By Speakin’ Out News
(WZDX Fox 54 News)
Beulah Toney’s roots run deep in the soil of Huntsville, Alabama, where she entered the world on November 13, 1935, at a humble abode on County Line Road. She emerged as the ninth of eleven siblings, a testament to the vibrant community and family bonds that shaped her upbringing.
From her earliest days, Beulah Toney learned the value of resilience and determination. Raised in a household where education was revered, she embarked on her academic journey at St. Andrews Church before continuing her studies in New Hope. She eventually attended Trinity High School, a beacon of learning in Limestone County during segregation.
Though her aspirations led her to Alabama A&M University, financial constraints forced her to relinquish her pursuit of higher education. Undeterred, Toney found employment at Intertech Research Service, where she encountered firsthand the disparities and injustices that plagued African American workers.
Her journey as a Black voter in the segregated South was fraught with obstacles. Before the passage of the Voting Rights Act of 1965, the path to voter registration was riddled with discriminatory barriers. Toney vividly recalls the indignity of reciting the Constitution and Preamble to exercise her fundamental right, a stark reminder of the systemic inequalities that pervaded society.
In an interview with WZDX Fox 54 News, Toney reflects, “You could only register one day of the month. I had to be able to read the Constitution of the United States and repeat the Preamble to register to vote.” She adds, “There was a lady; she and I were the same age, and she was white. She told me she didn’t have to do all of that.”
Yet, Toney’s spirit remained unbroken. Inspired by the courage of civil rights leaders like Martin Luther King Jr., she became a vocal advocate for change, participating in sit-ins at the Huntsville Woolworth store and witnessing pivotal moments in the struggle for equality.
Her crowning achievement came when she became the first Black woman from Madison County to serve on the Board of Registrars. This historic milestone underscored her unwavering commitment to democracy and social justice. As head of the Board, Toney dedicated over five decades to ensuring fair and equitable elections, earning the respect and admi- ration of her community.
Reflecting on her journey in an interview with WZDX Fox 54 News, Toney shares, “When I was over the Board of Registrars, I registered voters. When I had a problem with the poll, I went to the poll and corrected it. They tell me today how they miss me.” She adds, “That has been my main cause, to bring this generation up above what I came through.”
Regarding Black History Month, Toney emphasizes, “You keep your history. You know your history; I know my history. I want to keep my history. I want my grandkids to know my history.
But I don’t want them to be angry with you because of my history. Never forget where you came from because you forget where you’re going.”
Even as she reflects on past triumphs, Beulah Toney remains deeply engaged in the ongoing fight for justice. Through her ‘Beulah Ballard Toney Scholarship program, established in 2016, she empowers future generations to reach for the stars, fostering a legacy of empowerment and opportunity.
Her journey is a testament to the indomitable spirit of the human soul, a beacon of hope for all who strive for a more just and equitable society. In Beulah Toney, Huntsville finds a pioneer and trailblazer and a guiding light whose legacy will endure for generations to come.
