.

MR. BROWN: Hay it please the Co u r t ,  could
I

w e  let the c i t y  c l e r k  go, or do you anticipate using! 

her f u r t h e r ?

MR. HOOD: We ma y  w a n t  to ask her some other

ques tions . j

MR. BROWN: I gue s s  w e  can't do it.

( W HEREUPON, p r o c e e d i n g s  were in r e c e s s  from 

12:00 N o o n  u n t i l  1:35 P. M . , December 16, 1969, fol­

l o w i n g  w h i c h  the f o l l o w i n g  o c c u r r e d : )

A F T E R N O O N  SESSION

D E C E M B E R  16, 1969 1:35 P. M.

THE CO U R T :  A l l  right, we will proceed.

MR. L O C K E :  Judge, I believe we are going

to r e s e r v e  the r i g h t  w i t h  Mrs. Stanton to call her 

b a c k  at a later time. A n d  I would like to -- I 

n o t i c e d  in the i n t e r i m  that I h a d n ' t  filed my answer, 

T H E  C O U R T :  A H  ri g h t .  It will be m a r k e d

fi le d .

2 03
F e d e r a l  C o u r t  R e p o r t i n g  C o m p a n y

4 0 9  F e d e r a l  B u i l d i n g

B i r m i n g h a m ,  A l a b a m a

112



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4 0 9  F e d e r a l  B u i l d i n g

B i r m i n g h a m ,  A l a b a m a

MR. L O C K E :  We do at the end, in the event

the C o u r t  sees fit to g r ant the c o m p l a i n t ,  that we 

be r e i m b u r s e d  and so forth, or a d e q u a t e  bond be p r e ­

sente d .

THE C O U R T :  Are you c a l l i n g  this w i t n e s s ,

Mr. Hood?

MR. HOOD: Yes, sir.

THE C O U R T :  Proceed.

MISS P A T R I C I A  R I C H T E R .

b e ing p r e v i o u s l y  d u l y  sworn, t e s t i f i e d  as follows:

D I R E C T  E X A M I N A T I O N

Q (BY MR. HOOD:) Sta t e your name, please,

m a ' a m .

A P a t r i c i a  R i c h t e r .

Q An d  w h a t  is your a d d r e s s ?

A 845 A r k a d e l p h i a  Road, B i r m i n g h a m .

Q W h a t  is your o c c u p a t i o n ?

A Te ac he r  .

Q Al l  ri g h t .  I ' m  g o i n g to ask you w h e t h e r

or n o t you w e r e  an i n s t r u c t o r on the 8 t h  d a y  of

S e p t e m b e r ,  1969?

A  Yes, I was.



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F e d e r a l  C o u r t  R e p o r t i n g  C o m p a n y

4 0 9  F e d e r a l  B u i l d i n g

B i r m i n g h a m ,  A l a b a m a 114

Q A n d  w a s  this in J e f f e r s o n  C o u n t y ?

A  Yes , i t was .

Q I ' m  g o i n g  to ask you to l o o k  at this i n s t r u ­

m e n t  there. Do y o u  r e c o g n i z e  it?

A  Yes, I do, sir.

Q L o o k i n g  at the s i g n a t u r e  on there, do y o u

i d e n t i f y  the s i g n a t u r e ?

A  Yes, sir. T h a t  is my s i g n a t u r e .

Q A n d  it is d a ted w h a t  date, p l e a s e ?

A D a t e d  the 3 t h  da y  of S e p t e m b e r ,  1969.

Q A l l  right. 1 1m g o i n g  to as k  you to r e a d

that, please.

A F r o m  the v e r y  b e g i n n i n g ?

Q Y e s .

A  Before me, the u n d e r s i g n e d  a u t h o r i t y ,  in

and for said state and c o u n t y ,  p e r s o n a l l y  a p p e a r e d  

one M i s s  P a t r i c i a  Rich t e r ,  w h o  being by me first 

d u l y  sworn, d e p o s e s  u n d e r  o a t h  and says the f o l l o w ­

ing, to-wit:

My name is P a t r i c i a  Rich t e r .  I am a r e s i ­

dent c i t i z e n  of J e f f e r s o n  C o u n t y ,  A l a b a m a ,  and I 

have b e e n  since June, 1968. I d u l y  c e r t i f y  under 

o a t h  that on the 8 t h  d a y  o f  S e p t e m b e r ,  1969, I did



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F e d e r a l  C o u r t  R e p o r t i n g  C o m p a n y

4 0 9  F e d e r a l  B u i l d i n g

B i r m i n g h a m ,  A l a b a m a

- m

i n q u i r e  of the Ho o v e r  A c a d e m y  at Bri g h t o n ,  Alabama,

r e g a r d i n g  e n r o l l m e n t  p r a c t i c e s  and said p o l i c i e s  as 

to r a c e  and color. I f u r t h e r  i n q u i r e d  as to the pre-* 

sent e n r o l l m e n t  of the s c hool, as to r a c e  or color, ! 

and as to its future p o l i c i e s  r e g a r d i n g  the same.

1 w a s  told the f o l l o w i n g ,  to-wit:

I w a s  t h i n k i n g  of e n r o l l i n g  ray d a u g h t e r  at 

your s c hool, but I heard from one of the n e i g h b o r s  

that you w e r e  e n r o l l i n g  the c o l o r e d .  Is this true?

A n s w e r :  No, ma'am. We d o n ' t  have any colored

out here now.

Q u e s t i o n :  Is this your p o l i c y ?

A n s w e r :  W e l l ,  this is a p r i v a t e  school.

We r e s e r v e  the r i g h t  to deny a d m i s s i o n  to any student, 

w h i t e  or c o l o r e d .

Q u e s t i o n :  Well, I g u ess I need some a s s u r ­

ance a b o u t  your p o l i c y  before I e n r o l l  my daughter, | 

since I need to know p r e c i s e l y  w h a t  l ' m  g o i n g  away 

f r o m  the o t her s c h o o l  for that w o n ' t  be at Hoover.

A n s w e r :  I d o n ' t  t h i n k  you have to w o r r y

a b o u t  that. This is our s e v e n t h  year, and w e  haven't

i

had a c o l o r e d  yet.

I f u r t h e r  c e r t i f y  under o a t h  that the a b o v e



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207

j

Is an excerpt of the statements as to the conversa- j 

tion transpiring between an official of Hoover Aca- j 

demy and myself. And I certify under oath that the 

abbve given statements are true and correct to the 

best of my knowledge, information and belief, and 

was given by me voluntarily.

MR. LOCKE: Judge, I would like to object

to that on the basis --

F e d e r a l  C o u r t  R e p o r t i n g  C o m p a n y

4 0 9  F e d e r a l  B u i l d i n g

B i r m i n g h a m ,  A l a b a m a

THE COURT: Of course an affidavit is not

admissible in evidence. Now you can ask her about 

those things.

MR. HOOD: l'm going to, yes, sir.

THE COURT: You can ask her who she applied

to, and what she was told. But the affidavit as 

such is not admissible.

Q All right. State your name.

A Patricia Richter.

Q I'm going to ask you whether or not on or

about the 8th day of September, 1969, did you make 

an application at Hoover Academy to enroll your

c h i l d ?

A

Q

I made a phone call.

Did you talk to an official at Hoover Academy?



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2 08

Federal Court Reporting Company
409 Federal Building 
Birmingham, Alabama

w

A Yes, I did.

MR. LOCKE: I object.

THE COURT: Well, did somebody identify
|

themselves there; can you tell who identified --
|

A No, sir. Someone picked up the phone, and j
I!

answered, Hoover Academy. And I raised a question i 

of enrollment, and the person went ahead and answered 

with full information.

MR. LOCKE: I renew my objection.

Q  Did she identify herself a s  being an offi­

cial of Hoover?
A No. But they answered the phone, Hoover

Academy, and I assumed they were connected with 

Hoover Academy.

MR. LOCKE: I object to that.

THE COURT: Were they listed in the phone

directory?

A Yes.
I

THE COURT: How were they listed?

A Hoover Academy.

THE COURT: Did you ring that phone?

A Yes, sir.
THE COURT: Then somebody answered and said,



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B i r m i n g h a m ,  A l a b a m a

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H o o v e r  A c a d e m y ?

A Yes, sir.

THE C O U R T :  W e l l ,  I t h i n k  p r o b a b l y  that
\

m a k e s  p r i m a  facie.

MR. L O C K E :  May I a s k  a q u e s t i o n  on v o i r

dire ?

TH E  C O U R T :  Yes, sir.

V O I R  DIRE E X A M I N A T I O N

Q (BY MR. L O C K E : )  Did you j u s t  get the n u m ­

b e r  o u t  of the phone d i r e c t o r y  and c a l l  that n u m b e r ?  

A As I r e c a l l ,  yes. An d  it c o i n c i d e d  w i t h

a n o t h e r  n u m b e r  that I had. But it w a s  in the phone 

book, li s t e d  H o o v e r  A c a d e m y .

Q And the n u m b e r  that you c a l l e d  w a s  li s t e d

in the phone d i r e c t o r y  as Hoover A c a d e m y ?

A  Yes.

Q T h a t  is the o n l y  nu m b e r  y o u  c a l l e d ?

A  To the bed: of my k n o w l e d g e ,  yes.

Q An d  then you sa y  that this p e r s o n  that a n ­

s w e r e d ,  a n s w e r e d  f r o m  that n u m b e r ?

A  And a n s w e r e d ,  jloover A c a d e m y .

Q But they a n s w e r e d  f r o m  the num b e r  you c a l l e d



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4 0 9  F e d e r a l  B u i l d i n g

B i r m i n g h a m ,  A l a b a m a

f r o m  the book?

A  W e l l  no w  I gue s s .  I w o u l d  have to see the

phone b o o k  an d  see w h e t h e r  that n u m b e r  w a s  the same 

n u m b e r  that I also had o n  a p i ece of paper. I c a n ’t 

Q T h e n  y o u  d i d n ' t  get it f r o m  the phone book,

you got it f r o m  a piece of paper?

MR. NEWTON: T h a t  is not proper v o i r  dire.

A  No, sir. M a y  I an s w e r  the q u e s t i o n ?

TH E  C O U R T :  Y o u ' r e  c r o s s  e x a m i n i n g .  D i d  you

c h e c k  the phone d i r e c t o r y  f i r s t ?

A  Yeah. Ho o v e r  A c a d e m y  a p p e a r e d  in the phone

book. And t h ere w a s  a n u m b e r .  A n d  I a l s o  had a 

n u m b e r  o n  a piece of paper. Now 1 c a n ' t  r e c a l l  w h e ­

ther t h e y  w e r e  one and the same n u m b e r  or not, but 

I mean, I v e r i f i e d  that there w a s  s u c h  an a c a d e m y  

by l o o k i n g  it up in the phone book.

q  You t e s t i f i e d  -- did you c a l l  the n u m b e r  in

the p h one book?

