Alabama Legacy Luncheon: Florence

On December 5, 2025, supporters, community leaders, and friends of the Fred D. Gray Institute for Human and Civil Rights gathered in Florence, Alabama for the Alabama Legacy Luncheon honoring Attorney Fred D. Gray—one of the most influential voices in the American civil rights movement.

This intimate event featured a thoughtfully prepared luncheon followed by a one-hour program with Attorney Gray. Through remarks and a moderated conversation, guests had a rare opportunity to hear directly from the man who represented Rosa Parks, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., and many others whose courage helped transform the nation. Attorney Gray reflected on the principles and strategies that shaped his lifelong pursuit of justice, from dismantling segregation in Alabama to fighting for accountability in the Tuskegee Syphilis Study.

Nearly 200 attended, some traveling from central Alabama, Nashville, and Columbia, Tennessee. Dr. Wendell Gunn flew in from Connecticut for the event. Gunn was the plaintiff in Attorney Gray’s 1963 case that desegregated Florence State College (now the University of North Alabama (UNA). In what Attorney Gray labeled, “The easiest case I tried,” Gunn entered the college and proved an outstanding student. He would later work as an economic advisor in the White House, and until 2025, served as Trustee for the University. Fittingly, Dr. Gunn returned to Florence to honor “one of my heroes,” and UNA was the event’s hosting sponsor.

Grounded in history and driven by purpose, the Alabama Legacy Luncheon was more than a tribute—it was a call to continue the work of justice, equity, and community building that defines Attorney Gray’s enduring legacy. With the support of our community, the Fred D. Gray Institute for Human and Civil Rights continues to create spaces for dialogue, learning, and action in pursuit of a more just future.

The photo highlights below, captured by Daniel Powell Photography, reflect the spirit and significance of the Alabama Legacy Luncheon.