Miriam Witherspoon

Miriam Denise Witherspoon (July 16, 1960 - April 21, 2009) was president pro tempore of the Birmingham City Council who became an advocate for the disabled after she was paralyzed in a car wreck while a law student in 1988.

Early years

The daughter of McKinley Dan and Claretha Witherspoon, was born and raised in Mobile. She had a degree in political science and history from Alabama A&M University and from the Miles School of Law, where she graduated as salutatorian.

Career

She was an attorney and representative for District 7 in the Birmingham City Council. After starting her law career in 1990, she served as counsel for senior citizens in Jefferson County. She served as executive director of the Senior Citizens of Alabama Inc.

In 2005 Witherspoon became the first person in a wheelchair to win a council seat in Birmingham; the city had to retrofit the council dais so she could sit alongside other members.

Death

She died after a sudden illness, in Birmingham on April 21, 2009, aged 48. She was succeeded on the Council by Jay Roberson.

Legacy

The Council unanimously approved a proposal by Birmingham's mayor to name the proposed athletic complex at Fair Park in Witherspoon's memory.

Links

• http://www.lifeinlegacy.com/display.php?weekof=2009-04-25
• http://www.informationbirmingham.com/district7.aspx
• http://www.bhamwiki.com/w/Miriam_Witherspoon
• http://birmingham.bizjournals.com/birmingham/stories/2009/04/20/daily15.html

Persondata
Name	Witherspoon, Miriam
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Date of birth	July 16, 1960
Place of birth
Date of death	April 21, 2009
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