A  I be lieve I did .

TH E  C O U R T :  W e ll, I w i l l  s u s t a i n  the o b j e c ­

tion, of c o u r s e , to the a f f i d a v i t .

MR. HOOD: Y e a ,  sir.

MR. LOCKE: J u d g e , I w i l l  state r i g h t  now,



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w e  move to e x c l u d e  It, b e c a u s e  a c t u a l l y  w e  have 

c h a n g e d  the phone n u m b e r ,  an d  the phone n u m b e r  in 

the b o o k  is not the same.

MR. HOOD: Judge, he is t e s t i f y i n g .  And of

c o u r s e  the w i t n e s s  is on the s t a n d  s u b j e c t  to c r o s s  

e x a m i n a t i o n .

THE CO U R T :  A l l  rig h t .  O v e r r u l e  at this

j u n c t u r e .

C O N T I N U E D  D I R E C T  E X A M I N A T I O N

Q (BY MR. HOOD:) Now I ' m  g o i n g  to a s k  yo u  w h a t

w a s  the c o n v e r s a t i o n  you had w i t h  the o f f i c i a l  at 

H o o v e r  A c a d e m y ?

A The c o n v e r s a t i o n  that I had w i t h  the official;

at H o o v e r  A c a d e m y  w a s  the fo l l o w i n g .

MR. LO C K E :  W e  o b j e c t  to o f f i c i a l  of Hoover
|

A c a d e m y .

T H E  COURT: The pe r s o n  that a n s w e r e d .

A The p e r s o n  at the phone said, G o o d  m o r n i n g ,

H o o v e r  A c a d e m y .  I r a i s e d  the f o l l o w i n g  q u e s t i o n .

Q Was this a m a n  or w o m a n ?

A  W o m a n .  I s a i d  to this w o m a n ,  I w a s  t h i n k i n g

of e n r o l l i n g  ray d a u g h t e r  at H o o v e r  A c a d e m y ,  but I



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B i r m i n g h a m ,  A l a b a m a

h e ard f r o m  one o f  the n e i g h b o r s  t h e y  had c o l o r e d  out 

there. Is this true? A n d  she r e p l i e d ,  q u i t e  e m ­

p h a t i c a l l y  no, we do not have a n y  c o l o r e d  o u t  here 

now. A n d  she said, is this your policy. An d  she 

said, w e l l ,  we r e s e r v e  the r i g h t  to d e n y  a d m i s s i o n  

to any s t u d e n t  b e c a u s e  this is a p r i v a t e  s c h o o l .  And 

I q u e s t i o n e d  her f u r t h e r  a b o u t  her p o licy, the policy 

of the s c h o o l .  She w a s  v e r y  h e s i t a n t ,  an d  a s k e d  

for my name. A n d  w h e n  I gave my name, she w e n t  ahead 

and said that this is t h eir s e v e n t h  year o f  o p e r a t i o n  

and that they h a d n ' t  had one yet, and I d i d n ' t  have
|

to w o r r y  a b o u t  it. j

Q A n d  this p e r s o n  w h o  i d e n t i f i e d  t h e m s e l v e s  as ;
j

H o o v e r  A c a d e m y  a l s o  told you w h a t  the p o l i c y  w a s  of 

the s c h ool, is that ri g h t ,  m a ' a m ?

A  Y e s .

Q Now w h e n  you q u e s t i o n e d  this cfficial r e l a t i v e

to the p o l i c i e s  of the s c h o o l  as to race, w h a t ,  if 

a n y t h i n g ,  did she say?

A  T h e  p e r s o n  a n s w e r e d  that w h e n  I a s k e d  w e r e

there -- f i rst q u e s t i o n  the p e r s o n  a n s w e r e d ,  the w o ­

m a n  a n s w e r e d ,  no, there are not a n y  c o l o r e d  out here 

now. And t h e n  I q u e s t i o n e d  as to w h e t h e r  this w a s



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her policy, the s c h o o l ' s  policy. And then she r e p l i e  

that they -- that this wa s  t h e i r  s e v e n t h  year of o p e ­

r a t i o n ,  that they hadn't had any c o l o r e d  out there 

yet, and that I d i d n ' t  have to w o r r y  a b o u t  that.

MR. HOOD: T h a t  is all.

THE CO U R T :  A n y  q u e s t i o n s ?

C R O S S  E X A M I N A T I O N

Q (BY MR. L O C K E : )  P a t r i c i a  R i c h t e r ,  w h a t  did

you say your a d d r e s s  w a s ?

A 8A5 A r k a d e l p h i a  Road.

Q How long have you l i v e d  th e r e ?

A Since S e p t e m b e r .

Q Of w h a t  year ?

A Of 1969.

Q W h e r e  did you live prior to that?

A  5 5 0 0  A v e n u e  G.

Q Whe r e  is that, please, m a ' a m ?

A  F a i r f i e l d ,  A l a b a m a .

Q How long did yo u  live t h e r e ?

A  S i n c e  June of 1968.

Q Are you m a r r i e d ?

A  No.

F e d e r a l  C o u r t  R e p o r t i n g  C o m p a n y

4 0 9  F e d e r a l  B u i l d i n g

B i r m i n g h a m ,  A l a b a m a



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i
Q W h e r e  did yo u  live prior to June of 1968?

A  C a m b r i d g e ,  M a s s a c h u s e t t s .

Q C a m b r i d g e ,  M a s s a c h u s e t t s .  W h e r e  did you

live up there ?

A I ' m  t r y i n g  to think. l ' m  blank.

Q Are you h a v i n g  d i f f i c u l t y  in t h i n k i n g  of

the a d d r e s s  up there?

A Yes. I am, b e c a u s e  I w a s  o n l y  there for a

y e a r .

Q O n l y  there for a year. W h a t  w a s  the addr e s s ?

A I r v i n g  S t r e e t .  4 9  I r v i n g  S t reet, C a m b r i d g e ,

M a s s a c h u s e t t s .

MR. NEWTON: Your H o n o r , I w o u l d  like to

i n t e r p o s e  an o b j e c t i o n  here. W e  are t a l k i n g  of in 

this w h o l e  c a s e  a b o u t  e v e n t s  b e t w e e n  J u l y  an d  n o w .

And this y o u n g  lady has testified that d u r i n g  the 

p e r i o d  of time w e  are t a l k i n g  ab o u t ,  she lived here 

in A l a b a m a . Now w h a t  she did --

MR. L O C K E : T h i s  is c r o s s  e x a m i n a t i o n ,  Your

H o n o r .

MR. N E W T O N :  W h e t h e r  she lived in C a m b r i d g e ,

M a s s a c h u s e t t s  -~

f e d e r a l  C o u r t  R e p o r t i n g  C o m p a n y

4 0 9  F e d e r a l  B u i l d i n g

B i r m i n g h a m ,  A l a b a m a

T H E  C O U R T :  I d o n ' t  know w h e t h e r  it is



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federal Court Reporting Company 
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r e l e v a n t  or not. But I w i l l  let him e x p l o r e  it to 

a r e a s o n a b l e  e x t e n t .

MR. NEWTON: We e x c e p t .

T H E  C O U R T :  We c a n ' t  try this g i r l ' s  h i s ­

tory, I d o n ' t  believe.

MR. L O C K E :  I u n d e r s t a n d  that, Y o u r  Honor,

but I t h i n k  I w o u l d  like the o p p o r t u n i t y  for just - - I 

I t h i n k  it is m a t e r i a l .  This g i r l  now has had five 

a d d r e s s e s  a l r e a d y  in a b o u t  a year and a half.

MR. N E W T O N :  That is e x a c t l y  w h a t  I* m  o b j e c ­

ting to. T h e r e  is no c r i m e  a b o u t  h a v i n g  nine a d ­

d r e s s e s  .

A  Sir, I have had three a d d r e s s e s .

Q A l l  right. You had one at F a i r f i e l d  for a
!

year, A r k a d e l p h i a  an d  I r v i n g  S t r e e t  in C a m b r i d g e .  

W h e r e  did you have before that, w h e r e  did you live?

A  I lived in W a s h i n g t o n ,  D. C.

Q W h a t  w a s  the a d d r e s s  there, please, m a ' a m ?

A  G e o r g e t o w n  U n i v e r s i t y .  I w a s  there for four

years, sir.

Q You w e r e  in s c h o o l ?

A  Y e s .

Q W h e r e  w e r e  you before that?



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T H E  C O U R T :  W e l l ,  I d o n '  t t h i n k  w e  n e e d  to

go back. That is as far as w e  need.

Q W e r e  you m a r r i e d  w h e n  y o u  w e r e  l i v i n g  in

C a m b r i d g e  ?

A No, sir.

Q And you w e r e  not m a r r i e d  in F a i r f i e l d ?

A No, sir.

Q Not m a r r i e d  w h e n  y o u  lived at A r k a d e l p h l a ?

A No , s i r .

Q Are you d i v o r c e d ?

A N o , s i r .

Q Y o u  have not b e e n  m a r r i e d  a n d n o t  b e e n  di-

v o r c e d ?

A No.

Q This c h i l d  that you have, how old is the

c h i l d ?

A I don ' t  have a child.

Q D i d n ' t  you t e s t i f y  that yo u  c a l l e d  the

a c a d e m y and told t h e m  you had a c h i l d ?

A That is w h a t  I t o l d  the a c a d e m y  o f f i c i a l ,

y e s .

Q

A

But y o u  do in fact d o n ' t  have a c h i l d ?  

N o , sir.



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Q Now then y o u  r e a l l y  t h e n  d i d n ' t  have a c hi Id |

to put in school, did you?

A  No , s i r .

Q So yo u  rea!Lly had no r e a l r e a s o n to call

Ho o v e r A c a d e m y ,  or w o uld you just te 11 us the rea

so n  you had ?

A I did have a r e a s o n , sir . And I w i l l  be

g l a d  to tell yo u  w h a t the r e a s o n  js.

Q A l l  right. W h a t  is i t?

A The r e a s o n is that as a c i. t izen of J e f f e r

son C o u n t y ,  and as a r e s i d e n t  of the S t a t e  of A l a ­

bama, 1 w a s  c o n c e r n e d  w i t h  the s c h o o l  p o l i c y  in the 

state. A n d  more p a r t i c u l a r l y  I w a s  c o n c e r n e d  w i t h  

the use of w h a t  w a s  at one time a f a c i l i t y  of the 

C i t y  of B r i g h t o n  to be used by all the t a x p a y e r s  of 

the C i t y  of Bri g h t o n .  I w a s  c o n c e r n e d  w i t h  w h a t  

w a s  h a p p e n i n g  to the d i s p o s a l  --

Q Did you t a l k  to y o u r  l a wyers before you came

to this c a s e ?

