The majority African American Wilcox County resident toiled at hard labor in sawmills, fields, canneries and other agricultural industries before and after the Civil Rights Movement. Some folks were tenants and some owned their own farms. Everyone of every age worked hard. Many youth today cannot imagine the toil of the generations before them. These photos by Bob Adelman were taken 1965-70 in Wilcox County, Alabama. Note from Gloria L. Grimsley-Nious: “My mother, Mrs. Senniem M. Grimsley, sold seeds, fertilizer and brought the cucumbers from the black farmer’s for the SWAFCA.”
Workers splitting logs on Tait’s Plantation
Southwest Alabama Farmers Cooperative Association 1970. One of the early coops run by and for Black farmers
Many grown men recall the hard work of hauling cucumbers to the pickling processor. Heavy, hot work.
Along with all her other work, Mrs. Rosanelle Powell (aka Ducca Mae) worked their farm.
Mrs. Witherspoon and other quilters in Alberta 1970
Mr. Sam “Skee” Stanford was legendary for making sure he brought in the first largest bale of cotton to be weighed.
Matthew Brown working construction Pine Hill 1970
Young women doing laundry in the yard. Please send names in comments. Thank you.
By 1970, workers could strike without fear of arrest at McMillan Bloedel in Pine Hill.
Please send names and description in comment link. Thank you.
Ms.Maggie Lee Ray Pettway boiling sheets to get them clean.
Wilcox County Freedom Fighters 
My mother worked at SWAFCA (cucumber shed) from the early 70 to they closed, her name was Mrs. Senniem M. Grimsley. She sold seeds, fertilizer and brought the cucumbers from the black farmer’s.
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The man trucking cotton is Mr. Sam “Skee” Stanford . . .
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Thank you Sylvia! I had it at one time and now will record in it’s proper location.
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Hello, my father’s family is from there, The McWilliams. They were members of Mt. Olive Church, which is the resting place of many. I have visited many times and know some folks in the area. Enjoyed your post!
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Thank you Pat. You may enjoy reading my book “This Bright Light of Ours” from University of Alabama Press. https://www.thisbrightlightofours.com. All best to you and your family.
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