EXECUTIVE · AL · 1983-1987

George Wallace

Governor · Democrat · Alabama

Background

George Wallace (1919–1998) is the defining segregationist politician of the post-WWII South. Four-term Alabama Governor (1963-67, 1971-79, 1983-87) whose 1963 inaugural — "segregation now, segregation tomorrow, segregation forever" — became the rhetorical anchor of Massive Resistance. Stood in the schoolhouse door at the University of Alabama June 11 1963 to block Black students Vivian Malone and James Hood, forcing JFK to federalize the Alabama National Guard. Ran for President four times (1964, 1968 American Independent, 1972, 1976); shot + paralyzed in Laurel, MD on May 15 1972 during the Democratic primary, ending his viability for the Dem nomination. Late-life public renunciation of segregation (1979 onward) drew Black political support in his final 1982 race; his daughter Peggy Wallace Kennedy has continued an active reconciliation effort since 2009.

Curated bio from Officium's editorial pass.