The new faces of Alabama’s voting rights fight, and what they’re learning from their predecessors

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The New Voices of Alabama

When 18-year-old Angel Purdie took the stage at a massive rally at the Alabama State Capitol, she made one thing perfectly clear: she is ready to carry the torch for a new generation. In a state defined by its history of protest, Purdie is determined to ensure that power translates into real progress at the ballot box.

Raised in Birmingham and graduating as a Wenonah High School salutatorian, Purdie grew up understanding the weight of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the sacrifices made during "Bloody Sunday" in Selma. Despite recent U.S. Supreme Court rulings that critics argue dilute the Black vote, Purdie used the All Roads Lead to the South National Day of Action to remind attendees that when Southerners show up, they make an impact. "The legacy I would like to leave is just making sure my voice is always heard," Purdie told 205focus.com. "We belong here as a collective. Our voice matters."

Gen Z Rising

Data from a 2025 report by the Tisch College of Civic Life highlights that Gen Z now represents one in five of Alabama’s voting-age population. With over 800,000 residents between 18 and 29, this demographic is increasingly poised to lead. Purdie, who attended the rally with the Alabama Black Women’s Roundtable, is a prime example of this emerging leadership. Mentored by Jefferson County District 2 Commissioner Sheila Tyson, these young women are being trained to fill the roles of future mayors, city council members, and legislators.

The urgency for this training has grown as young Alabamians push back against restrictive policies. From protesting the state's "divisive concepts" law—which led to a federal lawsuit—to preparing for the May 19th primary, this generation is actively engaged. Purdie herself registered over 30 peers in February, teaching them that their vote is the primary tool for community improvement.

Bridging the Gap

While groups like the National Coalition of Black Civic Participation work to support this growth, Commissioner Tyson notes that the South remains critically underfunded by national organizations that underestimate the region's political landscape. "If you don’t invest in the South, you’re not going to get things out of the South," Tyson said.

Kierra Burks, a 23-year-old activist with Project Say Something, echoes this call for sustained engagement. After receiving support from The Southern Black Girls and Women’s Consortium to attend the rally, Burks reflected on her work educating youth through the People's Classroom. Whether it is explaining complex policy through relatable metaphors about pizza or guiding students through their first encounters with legislators, Burks finds that once young people understand the system, they are eager to engage.

For Burks, witnessing the political maneuvering in Montgomery—including efforts that ignored crises like the SNAP enrollment drop and Lowndes County sewage issues—has only fueled her resolve. "If our vote did not have power, they wouldn’t try so hard to stop us from using it," she said. Though the fight against new election tactics is difficult, she draws strength from the civil rights veterans who built the foundation before her. As she puts it, "I feel a very strong sense of responsibility to continue on the fight for those who fought before me."