To commemorate National Law Day locally on May 2, from 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. at the Bessemer Justice Center, the legal community will recognize a few notable individuals, including Attorney David Hood (1919-1985). Attorney Yusuf S. Olufemi, Mr. Hood’s son, currently practices law in Bessemer, Ala. and will deliver a brief presentation honoring his father. About the posthumous recognition, Attorney Olufemi shares: “. . . As [David Hood] loved, sacrificed, and labored not only for Bessemer but for Alabama, it is fitting that Bessemer remembers that if she has progressed, there was a price. In honoring David Hood, you honor the people he loved and the city he loved. In remembering David, you remember the best in yourselves.”
David Hood was born in Bessemer to David and Perl Hood, owners of local businesses, and grocers. Mr. Hood had one brother and three sisters, all of whom finished college and worked as nurses, educators, and dieticians. He attended the local Dunbar High School, and graduated from Alabama A & M University, where he was a football standout and Hall of Famer. He then served in the United States Armed Forces. Mr. Hood was admitted to the Alabama State Bar in 1948 after earning a Juris Doctor from Howard University School of Law.
During a long and stellar career, Mr. Hood was a stalwart in advocating for the cause of Civil Rights. His home was bombed on several occasions in the late 1950s and early 1960s for his unwavering efforts in advancing civil rights. Mr. Hood was instrumental in spearheading suits that resulted in the desegregation of the Jefferson County school system, Bessemer school system, and Bessemer city parks. He was responsible for gaining equal employment and pay for Black workers at the B. F. Goodrich Plant in Gadsden, Ala. He also successfully pursued and obtained the release of Calip Washington, a Black man charged with killing a local white policeman and given the death penalty.
When asked to share some of the professional experiences held dear by his father, Attorney Olufemi responds: “Attorney Hood was for better than 20 years the President of the Jefferson County Progressive Democratic Council, a political organization which advanced civil rights through the use of the ballot and empowered the disenfranchised. As a result of Attorney Hood’s work in working for the election of President Jimmy Carter, he received an official invitation to the inaugural services and [held] several pictures with President Jimmy Carter and Rosalyn Carter, which he cherished. Attorney Hood also was Attorney for the Alabama State Baptist Convention, Selma University, the Masons and Grand Order of the Eastern Stars. In addition, Attorney Hood sat on the Board of Directors of Citizens Federal Bank, [and] was Judge for Roosevelt City, Brighton City, and Hobson City, Ala.”
Attorney Olufemi shared words by Alma Androzzo by which his father lived: “If I can help somebody as I travel along . . . If I can help somebody from doing wrong . . . If I can do my duty as a good man ought . . . If I can spread Love’s message as the Master taught, then my living shall not be in vain.”
Law Day is designed to bring judges, lawyers and the community together to teach the community about law day and the legal system, and to celebrate the American heritage of liberty, justice, and equality. On this day, let us join in honoring the life of this great man, David Hood. May God bless his memory and keep him in peace.
