In this episode we continue our series on Influential Montgomerians by discussing Alabama’s first African American politician, James T. Rapier. We explore the life of Rapier, including his time in Florence, Alabama; Nashville, Tennessee; and Buxton, Ontario, Canada. We also focus on his education in Canada, as well as abroad in Scotland. Furthermore we examine his return to Alabama to become a leader in the Republican Party and career as a successful politician and labor organizer.

Sources: http://www.blackpast.org/aah/rapier-james-thomas-1837-1883http://www.encyclopediaofalabama.org/article/h-3272https://www.biography.com/people/james-t-rapier-40910Music: www.purple-planet.com