Issue 9, Summer 1988

Title and Magazine Details: The image is a cover for the magazine “Alabama Heritage.” The title of the magazine is written in elegant cursive font at the top. The main visual element is a striking illustration that combines elements of the American flag and an eagle. Below the illustration, there’s text that reads: “Alabama and the U.S. Constitution,” indicating the theme of this particular issue. Illustration Description: The background of the illustration features waves of red and white stripes, reminiscent of the American flag. White stars are scattered across a blue field at the top right corner of the image. Superimposed on this backdrop is a black silhouette of an eagle in flight: The eagle’s wings are spread wide, conveying a sense of freedom and power. Its beak is open, as if calling out or proclaiming something. The eagle dominates the foreground, creating a sense of movement and dynamism. Text Details: Below the illustration, there’s additional text: “Issue 9, Summer 1998 The price: “.00” Overall Impression: The cover exudes a sense of patriotism, combining iconic American symbols (flag, eagle) with the theme of Alabama’s heritage and its connection to the U.S. Constitution.

Issue 9, Summer 1988

On the cover:  An abstract concept of the United States flag and an eagle.

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Features

General Overview: The image portrays two individuals outside a wooden structure, possibly a house or barn. One individual, a man, is sitting inside what appears to be a door frame. Next to him, on his left, is a woman who is standing. Both people are Black. The attire and setting suggest a scene from an earlier time period, evoking nostalgia and curiosity. Specific Elements or Objects: Two Individuals: The person on the left is seated, wearing worn clothing and boots. The individual on the right stands upright beside the seated person, dressed similarly in aged attire. Both figures seem to carry a sense of resilience and endurance. Wooden Structure: Constructed from aged wood, the structure shows visible signs of wear and tear. A partially open door hints at the possibility of life within. Ground: The ground beneath their feet consists of dirt, scattered with small rocks. Perhaps this humble setting holds stories of hard work, survival, and community. This photograph captures a slice of history, inviting us to imagine the lives of individuals in a bygone era.
Local interests regained much of their autonomy after the Civil War when Southern states passed labor laws that institutionalized cheap labor. [Courtesy W.S. Hoole Special Collections, University of Alabama Libraries]

Federalism and the South

By Robert J. Norrell

Southerners wave the American flag and cherish the government for which it stands as enthusiastically and sincerely as any Americans. Southerners uphold the United States Constitution as one of the great documents of human freedom and America’s original contribution to democratic government in modern history. And yet, throughout American history, southerners have been at odds with the national government that the Constitution created in 1789. In this article, Robert Norrell examines the paradox of political thought in the South.

Alabama and the U.S. Supreme Court: Landmark Cases

By Robert J. Norrell

In an appendix to his discussion of Federalism in the South, Robert J. Norrell examines a number of Supreme Court cases, from 1839 to 1964. These cases mark the shifting relationship of the state and federal governments. 

The cases include:

  • Bank of Augusta v. Earle (1839)
  • Lyon v. Huckabee (1873)
  • Bailey v. Alabama (1911)
  • Gomillion v. Lightfoot (1960)
  • New York Times v. Sullivan (1964)
  • Katzenbach v. McClung (1964)
The image is in black and white, capturing a moment outside “Ollie’s World’s Best Bar-B-Q,” as indicated by the large, circular sign overhead. Four white men are standing in front of the sign, wearing uniforms that suggest they are employees of the establishment. A smaller signboard and some utility poles are visible in the background. Specific Elements or Objects: Ollie’s World’s Best Bar-B-Q Sign: A large circular sign prominently displayed, featuring stylized text that reads “Ollie’s World’s Best Bar-B-Q.” The background of the sign resembles a map of the world. It is mounted on a tall pole and appears to be made of metal. Four Individuals: They wear white uniforms with aprons; one person holds an object that appears to be an award or plaque. Background Elements: A smaller rectangular signboard is visible; however, its text is not clear. Utility poles and lines stretch into the distance along a road.
The McClung family shown in 1988. In the case Katzenbach v. McClung (1964) the McClungs challened the Civil Rights Act that made segregation in any public accommodation illegal. [Photo courtesy Ollie’s Barbecue]
This image portrays a vintage-style artwork that appears to be printed on an aged, silk flag. Let’s delve into the details: Flag: The flag is yellowish-brown, suggesting age or intentional distress. It bears multiple tears and missing sections, giving it a rough texture. The edges are uneven, emphasizing its worn appearance. Printed Text: At the top, there’s partially visible text that reads “YELLOW HAMMER.” Towards the bottom, another fragment of text reads “U.C.V..” Some letters are obscured or missing due to the flag’s condition. Illustration of Birds: In the center, a colorful illustration depicts two birds perched on pine branches. The birds have brown feathers with intricate patterns. Their tails are long, and their beaks are pointed. Pine cones are interspersed among the pine needles in this circular illustration.
This painted silk flag was flown by Alabama Confederate veterans, known as “yellowhammers.” [Courtesy Prattaugan Museum, Prattville, Alabama]

Grand Old Flags

By the Editors

Before 1912, when President William Howard Taft made the first attempt to standardize the Stars and Stripes, American flags were as singular as the people who created them. Appearing in sundry sizes and shapes, and in a broad spectrum of red and blue hues, the flags of early America reflected the new nation’s vigor and independence, its regard for free expression, and its tolerance for the idiosyncratic. This photographic essay celebrates the tremendous diversity of American flags–a diversity that tells a history of the nation itself.

General Overview: The photograph is captured in black and white, evoking a sense of nostalgia and mystery. A man is stepping out of an vintage vehicle labeled “METROPOLITAN 4141.” The man wears a light-colored suit and shoes. He is wearing a light-colored top hat with a dark-colored ribbon at the base. The Vehicle (“METROPOLITAN 4141”): The car’s design suggests it belongs to an earlier era. The door is open, inviting curiosity. The dark-colored exterior bears the distinct white text “METROPOLITAN 4141.” Background: The scene appears to be set at night or in low-light conditions.
Senator Hugo Black arrives for a lunch at the White House in 1937, just after his Supreme Court appointment. [Courtesy Collection of the Supreme Court of the United States]

Hugo Black’s Constitution

By Steve Suitts

In 1968 at the age of eighty-two, Hugo Black acted as if death was finally looking over his shoulder. Years of failure and neglect had not prompted this apparition. For the last thirty-one yeas, Black had sat on the US Supreme Court–longer than almost any other judge–deciding thousands of cases that reshaped American life and liberty. His had been rich, rewarding years, full of controversy, difficulties, and hard work. Nor was it a fragile mind and body reminding Black of his mortality. Rather, it was his fear that the US Constitution, a document he used and cherished each day, would not be understood in the future as he thought it should be. In 1968, Justice Black was rushing against time to place his interpretation of the Constitution permanently in the lawbooks. This is his story.

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