A  I have no l a w y e r s  for this case, sir.

Q Did you t a l k  to D e m e t r i u s  N e w t o n  here and

D a v i d  H o od?

A I s p o k e  to Mr. D e m e t r i u s  N e w t o n  in a c o n v e r ­



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s a t i o n ,  y e s .

Q A n d  y o u  s a y  you w e r e  a c i t i z e n  o f  J e f f e r s o n

C o u n t y ?

A  Right.

Q D i d  you get this r e a l  c o n c e r n  for the e d u c a ­

tion of the State of A l a b a m a  w h e n  y o u  w e r e  i n  W a s h i n g

ton, or C a m b r i d g e ?

A  T h a t  is w h y  I came here, sir.

Q T h a t  is w h y  you c a m e  here. A n d  y o u r  c i t i z e n ­

ship in the state, in J e f f e r s o n  C o u nty, and in A l a -
i

bama, is of a ye a r ' s  d u r a t i o n  and -- 

A  A  y e a r  and a h a l f  d u r a t i o n .

Q I see. But y o u  got this c o n c e r n  for the

e d u c a t i o n  e v e n  p r i o r  to c o m i n g  here?

A I ' m  c o n c e r n e d  a b o u t  public e d u c a t i o n  in the

U n i t e d  S t a t e s  as a w h o l e .

Q T h i s  is n o t  pu b l i c  e d u c a t i o n  here --

A Let me r e p h r a s e  it, e d u c a t i o n  o f  people. I *

w o u l d n ' t  be a t e a c h e r  if I w e r e n ' t  i n t e r e s t e d .

f e d e r a l  C o u r t  R e p o r t i n g  C o m p a n y

4 0 9  F e d e r a l  B u i l d i n g

B i r m i n g h a m ,  A l a b a m a

Q W h e r e  do you teac h?

A M i l e s  C o l l e g e •

Q How long have y o u  been t e a c h i n g  t h e r e ?

A S i n c e  June of 1968.



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i*8

Q So really then the purpose of your call was
|

to attempt to establish that there was a policy of 

discrimination, wasn't it?

A Primarily, sir, it was a call to obtain in­
formation about that.

Q Yes, but you had no daughter?

A No.

Q To educate?

A But only by presenting an official with a

concrete situation can you determine unless you are 

going to rely on a rumor and hearsay what the school's 
policy is.

Q In other words, if you're going to entrap

an official, you have got to falsify the facts?

MR. NEWTON: Your Honor, we object to that.
This is argumentative.

THE COURT: Sustain the objection. The

Court realizes what was done here. I don't know 

that a person has to give motive when they are 

trying to establish a constitutional position.

Q Did you ever appear at the school to make
application?

A No, I did not.



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Q Now when you say in this affidavit you tes­

tified that --

MR. HOOD: We object. The affidavit is not

in evidence. It is not before the Court.

MR. LOCKE: It is a sworn statement, and

I believe I have a right to cross examine from it.

THE COURT: I think what she said was sub­

stantially in that paper that you are looking at.

MR. LOCKE: I would feel I have a right to

cross examine her from any sworn affidavit.

THE COURT: Cross examine her about any

statement?
MR. LOCKE: Yes, sir. It is made under o a t h .

Where is this address at Fairfield H i g h l a n d s  j 

is that t h e  Miles College address?

A Yes. It is faculty apartments that are on

the campus there.
Q That is a faculty apartment at Miles C o l l e g e ,

So now would y o u  mind t e l l i n g  me, please, ma’am, 

who your neighbors are that y o u  refer to in this 

affidavit ?

A

Q

There were no neighbors, specific names. 

Well now maybe I don’t understand. Did you



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4 0 9  F e d e r a l  B u i l d i n g

B i r m i n g h a m ,  A l a b a m a

1 3 0

not s i g n  u n d e r  o a t h  a s t a t e m e n t  s a y i n g  that you had 

t a l k e d  to n e i g h b o r s ,  and now y o u s a y  there w e r e  no 

n e i g h b o r s  ?

A  No. W h a t  I s i g n e d  u n d e r  o a t h  w a s  w h a t  I had

said to the p e r s o n .  T h a t  is w h a t  I have an o a t h  

c o n n e c t e d  w i t h .

Q  But t h e n  you s a i d  you had ta l k e d  or heard

from one o f  the n e i g h b o r s ,  and in fact now you tell j 

us there w e r e  no n e i g h b o r s .

A This is w h a t  I said to the Hoover o f f i c i a l

in the same w a y  that I s a i d  --

MR. HOOD: C a n  w e  i n t e r p o s e  the same o b j e c ­

tion. He is a r g u i n g  as to m o t i v e .  It is i r r e l e v a n t ,  

i n c o m p e t e n t ,  i m m a t e r i a l .

THE C O U R T :  L e t ' s  not go i n t o  the m o t i v e

on the matter.

MR. LO C K E :  Judge, I t h i n k  --

THE C O U R T :  It is a p p a r e n t  to the c o u r t  w h a t

e v i d e n c e  has a l r e a d y  been d e v e l o p e d ,  w h a t  her o b j e c ­

tive is here. And I d o n ' t  t h i n k  w e  have to s e a r c h  

it o u t .

MR. L O C K E :  I t h i n k  it w a s  v e r y  m a t e r i a l

to find ou t  w h a t  n e i g h b o r s  here she has t a l k e d  ta.



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F e d e r a l  C o u r t  R e p o r t i n g  C o m p a n y

4 0 9  F e d e r a l  B u i l d i n g

B i r m i n g h a m ,  A l a b a m a

I c o n s i d e r  the s t a t e m e n t  hearsay, and o b v i o u s l y  is 

now b e c a u s e  it w a s  e n t i r e l y  f i c t i t i o u s .  But at 

the time she a n s w e r e d  the q u e s t i o n ,  I w a n t e d  to e s t a b ­

lish w h a t  n e i g h b o r s  she t a l k e d  to.

MR. H O O D : It s t i l l  has no b e a r i n g  on the

mot ive .

M R . L O C K E  : I t h i n k  it has b e a r i n g  on i n ­

ter e s t  in the case, not m o t ive, w h i c h  is p r o p e r  s u b ­

ject of c r o s s  e x a m i n a t i o n .

A A m  I to make a r e p l y  to that?

T H E  COURT: How is that?

A A m  I to make a r e p l y  to that?

THE CO U R T :  No. You j u s t  make r e p l i e s  to

the q u e s t i o n s .  The lawyer w i l l  m a k e  o b j e c t i o n s  over 

there if he has any o b j e c t i o n s .

Q Di d  you m a k e  any f u r t h e r  i n q u i r y  other than

this phone c a l l ?

A  No, I did not.

T H E  C O U R T :  Al l  r i g h t .  A n y t h i n g  e l s e ?  Do

yo u  have an y  q u e s t i o n s ,  Mr. B r o w n ?

MR. BROWN: No, sir.

TH E  C O U R T :  How is that?

MR. BROWN: I d o n ’t b e l i e v e  w e  have any



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F e d e r a l  C o u r t  R e p o r t i n g  C o m p a n y

4 0 9  F e d e r a l  B u i l d i n g

B i r m i n g h a m ,  A l a b a m a

132

q u e s t i o n s  .

THE C O U R T :  If n o t h i n g  f u r t h e r  from the w i t ­

ness, you c a n  come down.

MR. HOOD: T h a t  is all, Judge.

THE COURT: A n y t h i n g  e l se, Mr. Hood?

MR. HOOD: Mr. W a l t e r  E. J e n k i n s ,  ma y  it

ple a s e  the Court.

THE C O U R T :  C o m e  a r o und, Mr. J e n k i n s .

MR. LOCKE: Judge, m a y  I just, have the r e ­

c o r d  to s h o w  that the last w i t n e s s  wa s  w h i t e ?

THE COURT: Your s t a t e m e n t  w i l l  i n d i c a t e

t h a t .

MR. L O C K E :  Yes, sir. W e l l ,  I t h o u g h t  the

r e c o r d  o u g h t  to r e v e a l  w h a t  the a p p e l l a t e  c a n ' t  o b ­

s e rve .

THE C O U R T :  A l l  ri g h t ,  Mr. Hood.

MR. W A L T E R  E. J E N K I N S .

b e i n g  p r e v i o u s l y  d u l y  sworn, t e s t i f i e d  as follows:

D I R E C T  E X A M I N A T I O N

Q (BY MR. HOOD:) S t a t e  y o u r  name, please.

A  W a l t e r  E . J e n k i n s .

THE COU R T :  W a l t e r  E. J e n k i n s ?



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F e d e r a l  C o u r t  R e p o r t i n g  C o m p a n y

4 0 9  F e d e r a l  B u i l d i n g

B i r m i n g h a m ,  A l a b a m a

A  Yes .

Q State your a d d r e s s .

A 806 T r e m o n t  S t reet, B r i g h t o n .

Q l ' m  g o i n g  to a s k  you w h e t h e r  or not you

hold a n y  p o s i t i o n  w i t h  the c i t y  c o u n c i l  of Brighton, 

A l a b a m a ?

A  I serve as a m e m b e r  of the c i t y  c o u n c i l .

Q How long have you b e e n  a m e m b e r  of the city

c o u n c i l  of B r ighton, A l a b a m a ,  p l e a s e ?

A I take the o a t h  of o f f i c e  on the 7 t h  of

O c t o b e r  in '68.

Q I ' m  g o i n g  to ask you w h e t h e r  or not you w e r e

a m e m b e r  o f  the c i t y  c o u n c i l  on J u l y  16, 1969?

A  I w a s  .

Q I a s k  you to look at this. Is your name

a f f i x e d  to this r e s o l u t i o n ?

A Yeah.

Q Did you o f f e r  this r e s o l u t i o n  before the

c i t y  c o u n c i l  on the 1 6 t h  of J u l y ?

A  W e  did.

Q Now I ' m  g o i n g  to a s k  you w h e t h e r  or not at

t h a t  t i m e  yo u  had c o m m u n i t y  s e r v i c e  b u i l d i n g s  in 

B r i g h t o n ,  to y o u r  k n o w l e d g e ?



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F e d e r a l  C o u r t  R e p o r t i n g  C o m p a n y

4 0 9  F e d e r a l  B u i l d i n g

B i r m i n g h a m ,  A l a b a m a

13 4

A No.

Q D i d  y o u  have any c o m m u n i t y  p r o g r a m s  in

B r i g h t o n ?

A  Not to m y  k n o w l e d g e .

