From The Trussville Tribune staff reports
WASHINGTON, D.C. — The United States Senate passed by unanimous consent Congressman Mo Brooks’ bill, H.R. 6513, to designate the United States Postal Service Office located at 1110 West Market Street in Athens, Alabama, as the “Judge James E. Horton, Jr. Post Office Building.”
Judge Horton bravely issued an order setting aside the jury’s guilty verdict and ordered a new trial for one of the “Scottsboro Boys” in 1933.
“I’m pleased the United States Senate unanimously passed my bill naming the Athens Post Office for Tennessee Valley luminary, Judge James E. Horton Jr.,” Congressman Brooks said. “Now, the only remaining hurdle for the bill to become law is a presidential signature, and I encourage President Trump to sign the bill.
“Judge Horton took a stand against extreme racial prejudice that risked and ended his judicial career. For championing blind justice and for his bravery in the face of intense pressure, Judge Horton deserves the posthumous honor of having the Athens, Alabama Post Office named for him. It is appropriate that his legacy be held up as a guide for future Tennessee Valley generations.
“While this bill wouldn’t have passed the House and Senate if it weren’t for the support of key Congressional colleagues, Judge Horton’s descendants and Limestone County community leaders were the driving force behind this bill. Their efforts meant the difference, and I’m grateful for their assistance and insight without which this bill would not be heading to President Trump’s desk.”
A life-size statue of Judge Horton and a historical marker were erected in October 2017 on the Limestone County Courthouse square. Click HERE to read more about the statue and marker.
To read Judge Horton’s full biography, click h[download id=”68276″].