Comments on: The Life and Legacy of James H. Finley

By: James D. Wilson

James D. Wilson — Thu, 08 Sep 2011 10:12:13 +0000

I remember Dr. Finley from his involvement in the Neighborhood Organized Workers. He was an inspiration!

By: Tyrone S Johnson (aka) Donnie Taylor

Tyrone S Johnson (aka) Donnie Taylor — Sat, 16 Jul 2011 19:20:54 +0000

It is a feeling of proud dignity to read of the Legacy of Dr. James S. Finley and what he acccomplished along with others during his lifetime, i am forever gratefull for his commitment to standing up for us during the turbulent Civil Rights Era. I vaguely remember some things during my childhood in Mobile but having an opportunity to begin my career in Radio Broadcasting at WGOK i did have an opportunity to meet Mr. Noble (Bip) Beasley and announce various meetings of NOW etc., I commend Ms.Dora Finley for your efforts along with others re: The Oaklawn Cemetery concerns i will be closely following developments of this issue. Though i am currently a resident of Houston, Tx. i am a proud native of Mobile Ala. and my Parents rest at Oaklawn. I am committed to supporting this endeavor.

By: JonKara Dickerson

JonKara Dickerson — Thu, 01 Apr 2010 02:49:51 +0000

I am a teacher for the Mobile County Public School System. Many teachers only teach the students about notable African-Americans, such as Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Rosa Parks, George W. Carver, and other famous African-Americans. As a black educator I will strive in the future to teach my students about local notable African Americans such as James H. Finley. Mr. Finley’s story was inspiring and eye-opening. Our students deserve to know national and local notable African-Americans that played a key role in the development of our culture.

By: Janett Scott

Janett Scott — Thu, 27 Aug 2009 20:52:05 +0000

I recently came across this article of Mr. Finley. While living in Cedar Rapids, Iowa years ago Dora had shared with me stories about her family and father. It was nice to see a picture of Dora and her mother and read about this piece of history.

By: Derek J. Finley

Derek J. Finley — Tue, 05 May 2009 16:29:36 +0000

James H. Finley Sr. was my grandfather and although I didn’t get a chance to know him very well, due to his early death, I feel very fortunate to be a component in his legacy. To see and feel the impact that he had on the lives of the citizens of Mobile, AL, during a very difficult time, astonishes me. And to think about the personal risks and sacrifices that he and others accepted to instill the viable change that so many of us have benefited from makes my heart quiver. Obviously, I’ve never had a chance to say this publicly but THANK YOU James H. Finley Sr. for your courage and integrity; you’ve blessed us all.

By: Patricia A Rivera

Patricia A Rivera — Mon, 21 Apr 2008 02:20:00 +0000

I stumbled upon this story, and I am so proud to be a native of Alabama. This is food for the soul. This year my oldest child will graduate high school here in Atlanta, GA and attend NYU in the fall. I have been thinking of things that I will remember to tell her before she leaves. “BE SOMEBODY AND HELP SOMEBODY” is top of my list. Thank you for sharing the legacy of James H Finley Sr.

By: LaVerne Finley

LaVerne Finley — Fri, 11 Apr 2008 21:06:34 +0000

James H. Finley Sr, was indeed a wonderful, kind and gentle man. He was a dedicated and respected Community Leader. He was a mentor to many and had a genuine interest in moving Mobile forward.
I have such fond memories of him as father, not as father-in-law. I am happy that his legacy is being remembered and shared.

LaVerne M. Finley

By: James H. Finley, Jr.

James H. Finley, Jr. — Thu, 10 Apr 2008 16:02:03 +0000

Thanks for the excellent coverage of the legacy of James H. Finley. He was so much to so many people – a splendid example of which is Mrs. Watson. Thanks be to God, there are many more that can speak to the positive influences James H. Finley had on their lives. This is centrus to the committment James H. Finley made to his Mother and his Guiding Principle — “BE SOMEBODY AND HELP SOMEBODY”!
James H. Finley made his transition on October 21, 1975 and thirty- eight years later his legacy is just starting to rise to the attention of many. A testament to his favorite truism — “Although Truth Maybe Crushed To The Earth, It Will Rise Again”!
We all love and miss my Daddy very much!
James H. Finley, Jr.

By: Michael Hartman

Michael Hartman — Mon, 10 Mar 2008 17:05:16 +0000

So often we find ourselves looking to books, or movies, or newspapers for the next amazing story. But as shown here, sometimes these stories are just a neighbor or a friendly conversation away. Thank you for taking a step back and a closer listen to the living legacy of our oral history. Rgds, Michael