MR. LOCKE: W h a t  w a s  the a n s w e r  to that?

MR. HOOD: Not to his k n o w l e d g e .

Now pe o p l e  on food s t a m p  p r o g r a m s  and o t h e r s *  

w e l f a r e  p r ograms, have to go to o t h e r  areas, did they
i

not, to be s e r v i c e d ?

A  T h a t 1 s r i ght .

Q And in i n t r o d u c i n g  this r e s o l u t i o n ,  I ' m  g o i n g

to a s k  you to r e a d  here.

W h e r e a s ,  there is a g r e a t  need for a c o m m u n i t y

S e r v i c e .

-- s e r v i c e  b u i l d i n g  for the C i t y  of B r ighton^
j

A l a b a m a ,  and for the g r e a t e s t  -- 

Q For the g r e a t e r .
j

A  -- for the g r e a t e r  p u r p o s e  of h o u s i n g  all

a n t i - p o v e r t y  c o m m u n i t y  a c t i v i t i e s  -- 

Q That is a c t i o n .

A  -- a c t i o n  and food s t a m p  p r o g r a m  that c a n

A

c e n t e r

Q

A

be of a g r e a t e r  --



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F e d e r a l  C o u r t  R e p o r t i n g  C o m p a n y

4 0 9  F e d e r a l  B u i l d i n g

B i r m i n g h a m ,  A l a b a m a

« 5

Q Be of a great.

A  -- be of a g r e a t  b e n e f i t  to a l l  our p e o p l e

an d  p r e v e n t  the i r  h a v i n g  to go to o t h e r  c i t i e s  or 

a r e a s  to e n j o y  the a f o r e m e n t i o n e d  p r o g r a m s .

Q Wa s  this for the p u r p o s e  of all people, both

b l a c k  and w h i t e ,  that yo u  o f f e r e d  this r e s o l u t i o n ?

A  T h a t ’s r i g h t .

MR. L O C K E :  M a y  I a s k  the R e p o r t e r ,  I w o u l d

like for the r e c o r d  to show that M r .  Hood r e a d  four 

or five w o r d s  for the w i t n e s s .

THE CO U R T :  I have the r e s o l u t i o n  r i g h t  here

b e f o r e  me.

Q Mr. J e n k i n s ,  I ' m  g o i n g  to a s k  you to state

w h e t h e r  or not a n y  a c t i o n  of a p p r o v a l  w a s  t a k e n  on

this r e s o l u t i o n  as of J u l y  16th; did the c i t y  c o u n -  j
I

cil a g r e e  to a p p r o v e  your r e s o l u t i o n  or did they 

t u r n  it d o w n ?

A  T h e y  t u r n e d  it down.

Q  Al l  r i g h t .  Now at that time h a d  that c o m e

bef o r e  the c o u n c i l ,  a n y  w r i t t e n  n o t i c e  of a n y  kind 

or c h a r a c t e r  that H o o v e r  A c a d e m y  w a n t e d  to lease or

rent t h a t  b u i l d i n g ?

A  N o t  to my k n o w l e d g e .



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F e d e r a l  C o u r t  R e p o r t i n g  C o m p a n y

4 0 9  F e d e r a l  B u i l d i n g

B i r m i n g h a m , A l a b a m a 136

Q Y o u  had been at the c i t y  c o u n c i  1 meeting since

your e l e c t i o n ,  had yo u  not?

A  T h a t 1s ri g h t .

Q Now I * m  g o i n g  to a s k  y o u  to s t a t e  to the

C o u r t  w h e t h e r  or not you w e r e  a m e m b e r  o f  the c o u n -  j 

c i l  on A u g u s t  6 t h  of this year?

A  I was.

Q W e r e  you p r e s e n t  w h e n  a r e s o l u t i o n  w a s  of"

fered to lease the s c h o o l  b u i l d i n g  to H o o v e r  A c a ­

demy?

A I w a s  present.

Q Now this w a s  -- w a s  this a r e g u l a r  or s p e ­

c i a l  m e e t i n g ,  to your k n o w l e d g e ?

A A s p e c i a l  m e e t i n g .

THE CO U R T :  That is A u g u s t  --

Q Now to r e f r e s h  your m e m o r y  --

T H E  C O U R T :  T h a t  is A u g u s t  6th?

MR. HOOD: The m e e t i n g  w a s  of A u g u s t  12th.

TH E  CO U R T :  The m e e t i n g  you r e f e r r e d  to is

A u g u s t  12th?

MR. HOOD: Yes, sir.

Now as to n o t i c e ,  Mr. J e n k i n s ,  of this s p e ­

c i a l  m e e t i n g ,  w e r e  y o u  n o t i f i e d  p e r s o n a l l y  of this



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4 0 9  F e d e r a l  B u i l d i n g

B i r m i n g h a m ,  A l a b a m a

meeting?

A The message was left with my wife.

Were you at home at the time the m e s s a g e  wasQ

left?

A

Q

A

Q

No, I wasn ' t.

Where were you?

I was working.

Now did you know the purpose of this meeting 

be fore you got to the city hall?

A I did not. j

Q Was notice given to you on the same date

that the meeting was held?

A That ’s right.

Q And what time did you get off from work?

A I got home at 5:15.
Q And this meeting at city hall was what time,

please?

A I can’t reca11. But I think it was around

7:00.

Q And the only notice you had was when you got

o f f  a t  work at 5:15, is that right?

A That’s right.

0 And when you g o t  t o  th® c i t y  c o u n c i l ,  you



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did not k n o w  the p u r p o s e  of the m e e t i n g ?

F e d e r a l  C o u r t  R e p o r t i n g  C o m p a n y

4 0 9  F e d e r a l  B u i l d i n g

B i r m i n g h a m ,  A l a b a m a

A No, sir.

Q Now l ’m  g o i n g  to a s k  you w h e t h e r  or not you

a g r e e d  to c o n s i d e r  the p r o p o s a l  to lease this p r o ­

p e r t y  to Ho o v e r  A c a d e m y ?

A I v o t e d  a g a i n s t  it.

Q Did you vote that on the o r d i n a n c e  i t s e l f

to lease the p r o p e r t y  to H o o v e r  A c a d e m y ?

A I v o t e d  a g a i n s t  it.

Q Was there an y  oth e r  m e m b e r s  w h o  v o t e d  a g a i n s t

i t , to your k n o w l e d g e ?

A The r e  w e r e  some that v o t e d  a g a i n s t  it.

Q W h o  w e r e  they, if you know?

A A l d e r m a n  R i c h a r d  Lewis, A l d e r m a n  L e o n a r d

L e wis .

Q All ri g h t .  Now on S e p t e m b e r  8 t h  of this year,

w e r e  you s t i l l  a m e m b e r  of the c i t y  c o u n c i l  of 

B r i g h t o n ?

A I w a s  .

Q I * m  g o i n g  to ask you to s t a t e  to the C o u r t

w h e t h e r  or not you w e r e  n o t i f i e d  on the 8 t h  of S e p ­

t e m b e r  o f  a m e e t i n g  of the c i t y  c o u n c i l ,  a s p e c i a l  

m e e t i n g ?



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A  I w a s  n o t i f i e d  by m y  w i f e  w h e n  I got home.

Q And w h a t  time did y o u  ge t  home, p l e a s e ?

A  I u s u a l l y  get home at 5:15.

Q  W e l l  now did y o u  know the p u r p o s e  o f  this

m e e t i n g  before you w e n t  d o w n  to c i t y  hall?

A  I did not.

Q I ' m  g o i n g  to a s k  you to s t ate w h e t h e r  w h e n

yo u  got to c i t y  hall, w e r e  there any o t h e r  c o u n c i l -  

m e n  p r e s e n t  at that time?

A I t h i n k  that the r e s t  of the c o u n c i l  w a s  pret

sent w h e n  I got there.

Q Now at that p o i n t  had you b e e n  t o l d  the pur-1

pose for being th e r e ?

A  No.

F e d e r a l  C o u r t  R e p o r t i n g  C o m p a n y

4 0 9  F e d e r a l  B u i l d i n g

B i r m i n g h a m ,  A l a b a m a

Q Now at that m e e t i n g  I b e l i e v e  that r e s o l u ­

tion w a s  o f f e r e d  to s e l l  this p r o p e r t y ,  is that c o r ­

r e ct?

A  T h a t ' s  right.

Q Did you vote to s e l l  this p r o p e r t y  to Hoover

A c a d e m y ?

A  I v o t e d  a g a i n s t  it.

Q D i d  y o u  vote to c o n s i d e r  s e l l i n g  the p r o ­

p e r t y  to H o o v e r  A c a d e m y ?



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Federal Court Reporting Company 
409 Federal Building
Birmingham, Alabama

14 0

A I voted against it.

Q Were you given any notice prior to your get­

ting home from work of any kind or character as to 

what the meeting was going to be about?

A No.

Q Now between the meeting of August 6 th where

you voted to lease this property, and the meeting of 

September 8 th when it was voted to sell, had the 

mayor or any member of the city council discussed 

selling this proper ty with you?

A Not until the night of this special meeting.

Q I mean, before this night?

A No.

Q Now this meeting to sell this property did

not transpire until after we had a hearing in this 

court for preliminary injunction, is that right?

A That's right.

MR. HOOD: That is all.

THE COURT: You were joined by two others

in that adverse vote?

A That's right.

THE COURT: Two black members of the council'

A Yes.



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TH E  COURT: A l l  r i g h t ,  a n y  q u e s t i o n s ?

MR. BROWN: Yes, I have a few.

C R O S S  E X A M I N A T I O N

Q (BY MR. B R O W N : )  A l d e r m a n  J e n k i n s ,  l ' m  the

c i t y  a t t o r n e y  that m e t  y ' a l l  at the time, I guess,

I have b e e n  at e v e r y  m e e t i n g  that yo u  have b e e n  at 

sin c e  y o u  have b e e n  in o f f i c e ?

A  No, you h a v e n *t .

Q I have m i s s e d  a m e e t i n g ?

A  Yo u  have m i s s e d  some.

THE C O U R T :  M a y b e  you o u g h t  to take that

i n t o  a c c o u n t  for d e t e r m i n i n g  his s a lary.

A  That is w h a t  I ' m  g o i n g  to do.

Q l ' m  so o v e r p a i d ,  Judge, it c o u l d  s t a n d  a

little c u t t i n g ,  I tell you.

Now A l d e r m a n  J e n k i n s ,  you r e c a l l  w h e n  M r .  

S m i t h  s o u g h t  r e c o g n i t i o n  f r o m  the floor, that wa s  

the n e x t  m e e t i n g  a f t e r  the -- a f ter your r e s o l u t i o n  

had b e e n  o f f e r e d ,  is that c o r r e c t ?

