EDITOR'S NOTE: The following story about William Bailey Jr., who became Washington Parish's first registered black voter, was first published in The Daily News last April prior to a ceremony honoring Bailey. We are reprinting the story today in memory of Bailey, who died Sunday.

BY GABRIEL MORLEY

THE DAILY NEWS

Advertisement

BOGALUSA - More than 50 years ago a black man in Washington Parish wasn't worth much to the establishment, and that didn't sit well with William Bailey Jr.

In 1946, Bailey, of Bogalusa, decided he deserved the right to vote just as well as any white man. So he went down to the registrar of voters office to sign up, but they turned him away.

He tried again in 1950, and was told the same thing - go home.

But Bailey refused to give up. He knew he was right and he no doubt understood the importance of being able to vote.

Eventually, Bailey's persistence paid off and he became the first registered black voter in Washington Parish, according to a resolution distributed by parish government.

In the 50 years since Bailey broke the color barrier, Bogalusa has gone through some prickly racial turmoil. And in that time, Bailey has never given up his struggle for racial equality.

EMMITT J. DOUGLAS MEMORIAL AWARD

WINNER

Earlier this year, Bailey, who is 91-years old and still lives in Bogalusa, was given the Emmitt J. Douglas Memorial Award. It is the highest internal honor given to members of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People in Louisiana.

In April 2002 he was presented with the award at an invitation-only banquet. In addition, the Washington Parish Council proclaimed the day as William Bailey Jr. Day.

After registering to vote, with gathering momentum Bailey formed the local chapter of the NAACP. He was declared president of the organization and held that office for 25 years, according to parish officials.

GUIDING FORCE

In accordance with his position, Bailey helped ease tensions between blacks and whites during a heated time in the history of Washington Parish. He was instrumental in obtaining jobs for blacks at Crown-Zellerbach's mills in Bogalusa, and aided in the effort to integrate Sullivan Vocational Technical Institute.

In an effort to make a larger impact in the community and give blacks a voice in city government Bailey ran for and was elected as the first black city councilman, according to the resolution. Eight times he held the position of president of the city council.

Some of his work included an expansion of medical programs in the city and the creation of a Food Stamp office.