John L. LeFlore

John L. LeFlore. A postal worker, a community leader, a state legislator, a journalist, and a civil rights activist, Mobile native John L. LeFlore spent 50 years working to peacefully transform the character of the city and create opportunities to enhance citizens' lives. , In 1925, the injustices of segregation led LeFlore and other citizens to reorganize the local chapter of the NAACP until the State of Alabama outlawed its operation in 1956. The Non Partisan Voters League (NPVL) then became the premier civil rights organization in Mobile. LeFlore became NPVL Director of Case Work, a position he held for over 20 years. , Under LeFlore's direction, NPVL filed several major court cases which included the Birdie Mae Davis case, the desegregation of the Mobile County School System, Brown vs. Moore which argued that black voting strength was diluted by the city commission form of government and Bolden vs. the City of Mobile, effectively changing the city's form of government from a commission to districts. He served one year in the Alabama Legislature before his death. , His selfless leadership style forged a unifying relationship with then Mayor Joseph N. Langan – who appointed him to the Board of Commissioners on the Mobile Housing Authority in 1966. Their relationship led to African Americans' equal opportunity in education and business. His remarkable leadership and quiet character will forever serve as an illuminating light to highlight Mobile's greatest strength – unity.