A Y e s .

F e d e r a l  C o u r t  R e p o r t i n g  C o m p a n y

4 0 9  F e d e r a l  B u i l d i n g

B i r m i n g h a m ,  A l a b a m a

THE COURT: That w a s  A u g u s t  6 t h  m e e t i n g .

Then on August 12th there w a s  a s p e c i a l



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4 0 9  F e d e r a l  B u i l d i n g

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m e e t i n g ,  t h a t  is w h e r e  Mr. S m i t h  s o u g h t  r e c o g n i t i o n .

MR. N E W T O N : No, sir. T h a t  is A u g u s t  6th.

Q A u g u s t  6 t h  is w h e n  Mr. S m i t h  s o u g h t  r e c o g n i ­

tion, i f  y o u  r e c a l l ,  a n d  the m a y o r  a s k e d  if there 

w a s  a n y  object i o n s  to h e a r i n g  the g e n t l e m a n  f r o m  the 

floor, an d  t h e y  w e n t  to the floor to have h i m  state 

his b u s i n e s s ,  and that is w h e n  he i n q u i r e d  a b o u t  the 

H o o v e r  A c a d e m y .  Now y o u r  r e s o l u t i o n  had b e e n  i n t r o ­

d u c e d  by y o u  or m a d e  k n o w n  to the c o u n c i l  o n  J u l y  

16th, i s n ' t  that c o r r e c t ?

A  T h a t ' s  r i g h t .

Q T h a t ' s  r i g h t .  Now t h e n  o n  A u g u s t  6 t h  w a s

the next m e e t i n g  o f  the c o u n c i l ,  i s n ' t  that c o r r e c t ,  

sir?

A  Of c o u r s e  I ' m  not l o o k i n g  at the c a l e n d a r .

Q  W e l l ,  here is the m i n u t e  book, y o u  r e c a l l

here is your r e s o l u t i o n  set f o r t h  in the m i n u t e s  of 

the 16th. A n d  the n e x t  time the c o u n c i l  m e t  w a s  

in r e g u l a r  s e s s i o n  at 7 : 3 0  P. M. o n  A u g u s t  6 t h ?

A  A u g u s t  6th.

Q  T h e  m i n u t e s  o f  the p r e v i o u s  r e a d i n g  of the

s p e c i a l  s e s s i o n  w e r e  r e a d  a n d  a p p r o v e d .  An d  you 

v o t e d  to a p p r o v e  the m i n u t e s ?

/



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MR. N E W T O N : I would like to interpose an

o b j e c t i o n  at this time, c o u l d n ’t p o s s i b l y  be the 

n e x t  r e g u l a r  m e e t i n g ,  b e c a u s e  r i g h t  here b e f o r e  

hi m  is b e t w e e n  J u l y  16th, there w a s  a n o t h e r  m e e t i n g  

o n  J u l y  28th, a n d  that is m i s l e a d i n g .  T h a t  is not 

true. It w a s  not.

MR. BROWN: W e l l ,  I beg y o u r  p a rdon. T h e r e

w a s  a m e e t i n g  here on J u l y  28th.

THE C O U R T :  Di d  they a p p r o v e  a n y  m i n u t e s ?

MR .  BR O W N :  The m e e t i n g  of the 2 8 t h  w a s  a

s p e c i a l  s e s s i o n  a b o u t  a c o n t r a c t  to fix the s e w e r  

line, w a s n ' t  it, i s n't that c o r r e c t ?  D o  y o u  r e m e m ­

ber it?

A  I r e m e m b e r  the c o n t r a c t  o n  the sewer.

Q  T h a t  w a s  the o n l y  b u s i n e s s  t r a n s a c t e d ,

w a s n ' t  it, a c c o r d i n g  to the m i n u t e s ?

MR. HOOD: W e  o b j e c t  to that, c a l l s  for a

m e n t a l  o p e r a t i o n .  He has the m i n u t e s  b e f o r e  him.

THE C O U R T :  If there i® anything else you

c a n  p o i n t  it o u t .

MR. BROWN: I will r e a d  it into the record

if —

Federal Court Reporting Company
4 0 9  F e d e r a l  B u i l d i n g

B i r m i n g h a m ,  A l a b a m a

L e t 8® d o n ' t  take a n y  m o r e  timeTHE C O U R T :



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reading in the record.

MR. BROWN: I’m trying to refresh his recol­

lection. They had a meeting on July 28th, nothing 

else mentioned except a contract about a sewer line 

wise re they opened bids as set out in the minutes.

MR. NEWTON: I object to this. The person

who is the keeper of those records is here, and 

has testified. This man perhaps has never seen 

the minute b o o k  before. And he is not responsible --

MR. BROWN: He sees it every time.

THE COURT: The question was, was there any

approval of the reading of the minutes?

MR. BROWN: Yea, sir, the meeting back to

August 6th, which was the next regular meeting after 

your resolution had been introduced, and I want to 

read the excerpt from the minutes for the record.

This was on the 16th in the regular meeting - 

1 mean August 6 th in the regular meeting, the mayor 

then declared the next order of business was the resc 

lution previously offered by Alderman Jenkins at the 

last meeting which was continued for further consider 

tion at this time. Said resolution is set forth ver­

batim in the minutes of July 16th, 1969. The council



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4 0 9  F e d e r a l  B u i l d i n g

B i r m i n g h a m ,  A l a b a m a

p r o c e e d e d  to d i s c u s s  the r e s o l u t i o n .

Now d u r i n g  the d i s c u s s i o n s  o f  the resolution, 

that is w h e n  Hr. S m i t h  s o u g h t  r e c o g n i t i o n  f r o ®  the 

a u d i e n c e ,  and the m a y o r  i n q u i r e d  o f  the c o u n c i l  if 

t h ere w a s  o b j e c t i o n s  to r e c o g n i z i n g  Mr. S m i t h .  T h e n  

b e i n g  no o b j e c t i o n s ,  Hr. S m i t h  w a s  r e c o g n i z e d  and 

m a d e  k n o w n  the fact to the c o u n c i l  that the H o o v e r  

A c a d e m y  w o u l d  like to s u b m i t  a p r o p o s a l  to lease the 

B r i g h t o n  J u n i o r  H i g h  S c h o o l  b u i l d i n g ,  and r e q u e s t e d  

a n  o p p o r t u n i t y  to s u b m i t  a c o n c r e t e  p r o p o s a l  to lease 

the p r o p e r t y .

MR. HOOD: W e  o b j e c t .  He is t e s t i f y i n g .

Be is l e a d i n g  the w i t n e s s .

MR. BROWN: He has a l r e a d y  g o n e  o v e r  this

once, but he has got it out of c o n t e x t .

T H E  C O U R T :  I w a n t  to get -- k e e p  it in

c h r o n o l o g i c a l  order.

MR. BROWN: A l l  r i g h t ,  sir.

W h e r e u p o n ,  A l d e r m a n  J e n k i n s ,  now t h a t i s  

you, i s n ' t  it?

A  T h a t ' s  r i g h t .

Q I n s i s t e d  u p o n  a v o t e  b e i n g  t a k e n  on the reso ­

l u t i o n  he h a d  p r e v i o u s l y  o f f e r e d ,  a n d  the c h a i r  r u l e d



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that his m o t i o n  for p a s s a g e  w a s  in or d e r .  W h e r e ­

upon, C o u n c i l  p r o c e e d e d  to vote u p o n  the p a s s a g e  

o f  the r e s o l u t i o n  o f f e r e d  by A l d e r m a n  J e n k i n s  and 

A l d e r m a n  L e o n a r d  Lewis. Th e  v o t e  w a s  t a k e n  d o w n  

a n d  r e c o r d e d  as follo w s :

A l d e r m a n  L e o n a r d  Lewis, ay®.

A l d e r m a n  R i c h a r d  L e w i s ,  ay*.

A l d e r m a n  J e n k i n s ,  aye.

A l d e r m a n  W. M. Perry, nay.

A l d e r m a n  W e s t ,  nay.

M a y o r  P a r s o n s ,  nay.

W h e r e u p o n ,  M a y o r  P a r s o n s  d e c l a r e d  said 

r e s o l u t i o n  h a v i n g  r e c e i v e d  thr e e  v o t e s  in favor 

o f  p a s s a g e  o f  the r e s o l u t i o n  and t h r e e  v o t e s  a g a i n s t  

its p a s s a g e ,  had f a i l e d  to pass.

A  A l l  right.

Q  N o w  t h e y  v o t e d  o n  your r e s o l u t i o n ,  a n d

it died o n  a t h r e e - t h r e e  vote, d i d n ’t it, a n d  the 

m a y o r  d i d n ’t v o t e  a s e c o n d  time o n  y o u r  r e s o l u t i o n ?  

A  A l l  r i g h t . C o m e  on w i t h  it.

Q  A l l  right.

A l d e r m a n  W e s t  t h e n  m o v e d  that the m a y o r  be 

a u t h o r i s e d  to n e g o t i a t e  w i t h  r e p r e s e n t a t i v e s  o f  the

Federal Court Reporting Company
4 0 9  F e d e r a l  B u i l d i n g

B i r m i n g h a m ,  A l a b a m a



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F e d e r a l  C o u r t  R e p o r t i n g  C o m p a n y

4 0 9  F e d e r a l  B u i l d i n g

B i r m i n g h a m ,  A l a b a m a

Hoover Academy concerning their proposal and to re­

port any proposals the academy might have back to 

the council. The motion was seconded by Alderman 

Perry, and vote of the council was as follows: 

Alderman Leonard Lewis, aye.

Alderman Richard Lewis, pass.

Alderman Jenkins, aye.

Alderman W. M. Perry, aye.

Alderman West, aye.

Mayor Parsons, aye.

So five of the six of you voted to authorize 

the mayor to enter into the negotiations with Hoover 

Academy, and you remember that distinctly?

A That is after they voted down the resolution.

Q Yes, immediately after they voted down your
resolution.

A After they voted the resolution down to occu­

py the building for a community service.

Q Well, after your resolution which has been

introduced at the meeting previous to that had been

voted -- had failed to pass, isn’t that correct?

M d  you not authorize the mayor to negotiate with 
these people?



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4 0 9  ' F e d e r a l  B u i l d i n g

B i r m i n g h a m ,  A l a b a m a

A  Yeah, we voted to give him that power.

ME. HOOD: Of course, Judge, this is mis­

lead i n g .  The m o t i o n  was to authorize the mayor to 

n e g o t i a t e  the lease.

A  T h a t ’s ri g h t .

MR. BROWN: That’s right. I reed it exactly

w h a t  w a s  before.

