THE ALBERT PATTERSON CLUB
Of the average person living in the area, Agnes Patterson had the following to say, "We have good people in this town. And they were under bondage, and they had to have freedom. It took something terrible to get people to wake up." That terrible thing was the assassination of Agnes' husband Albert Patterson on June 18, 1954.
Mr. Patterson had just secured the nomination of the Alabama Democratic Party for state attorney general. He ran with a near-laser focus on cleaning up corruption in the state with his slogan "Man against crime". High on his cleanup list was Phenix City.
Despite the mob's last minute attempts to bribe voting officials across the state, Albert Patterson was on track to become the next attorney general of Alabama. It took a bullet to stop him, but it did not stop his mission.
As a result of the assassination, the people and the state of Alabama said no more. Martial Law was enacted for Phenix City and Russell County, the Alabama National Guard rolled in and those on the side of law and order broke the back of the mob and rooted out corrupt police and government officials. Mr. Patterson's son John took his father's place on the general election ballot and the people of Alabama overwhelmingly chose him for attorney general. Attorney General John Patterson continued his father's mission, cleaning up corruption all the way up to some of the highest levels of power. He would later become governor of Alabama.
Today we honor the legacy of Albert Patterson and his pursuit of law, order, and justice. As men are capable of both good and evil, corruption and abuses of power will always be a threat to our state and nation. Albert Patterson was a man of courage, convictions, and perseverance. It is our sincerest hope that 1819 News will further his mission and live up to such an honorable legacy.
For just $1,000 per month, you can join the Albert Patterson Club and its members fighting corruption while pursuing the good, the true, and the beautiful.
We hope you will join us in this noble effort to shine the light of truth in the halls and backrooms of power through citizen journalism.
The Albert Patterson Club is a special commitment and a unique opportunity to be a part of Alabama's history. Club members play a key role in empowering and supporting our network of talented journalists and media commenters throughout the state.
At 1819 News, we join with you to pursue truth through citizen journalism. We exist solely through the support of citizens across Alabama and have no agenda other than the truth.