Alabama Democrat invokes memory of RFK
Chuanpis Santilukka
Diversity Institute Fellow
10.29.02
Recalling the politics of Robert F. Kennedy, congressional candidate Artur Davis (D-Ala.) told a Vanderbilt University audience Wednesday that the Democratic Party must advocate values and compassion for underprivileged individuals.
Davis, 35, who is heavily favored to be elected next month to represent Alabama’s 7th District, addressed his comments to about 75 students, faculty and community members as part of a speech on reviving the Democratic Party in the South.
Davis cited his own district, which includes Birmingham and has been called “the cradle of the Civil Rights Movement,” to illustrate his call for a return to a political philosophy espoused by Kennedy, who prior to his assassination in 1968 was known for his work with the disenfranchised.
“In the midst of all (of America’s) pillars of economic strength, there are (still) people living in conditions that most of the people in this room will never see,” Davis said. “This is still an area where unique struggles are being fought.”
Davis said his district includes some of the nation’s poorest counties, where 40 percent of the children live below the poverty line and more than 30 percent are not covered by health insurance.
“If we don’t do anything about (the children), you’ll see them in the criminal justice system,” he said. “You will see them on what’s left of the welfare rolls in this country. You’ll see them when you’re going to your car at the mall, clutching your purse.”
The Harvard-educated lawyer recently defeated five-term incumbent Earl Hilliard, 60, in a heated primary race that received national attention for its focus on Middle Eastern politics.
Hilliard and his supporters criticized Davis for receiving a substantial amount of financial support from pro-Israeli groups. Hilliard’s campaign received significant contributions from many Arab Americans.
The race also raised questions about what some see as an emerging struggle for power among black political leaders that pits newcomers against seasoned politicians within the Congressional Black Caucus, which supported Hilliard.
Davis will be serving as an elected official for the first time if he wins next month’s election.