THE C O U R T :  A l l  right. I think the Court

has it in c h r o n o l o g i c a l  order. There was a vote on 

the r e s o l u t i o n ,  the e v i d e n c e  hadn’t shown that.

MR. BROWN: I didn’t think you had, and it

was c a r r i e d  o v e r  f r o m  the p r e v i o u s  meeting and was 

v o t e d  t h ree and t h r e e  at this meeting, and immedi­

a t e l y  a f t e r  that w a s  when -- on a motion duly made 

and s e c o n d e d  w h e r e  five of the six voting in favor 

o f  it, and on e  p a s s i n g ,  nobody voted against it, 

the m a y o r  w a s  a u t h o r i z e d  to enter into the negotia­

tions.

THE C O U R T :  T h e n  following the meeting of

the 12th, they had a tie vote, and the mayor broke 

the tie.

MR. BROWN; Yes, sir.

THE COURT: There was no further action



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until it came up to the question of the sal®,

MR. BROWN: That is correct.

THE COURT: Which was September 8 th, wasn't

it?

MR. BROWN: September 3rd was the written

o f f e r  w a s  made.

TH E  COURT: An d  v o t e d  on, on September 8 th?

MR. BROWN: This is not testimony.

THE COURT: I'm trying to get it in chrono­

l o g i c a l  order.

M R . B R O W N : M r . Loc ke and I had --

T I E  C O U R T :  On September 8 th there w a s  a

vote, and it was tied by the mayor voting, and then 

he broke the tie, a n d  that is subsequently what w® 

ar e  --

MR. HOOD: At this point I ' m  going to ask

the Court to take judicial knowledge of the fact 

that this T i t l e  37, Section 404 of the Alabama Code 

is unconstitutional on its face, and also in its 

application --

Ml. NEWTON: We would further like to point

out while the record shows that this member of the 

council voted to a s k  the mayor to enter into negoti®"



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4 0 9  F e d e r a l  B u i l d i n g

B i r m i n g h a m ,  A l a b a m a

t i o n s  w i t h  H o o v e r  A c a d e m y  to l e a s e , t h ere is no 

s u c h  s t a t e m e n t  in the m i n u t e s  that the m a y o r  w a s  

s o  a u t h o r i z e d  to sell. And that is w h a t  w e  are 

h e r e  under.

MR. BROWN: T h a t  c o m e s  in at a later m e e t ­

ing .

THE C O U R T :  I p r e s u m e  a s u b s e q u e n t  m e e t i n g

had the e f f e c t  o f  a b a n d o n i n g  the o r i g i n a l  p r o p o s i ­

tion of the lease a n d  the r e s o l u t i o n  w a s  t h e n  on 

the q u e s t i o n  of sale. O f  c o u r s e  the C o u r t  knows 

w h a t  happens. We had a h e a r i n g  here in the m e a n ­

time, and the C o u r t  i n d i c a t e d  there m i g h t  be some 

q u e s t i o n  o f  the l e g a l i t y  o f  this lease in v i e w  of 

this Harris C o u n t y ,  T e x a s  c a s e  in the F i f t h  C i r c u i t . 

T h e n  it w a s ,  I pres u m e ,  that it b e g a n  this n e g o t i a ­

tion to p u r c h a s e  or s e l l  t h i s  p r o p e r t y .

MR. BROWN: Ju d g e ,  that is c o r r e c t .  But

It is i n a c c u r a t e  to this e x t e n t .  Mr. L o c k e  and I 

and Mrs. J a n i e  S t a n t o n  a n d  the m a y o r  had b e e n  d i s ­

c u s s i n g  a s a l e  as o p p o s e d  to a l e ase a l l  al o n g .

THE C O U R T :  I k n o w  you had an o p t i o n  to in

this lease, there was a n  o p t i o n  to p u r c h a s e .

MR. HOOD; T h a t  is not p a r t  of the r e c o r d ,



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the conversation between the mayor and Mr. Locke 

and Mr. Brown.
THE COURT: Go stead. Let’s not c o n s u m e  too

m u c h  time. That is already established.

MR. BROUN: Well, as the offer of this reso­

lution, was that in your writing, Mr. Jenkins? Are 

you the author of the resolution; was it drawn by 

you or your counsel?

A  Yeah, w e  dr&wed it up.

Q D i d  y o u  have aid of counsel in drawing the

resolution?

MR. HOOD: Judge, that is privileged. He

doesn’t have to answer that.

MR. BROWN: I still want to know what it

means.

MR. NEWTON: Your Honor, he has testified

that is his resolution.

THE COURT: I sustain the objection.

Q Ail right. Were you aware, Mr. Jenkins,

at the meeting at which you introduced this resolu­

tion, that the city already owned the building that 

you sought to have the city buy?

A At this particular time 1 wasn’t of any



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B i r m i n g h a m ,  A l a b a m a

k n o w l e d g e  that the c i t y  o w n e d  the b u i l d i n g .  T h a t  

is w h y  it is w o r d e d  like it is.

Q W e l l  —

T I E  C O U R T :  But y o u  l a t e r  fou n d  -- d i d  y o u

find o u t  in that m e e t i n g  t h e y  o w n e d  it?

A  L a t e r  on I f o u n d  o u t  t h a t  the c i t y  d i d  o w n

the b u i l d i n g .

Q  Y o u  f o u n d  o u t  t h a t  night, and that is w h y

w e  --

MR .  N E W T O N :  Y o u r  Honor, I o b j e c t .  I w o u l d

like for h i ®  to a s k  the w i t n e s s  i f  he f o und o u t  that 

night, not to t e l l  h i m  that he f o und o u t  that night.

T H E  C O U R T :  W h e n  did y o u  f i n d  o u t  t h a t  the

c i t y  o w n e d  it?

A  It w a s  later on.

T H E  C O U R T :  A f t e r  the m e e t i n g  or d u r i n g —

A  A f t e r  that m e e t i n g .

THE C O U R T :  A l l  r i g h t ,  a n y t h i n g  e l s e  f r o m

this w i t n e s s ?

MR. HOOD: No, sir. Judge, that Is all.

THE C O U R T :  A n y  f u r t h e r  q u e s t i o n s ,  Mr. L o c k e ?

MR, L O C K E :  L e t  me j u s t  a s k  h i m  one.



244

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409 Federal Building 
Birmingham, Alabama 153

1 CROSS EXAMINATION
2 Q (BY MR, LOCK:) Was there no discussion at
3 that meeting about the ownership of that building.
4 when your resolution was presented, didn't soasebody
5 say who owned it?
6 A No,
7 TIE COURT: Were all members of this council
8 new except the mayor?
9 MR, BROWN: I believe that's right.

10 TIE COURT: Nobody wouId have known about
11 it except the mayor, I don't suppose, at that time
12 unless they just knew from public knowledge.
13 MR. LOCK: You mean they were going to vote
14 on whether to lease the building or not, and nobody
15 spoke up and said why we own it?
16 A I say no.
17 MR. LOCK: That is all.
18 MR. HOOD: That is all.
19 MR. BROWN: Just a minute.
20

21
RECROSS EXAMINATION

22 Q (BY MR. B R O W N : )  A l d e r m a n  Jenkins, if it
23 will refresh your recollection, donst y o u  remember

•j



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4 0 9  F e d e r a l  B u i l d i n g

B i r m i n g h a m ,  A l a b a m a

m e  a s k i n g  y o u  a b o u t  the r e s o l u t i o n  b e c a u s e  it said 

that the c i t y  r e nt, lea s e  or p u r c h a s e ,  and I i n f o r m e  

y o u  a t  that time the c i t y  earned It, an d  1 a s k e d  y o u  

did y o u  « e « n  that the c i t y  w a s  to b® the -- to r e n t  

it to s o m e o n e  e l s e ?

T H E  C O U R T S  T h e  l e s s o r ?

MS. BROWN: Be the l e s s o r ,  or did y o u  w a n t

the c i t y  to a c q u i r e  it?

T I E  C O U R T :  It c o u l d  be u s e d  in e i t h e r  c o n ­

text.

MS. BROWN: It c o u l d  he u s e d  e i t h e r  w a y .

A  1 d i d n ' t  u n d e r s t a n d  you that w a y .

Q  Y o u  d i d n ' t  u n d e r s t a n d  me?

A  I d i d n ' t  u n d e r s t a n d  you that w a y .

T H E  C O U R T :  A l l  r i g h t ,  have a seat, Mr.

J e n k i n s .

MS. N E W T O N :  W e  c a l l  Mr. R i c h a r d  Lewis.

TH E  C O U R T :  L e t ' s  n o t  c o v e r  the s a m e  t e r r i ­

tory. Now the f a c t s  s e e ®  to be p r e t t y  w e l l  in line.

MR. HOOD: J u d g e , c o u l d  w e  s t i p u l a t e  that

Mr. R i c h a r d  L e w i s  a n d  Mr, L e o n a r d  L e w i s  w o u l d  b o t h  

s a y  t h e  s a m e  t h i n g  as Mr. W a l t e r  J e n k i n s ?

TH E  C O U R T :  Y o u  m e a n  t h e i r  t e s t i m o n y  w o u l d



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4 0 9  F e d e r a l  B u i l d i n g

B i r m i n g h a m ,  A l a b a m a

be s u b s t a n t i a l l y  the s a m e  as the o t t e r  two?

MR .  HOOD: Yes, sir.

MR. N E W T O N :  I have at l e a s t  on e  q u e s t i o n

X w a n t  to a s k  h i m  a b o u t .

MR. BROWN: I t h i n k  in a l l  p r o b a b i l i t y  I

w i l l  a s k  A l d e r m a n ,  w a s n ' t  your t e s t i m o n y  -- 

MR. N E W T O N :  He is say w i t n e s s .

T I E  C O U R T :  He w a n t s  to a s k  one q u e s t i o n .

I w i l l  p e r m i t  that to be done.

MR. R I C H A R D  L E W I S  „

b e i n g  p r e v i o u s l y  d u l y  sw o r n ,  t e s t i f i e d  as f o l l o w s :

D I R E C T  E X A M I N A T I O N

Q (BY MR. N E W T O N : )  S t a t e  y o u r  n a m e , pleas®,

sir.

A  R i c h a r d  L e w i s .

Q  Are y o u  a m e m b e r  o f  the c i t y  c o u n c i l  o f  the

C i t y  o f  B r i g h t o n ?

A  I am.

Q  N o w  I r e f e r  s p e c i f i c a l l y  to the m e e t i n g  of

S e p t e a b e r  8 # 1969, at w h i c h  this p r o p e r t y  w a s  p u r ­

p o r t e d l y  sold. W'itezt d i d  y o u  f i r s t  g e t  no t i c e  of 

that meeting?



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A  O n  this date.

Q  O n  S e p t e m b e r  8th?

