‘Celebrating the History We Share’

Regions Bank welcomed community members, corporate executives and civic leaders to the 17^th annual History in Motion reception, an event held each February to recognize Alabamians whose service has expanded possibilities for others and moved our communities forward.

Lajuana Bradford, head of Corporate Philanthropy at Regions, opened the evening by reflecting on the program’s purpose: celebrating individuals whose leadership, vision and commitment have created meaningful opportunities for others.

This year’s event honored Judge John England Jr., a trailblazing attorney, jurist and community advocate whose life’s work has helped ensure that doors once closed to many are now open.

History Remains in Motion

Leroy Abrahams, head of Community Engagement at Regions, described how Judge England embodies the spirit of History in Motion.

“We’re proud to honor a man tonight whose life is much more than a collection of titles,” Abrahams said. “When you think about a roadmap for progress in the state of Alabama, his life would follow that road.”

He reminded the audience that history is not static – it moves and evolves because of those who choose to shape it.

“When we talk about making history, we often think about things that happen in the distant past, but as we’ve hosted this event over the years, we’ve seen over and over that history does indeed remain in motion,” Abrahams said

And few exemplify that truth more clearly than Judge England.

“History makers and living legends are in our presence. We’ve had the privilege of honoring several, and we’re very excited about honoring Judge John England – for ensuring that opportunities exist for everyone, regardless of who they are.”

We’re proud to honor a man tonight whose life is much more than a collection of titles. Leroy Abrahams, head of Community Engagement at Regions

A Life Shaped by Service

England’s lifelong dedication to justice began at Tuskegee University in the mid‑1960s. Inspired by civil rights leaders who visited campus, he realized the power of the law to create change – and the responsibility to use it to help people who had long been denied access to fair representation.

Born in Uniontown and raised in Birmingham, England never lost his connection to the Black Belt. After law school, he and two classmates returned to the region and opened the first Black-owned law firm in Tuscaloosa.

“We were three kids with a willingness to do something,” he recalled.

From criminal defense to school desegregation, from voting rights to employment discrimination, England was there for those who needed an advocate. He represented the Southern Christian Leadership Conference and supported movement organizers in some of the most pivotal moments of Alabama’s civil rights struggle.

“When they marched and were sent to jail, I’d be standing beside them and doing what I could,” he said.

Despite often having his legal credentials questioned simply because of his race, England’s integrity and resolve propelled him forward. His belief in fairness led him into public service and ultimately onto Tuscaloosa’s first elected city council.

“It’s in his heart – and it’s in his head – to do what’s right for people,” said Charles Steele, President Emeritus of the SCLC, in a video tribute.

When they marched and were sent to jail, I’d be standing beside them and doing what I could. Judge John England, Jr.

A Trailblazer in Alabama’s Courts

England’s judicial career began in 1993, when he was appointed to the Tuscaloosa County Circuit Court. He became the first Black circuit judge in Tuscaloosa and, in 1999, was appointed to the Alabama Supreme Court.

Colleagues describe him as a judge whose decisions were guided by principle, clarity and a deep respect for the people before him.

“He understands what the law is, and then he makes his own decision based on what he thinks is the appropriate and right thing to do,” said longtime friend and attorney Joel Sogol.

For England, the courtroom was not about titles or prestige – it was about ensuring that every person had an opportunity to be heard.

A Family Commitment to Justice

England often points to his children as his proudest achievement. All three became attorneys and one followed him onto the bench.

“He carved a road for me and my siblings,” said Judge John H. England III, now Chief Magistrate Judge for the Northern District of Alabama. “Having two generations of judges in the same family is rare. My dad swore me in – it was a monumental day.”

Their success reflects not only his example, but also his belief that each generation should widen the path for the next.

Honored Among Friends

During his remarks at the celebration, England reflected on the relationships in the room – colleagues, friends, mentors, and community members who shaped his journey.

“I appreciate the acknowledgement of the history we share,” he said. “I did have a little piece of that, and I’m thankful for it.”

“What makes this special to me,” he added, “is the opportunity to see faces of those I’ve lived my life with, and who have been an important part of my life.”

A Legacy of Opening Doors

In the tribute video shown at the event, Steele offered a powerful summation of England’s impact.

“When you meet Judge England you know his calling is to work with people – particularly those who are downtrodden, those who have lost confidence in themselves, those who want to do what’s right but they’re afraid. That’s what Judge England is all about.”

It’s a sentiment reflected not only in how others see him, but in how he views the work himself.

“If you focus on what we have in common as opposed to our differences, we can make progress,” England said.

At the heart of his service is a conviction that opportunity multiplies when it is shared – and that is how history keeps moving forward.