LOCAL · AL · 1955-1966
Jim Clark
Sheriff · Dallas County · Democrat · Alabama
NOTABLE
On the record
Beat civil rights marchers at Edmund Pettus Bridge "Bloody Sunday" Mar 7 1965; lost 1966 reelection
Background
Jim Clark (1922–2007) was Sheriff of Dallas County, AL (Selma) 1955-1966. Beat civil-rights marchers attempting to cross Edmund Pettus Bridge "Bloody Sunday" March 7 1965. The televised brutality drove LBJ to introduce the Voting Rights Act 8 days later (March 15). Lost his 1966 Dem primary to reformer Wilson Baker — the first sheriff defeated by a Black-supported challenger in the post-VRA era.
Curated bio from Officium's editorial pass.
Primary sources
Others who held this office in Alabama
- Wilson Baker (1966-1971)