A  T h a t ' s  ri g h t .

Q  How did y o u  g e t  that n o t i c e ?

A  Th e  c h i e f  b r o u g h t  it to m y  house,

Q  T h e  c h i e f  o f  p o l i c e  c a m e  to y o u r  h o u s e ?

A  U h - h u h .

Q  W e r e  y o u  at h o me?

A  I d o n ' t  r e c a l l  if I w a s  at h o m e  or not. I

k n o w  I w a s  n o t i f i e d  o n  t h i s  date.

Q Y o u  w e r e  n o t i f i e d  o n  the 8th. W e r e  y o u  n o t !

fled as to w h a t  the p u r p o s e  o f  the m e e t i n g  w a s ?

A  No.

Q  Had you, as a sseatber of the c o u n c i l ,  p r i o r

to this time v o t e d  to a u t h o r i s e  the m a y o r  to e n t e r  

i n t o  a n y  a g r e e m e n t  to s e l l  this p r o p e r t y ?

A  No.

HR. rffiWTON: I b e l i e v e  t h a t  is all.

MR. HOOD: J u d g e , I w o u l d  like to s t i p u l a t e

a t  this t i m e  that Mr, L e w i s ,  R i c h a r d  L e w i s ,  and Mr. 

L e o n a r d  L e w i ®  w o u l d  b o t h  t e s t i f y  the s a m e  as Mr. 

Walter, J e n k i n s .

T H E  C O U R T :  T h e  t e s t i m o n y  of this w i t n e s s

F e d e r a l  C o u r t  R e p o r t i n g  C o m p a n y

4 0 9  F e d e r a l  B u i l d i n g

B i r m i n g h a m ,  A l a b a m a



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4 0 9  F e d e r a l  B u i l d i n g

B i r m i n g h a m ,  A l a b a m a

15 ?

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a n d  the o t h e r  w i t n e s s  w o u l d  s i m p l y  j u s t  p a r a l l e l  

t h a t  o f  or s u b s t a n t i a l l y  p a r a l l e l  that o f  Mr. J e n ­

k i n s ?

MR. BROWN: I f e e l  it w i l l  be s u b s t a n t i a l l y

the same. 1 w o u l d  like to as k  this w i t n e s s , bet 
d i d n ' t  v o t e  a g a i n s t  the m a y o r  a u t h o r i s i n g  the m a y o r  

to n e g o t i a t e ,  yo u  p a s s e d ?

A  Sta t e  y o u r  q u e s t i o n ,  p l e ase.

MR. BR O W N :  On the m o t i o n  that w a s  p u t  to

the c o u n c i l  to a u t h o r i z e  the m a y o r  to e n t e r  i n t o  

n e g o t i a t i o n s  for the sale.

A  We d i d n ' t  have s u c h  m o t i o n .  W e  had o n e  to

l e a s e .

MR. BROWN: W e l l ,  to lease -- to a u t h o r i z e

the m a y o r  to e n t e r  i n t o  n e g o t i a t i o n s  w i t h  H o o v e r  

A c a d e m y ,  you d i d n ' t  v o t e  fo r  or a g a i n s t ,  d i d  y o u ?

T H E  C O U R T :  C o n d u c t  the n e g o t i a t i o n s ,  c o n d u c t

i n g  the n e g o t i a t i o n s  for the l e a s e .

A  I p a s s e d .  I d i d n ' t  a u t h o r i z e  h i *  to do so.

T H E  C O U R T :  T h a t  i d e n t i f i e s  it s u f f i c i e n t l y .

MR. N E W T O N :  And on thatt.notion that y o u

pas®«d on, had t h e r e  b e e n  s a y  m e n tion  o f  s e l l i n g  

H o o v e r  Academ y?

I



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Federal Court Reporting Company
4 0 9  F e d e r a l  B u i l d i n g

B i r m i n g h a m ,  A l a b a m a

A  No.

MR. N E W T O N :  I m e a n  s e l l i n g  B r i g h t o n  H i g h

S c h o o l  to H o o v e r  A c a d e m y ?

A  No.

MR. N E W T O N :  T h a t  is all.

C R O S S  E X A M I N A T I O N

Q  (BY MR. L O C I ® : )  L e t  m e  a s k  you, you t e s t i ­

fied that y o u  r e m e m b e r  d e f i n i t e l y  that y o u  g o t  this 

n o t i c e  o n  the date o f  the m e e t i n g ,  a n d  t h a t  the p o ­

lice o f f i c e r  b r o u g h t  it, is that r i g h t ?

A  It w a s  d e l i v e r e d  o n  M o n d a y ,  the 8 t h  o f  A u g ­

ust, the same d a y  of th e  m e e t i n g .

Q  B u t  t h e n  y o u  t e s t i f i e d ,  d o n ' t  yo u  rem e m b e r ,

yo u  d i d n ' t  r e c a l l  w h e r e  y o u  go t  it?

A  R e c a l l  w h e r e  I g o t  it?

Q Yeah.

A  No, I g o t  it at m y  house.

Q  Y o u  w e r e  a s k e d  the q u e s t i o n  i f  y o u  d i d n ' t

g e t  it at y o u r  house, a n d  yo u  s a i d  1 d o n ' t  r e c a l l .

MR. N E W T O N :  T h a t  is no t  —

A  S a i d  h o u s e ?

MR. N E W T O N :  I a s k e d  how it w a s  d e l i v e r e d ,



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and he s a i d  t h r o u g h  the p o l i c e  d e p a r t s * a t .  He d i d n ’t 

r e m e a b e r  w h e t h e r  he got it t h r o u g h  -- 

A  It c o u l d  have b e e n  d e l i v e r e d  t h r o u g h  -- to

say w i fe.

T I E  C O U R T :  It w a s  d e l i v e r e d  t© y o u r  house?

A  Yes.

Q  L e t  me a s k  y o u  a n o t h e r  q u e s t i o n .  A r e  there

a n y  v a c a n t  b u i l d i n g s  i n  the c i t y  of B r i g h t o n ?

A  T h a t  is a v a g u e  q u e s t i o n .

MR. HOOD: We o b j e c t  to that, that is a

m e n t a l  o p e r a t i o n  w h i c h  this w i t n e s s  -- 

A  T h e r e  is a v a c a n t  b u i l d i n g  n e x t  to me.

Q  How m a n y  v a c a n t  b u i l d i n g s  are t h ere in the

C i t y  of B r i g h t o n ?

A  I d o n ’ t know.

Q  T h e r e  is m o r e  t h a n  t h a t  one, i s n ’t th e r e ?

I s n ’t t h e r e ?

T H E  C O U R T :  A l l  r i g h t ,  s o m e b o d y  e l s e  c a n

give b e t t e r  e v i d e n c e  to that. P r o b a b l y  the mayor. 

Have y o u  m a d e  a c h e c k  to see?

A  I d o n ’t t h i n k  the m a y o r  c o u l d  d ©  it.

T H E  C O U R T :  C&me down.

M R .  H E W T Q N :  T h a t  is a l l  w e  h a v e  o f  this



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4 0 9  F e d e r a l  B u i l d i n g

B i r m i n g h a m ,  A l a b a m a

w i t n e s s .

MR. HOOD: J u d g e ,  a t  t h i s  t im e  we w a n t  t o

a s k  t h e  C o a r t  t o  a g a i n  t a k e  j u d i c i a l  knowledge o f  - -

T ff i  COURT: You q u e s t i o n  the constitution­

a l i t y  o f  t h e  s e c t i o n ,  a n d  t h e  Court takes judicial 

k n o w le d g e  ©£ a l l  the s t a t u t e s  o f  ail t h e  states.

MR. HOOD: And a l s o  t h e  fact the mayor exer­

c i s e s  tw o  v o t e s .

THE COURT: I u n d e r s t a n d  t h a t ,  and I under­

s t a n d  y o u r  c o n t e n t i o n .

MR. HOOD: And i n  v i o l a t i o n  o f  one man o n e

v o t e  c o n c e p t .

THS COURT: We u n d e r s t a n d  you raised that

q u e s t i o n .

MR. * W T 0 N : We f u r t h e r  raise the point,

n o t  o n l y  t h a t  o f  t h e  c o n s t i t u t i o n ,  but such consti­

t u t i o n  a s  we h a v e  p r o v e d ,  i t  g i v e s  the mayor the 

o p p o r t u n i t y  t o  e x e r c i s e  h i s  v o t e  in an unconsti­

t u t i o n a l  m a n n e r .

THE COURT: W i t h  t h a t  y o u  r e s t ?

MR. NEWTON: Y e s ,  sir.

THE COURT: Do y ' a l l  h a v e  any evidence?

MR, BROWN; I want to resubmit at this time



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4 0 9  F e d e r a l  B u i l d i n g

B i r m i n g h a m ,  A l a b a m a

a l l  a f f i d a v i t s ,  m o t i o n s .

THE COURT: E v e r y t h i n g  t h a t  h a s  b e e n  o f f e r e d

h e r e t o f o r e .

MR. BROUN: And e v e r y t h i n g  t h a t  h a s  b e e n

o f f e r e d  h e r e t o f o r e  o n  t h e  m o t i o n  f o r  su m m a ry  j u d g ­

m e n t ,  a n d  a s k  t o  d i s m i s s ,  and  w e  r e - o f f e r  i t  o n  t h i s  

c a s e .

THE COURT: A l l  r i g h t .

MR. LOCKE: J u d g e ,  a s  I  u n d e r s t a n d  t h e  e v i ­

d e n c e ,  i t  h a s  b e e n  a d m i t t e d  a n d  s t a t e d  w i t h o u t  c o n ­

t e s t  t h a t  H o o v e r  A c a d e m y  h a s  p a i d  b o t h  t h e  $ 5 0 0 . 0 0  

c h e c k s  a n d  a l l  s u b s e q u e n t  c h e c k s .

THE COURT: The e v i d e n c e  h e r e  i s  t h a t  t h e

c o n t r a c t  i s  c u r r e n t ,  a n d  t h e  m o r t g a g e  p a y m e n ts  a r e  

c u r r e n t .

MR. LOCKE: A nd t h a t  t h e  c o m p l a i n a n t  m akes

n o  p o i n t  a b o u t  t h e  m oney  t h a t  w e  p a i d  i n ,  b e c a u s e  

I  do p u t  i n  t h e r e ,  o f  c o u r s e ,  t h a t  i s  a n  e l e m e n t  

o f  d a m a g e .

TIE COURT: W e l l ,  d o  y o u  h a v e  a n y  o t h e r  e v i ­

de n e e  ?

•MR. BROWN: Ho, s i r ,  w e  have n o t h i n g  further.

