REP. CARL ELLIOTT (D-AL) 1948-64
The first recipient of the John F. Kennedy Profiles in Courage Award, Elliott championed the cause of education for the poor and working class, including a pioneering student loan program that for many made college possible for the first time. His progressive positions cost him his seat when the Civil Rights Movement ignited white reaction, and he ran a last ditch campaign against the Wallace machine for the Alabama governorship.
“The essence of a politician at the best” — Sen. Edward Kennedy
He “could combine pragmatism with idealism as well as anyone I ever knew” — Sen. George McGovern
“He believed the conscience of America should be ‘I am my brother’s keeper.'” — Rep. Tip O’Neal
Includes interviews with John Lewis, Edward Kennedy, George McGovern, Tip O’Neal, Howell Raines, Bill Baxley, Wil Hagood
Produced for The University of Alabama Center for Public Television and funded by grants from The Alabama Humanities Foundation, Alabama Public Television, and The University of Alabama Law School Foundation.
NARRATED BY JULIAN BOND
NATIONAL BROADCAST VIA NETA / REGIONAL EMMY NOMINATION