THE COURT: Now i f  t h a t  i s  t h e  c a s e ,  I  w o u l d



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like to have t h i s  —  y o u  have a l r e a d y  s u b m i t t e d  

b r i e f s  on c e r t a i n  a s p e c t s  o f  this thing. I ’w o u l d  

like to have t h e s e  s u p p l e m e n t e d ,  and I w o u l d  like 

p a r t i c u l a r l y  to k n o w  w h a t  is a p e r m a n e n t  o r d i n a n c e ;  

w h a t  it u l t i m a t e l y  a m o u n t s  to, does that r e q u i r e  a 

p e r m a n e n t  o r d i n a n c e ,  the s a l e  of the p r o p e r t y ?

ME. B R O W N :  Ju d g e ,  m a y  I c i t e  you s o m e  l a w

at this t i m e , or do y o u  w a n t  this --

T H E  C O U R T :  J u s t  g i v e  it to me in a  m e m o r a n ­

dum.

MR .  BROWN: A l l  r i g h t .  But it has b e e n

before the S u p r e m e  C o u r t  twice.

T H E  C O U R T :  Of c o u r s e  w h a t  the S u p r e m e  C o u r t

o f  A l a b a m a ,  that w o u l d  be c o n c l u s i v e  o n  the m a t t e r - -

MR. BROWN: Sir?

T H E  C O U R T :  It is a l o c a l  law, w h a t  the l o ­

c a l  law is.

MR. BROWN: B r i e f l y  the o r d i n a n c e  o f  a per­

m a n e n t  n a t u r e  or r e s o l u t i o n ,  t h e y  have -- o n e  has 

n o  m o r e  d i g n i t y  t h a n  the ot h e r ,  that is, the r e s o ­

l u t i o n  as o p p o s e d  to the o r d i n a n c e  u n d e r  the A l a b a m a  

law. But one o f  a  p e r m a n e n t  n a t u r e ,  of a p e r m a n e n t  

o p e r a t i o n ,  S u p r e m e  C o u r t  s a y s  s i m p l y  on e  t h a t  r e m a i n

F e d e r a l  C o u r t  R e p o r t i n g  C o m p a n y

4 0 9  F e d e r a l  B u i l d i n g

B i r m i n g h a m ,  A l a b a m a



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4 0 9  Federal Building  

Birm ingham , Alabam a
141

1 e f f e c t i v e  u n t i l  r e p e a l e d ,  t h e y  have h e l d  that --
2 T H E  C O U R T :  Y o u  c o u l d n ' t  v e r y  w e l l  r e p e a l
3 a s a l e .

4 MR. BROWN: No, n e i t h e r  -- they have held

5 that a  s t r e e t  i m p r o v e m e n t  o r d i n a n c e  w h e r e  y o u  assess
6 p r o p e r t y  ia n o t  o n e  o f  a p e r m a n e n t  n a t u r e  r e q u i r i n g
7 p u b l i c a t i o n .  T h e y  have held that o n c e  the i m p r o v e -
8 a e n t  o f  c o u r s e  is i n s t a l l e d  that it has no further
9 o p e r a t i v e  e f f e c t ,  a n d  of c o u r s e  the s a l e  or lease,

10 o n c e  the m a y o r  --

11 T H E  C O U R T :  L e t  me a s k  y o u  this, Mr. Brown,
12 d o e s  the s t a t u t e  s a y  it is o n l y  n e c e s s a r y  to p u b l i s h
13 p e r m a n e n t  o r d i n a n c e s ?
14 MR. BR O W N :  Yes, sir.

15 MR. H O O D :  Ju d g e ,  it d o e s n ' t  sa y  that.

16 MR. BROWN: L e t  me r e a d  w h a t  it says. I*®

17 s u r e  y o u  w i l l  have an o p p o r t u n i t y ,  C o u n s e l .

18 MR. H O OD: W e l l ,  1 d o n ' t  w a n t  y o u  r e a d i n g

19 a n y t h i n g  i n t o  it. I w i l l  w a i t ,  J u d g e .

2 0 MR. BR O W N :  A l l  o r d i n a n c e s  or r e s o l u t i o n s j

21 e x c e p t  as h e r e a f t e r  p r o v i d e d ,  of a g e n e r a l  or perms-

22 n e a t  n a t u r e  s h a l l  be p u b l i s h e d  in s o m e  n e w s p a p e r  of

23 g e n e r a l  c i r c u l a t i o n  i n  the c i t y  or town, an d  i f  that 2

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are not, to p l a c e  it in t h r e e  p u b l i c  pieces.

TH E  CO U R T :  N o w  it w o u l d  be a g r e e d  there

is no n e w s p a p e r  p u b l i s h e d .

MR. BROWN: W e l l ,  it g o e s  on an d  g i v e s  an

o p t i o n ,  for the c l a s s  o f  the C i t y  o f  B r i g h t o n ,  has 

the o p t i o n ,  e v e n  if the n e w s p a p e r  is p u b l i s h e d  in 

the city, they have a n  o p t i o n  to f o r e g o  the n e w s ­

paper. A n d  it is w i t h o u t  d i s p u t e  that B r i g h t o n  has 

a l w a y s  p u b l i s h e d  t h e m  in t h r e e  p u b l i c  p l a ces.

Now there is o n e  o t h e r  t h i n g  I t h i n k  is m a ­

terial. I f  this is a n  o r d i n a n c e  o f  a p e r m a n e n t  

o p e r a t i o n ,  e i t h e r  the lease or s a l e  o r d i n a n c e ,  t h e n  

y o u  n e e d  not g o  a n y  f u r t h e r ,  y o u  n e e d  not w o r r y  

a b o u t  p u b l i c a t i o n ,  b e c a u s e  i f  it is a n  o r d i n a n c e  

o f  p e r m a n e n t  o p e r a t i o n ,  t h e n  it c a n n o t  be c o m e  the 

law, u n l e s s  it has at l e a s t  four a l d e r m e n  or the 

m a y o r  a n d  t h r e e  a l d e r m e n ,  w e  m a k e  no c o n t e n t i o n  that 

s u c h  a v o t e  r e q u i s i t e  has b e e n  m e t .  So i f  it is an 

o r d i n a n c e  o f  a p e r m a n e n t  n a t u r e ,  c o n c e d e d l y  t h ere 

is not e n o u g h  v o t e s  i n  f a v o r  o f  its p a s s i n g .

T H E  C O U R T :  In o t h e r  w o r d s ,  it g o e s  to the

s u b s t a n t i a l i t y  o f  the ac t  i t s e l f ,  I n  o t h e r  w o r d s ,  

i t  is p e r m a n e n t ,  you h a v e  g o t  to have --



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M R .  B R O U N :  Y o u  n e e d  the » a y © r  to c a s t  —

THE C O U R T :  Can’t he d e c i d e  the c a s t i n g  vote

on a permanent ordinance?

MR. BRCMEt No, sir, he cannot. Because it 

couldn’t meet the requirements of four aldermen or 

the mayor and three aldermen, and the statute names 

them.
THE COURT: Without going into any argument,

I can tear argument on this. Bid you all fully brief 

this about the constitutionality of the statute?

MR. NEWTON: We think so, but we plan —

THE COURT: Also this question of permanent

notice, and if it is a permanent notice, you haven’t 

complied with it. I think if it isn’t a permanent 

ordinance -~

MR. BROWN: Sir?

THE COURT: If it is a permanent ordinance,

it has not been complied with.

MR. BROWN: If this Court holds this ordi­

nance is of a permanent nature within the meaning of 

this statute, then it is not valid.

MR. H O O D :  J u d g e , m a y b e  I w i l l  submit this 

in a brief, no point in a r g u i n g  this. I h a w  got a

F e d e r a l  C o u r t  R e p o r t i n g  C o m p a n y

4 0 9  F e d e r a l  B u i l d i n g

B i r m i n g h a m ,  A l a b a m a



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257
Federal Court Reporting Company 

409 Federal Building 
Birmingham, Alabama

point: o f  law as to c e r t i f i c a t i o n  by the c i t y  c l e r k .

T H E  C O U R T ?  W e l l ,  you w i l l  w a n t  to c o v e r  that 

in y o u r  brief, the c e r t i f i c a t i o n  a n d  n o t i c e  a n d  the 

na t u r e  o f  the o r d i n a n c e .

M R .  N E W T O N s  Yes, sir.

T H E  C O U R T :  A l l  r i g h t ,  if that be the case,

I w i l l  g i v e  y o u  -- w h e n  c a n  y o u  g e t  t h a t  in, in five 

A y s  t

M S ,  BROWN; Yes, sir, I c a n  have m i n e  in five

MR, HOOD: Yes, sir. G i v e  me a w e e k .

T H E  C O U R T ;  I w i l l  give you a w e e k ,  t h e n  you 

file y o u r  bri e f s  s i m u l t a n e o u s l y .  Y o u  have a l r e a d y  

go t  s o m e  b r i e f s  o n  file.

MR. N E W T O N :  T h e r e  w a s  s o m e  t h i n g s  f i l e d  here

today, w h i c h  1 h a v e  no c o p i e s  of, o n  b e h a l f  o f  H o o v e r  

A c a d e m y .

T H E  C O U R T :  T h e  c l e r k  w i l l  have a l l  this

s t u f f  in the file w h i c h  1 w i l l  a s k  y o u  to put on 

ay d e sk.

C o u r t  s t a n d s  a d j o u r n e d ,

( W H E R E U P O N ,  p r o c e e d i n g s  w e r e  a d j o u r n e d  at

2 : 3 0  p. M.)



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F e d e r a l  C o u r t  R e p o r t i n g  C o m p a n y

4 0 9  f e d e r a l  B u i l d i n g

B i r m i n g h a m ,  A l a b a m a

C E R T I F I C A T E

STATE OF ALABAMA)

JEFFERSON COUNTY)

I  hereby c e r t i f y  t h a t  the  above aad f o r e g o in g  

Proceedings were ta ke n  down by me i n  s t e n o t y p y ,  and 

the questions and an sw e rs th e re to  were reduced  to  typ< 

writing under my s u p e r v i s i o n ,  and th a t  the  f o r e g o in g  

represents a true and c o r r e c t  t r a n s c r i p t  o f  the  P r o ­

ceedings had on s a id  t e a r in g ,

I farther c e r t i f y  th a t  I  ass n e i t h e r  o f  conn- 

se l  nor of k in  to  the p a r t ie s  to  the  a c t io n  nor am I  

in a n yw ise  In t e r e s t e d  i n  the  r e s u l t  o f  s a id  caus® .

COURT REPORTER



A. B. L E T T E R  S E R V I C E  INC. 
327 C h a r t r e s  S t r e e t  

N e w  O r l e a n s ,  La. 7 0 1 3 0