Alabama Men’s Hall of Fame Selects 2025 Inductees
Published on May 1, 2025, by Bonnie S. Verlander
An accomplished inventor, a trailblazing activist, and distinguished academic and civic leader will officially join the Alabama Men’s Hall of Fame at an induction ceremony on Sept. 16 at The Club in Birmingham.
A look at the three inductees:
Andrew Jackson Beard (1849-1921)
Andrew Jackson Beard was an inventor and entrepreneur from Jefferson County, Alabama. Born into slavery in 1849, Beard gained his freedom as a teenager and began working as a farmer and carpenter. Despite limited formal education, he had a natural talent for mechanics and engineering.
Beard is best known for inventing the "Jenny Coupler" in 1897. This device revolutionized railroad safety by allowing train cars to automatically connect without the need for a worker to manually link them—a dangerous task that often led to serious injury or death, which Beard often witnessed. His invention greatly improved conditions for railroad workers and earned him national recognition. His contributions highlight the ingenuity and perseverance of Black inventors during a time of great racial and social challenges in America.
John L. LeFlore (1903-1976)
John L. LeFlore was a pioneering civil rights leader and political figure whose work reshaped Mobile, Alabama's social and political landscape. In 1925, he revitalized the local chapter of the NAACP, transforming it into one of the most active in the state. LeFlore also co-founded the Non-Partisan Voting League, continuing his advocacy for civil rights and voter participation. His efforts included organizing lawsuits that led to the desegregation of Mobile County’s Schools and challenging the city’s at-large voting system, both of which reached the Supreme Court.
LeFlore’s public service continued as he was elected to the Alabama House of Representatives in 1974 until his death in 1976. His legacy endures in Mobile, where a high school bears his name and where a statue commemorates his partnership with fellow civil rights advocate Joseph Langan. His impact on the state’s journey towards civil rights has been profound.
Charles A. “Scotty” McCallum Jr., DMD, MD (1925-2021)
Charles A. McCallum, Jr., better known as “Scotty,” was a visionary and transformative leader in Alabama’s medical and civic communities. Following a career that included several distinguished roles at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, he served as the university's third president. McCallum was instrumental in expanding UAB’s medical and academic programs and played a key role in establishing the university’s football program in 1991.
McCallum also served two terms as mayor of Vestavia Hills from 2000 to 2008, where he led initiatives resulting in the annexation of Cahaba Heights and the development of city parks and infrastructure. He was best known for his humility and dedication to his family and was respected for his commitment to community service. McCallum’s legacy is marked by his servant leadership and his belief in making the world a better place through kindness and serving others.
The Alabama Men’s Hall of Fame induction ceremony luncheon will be held on Tuesday, Sept. 16, at 11:30 a.m. at The Club in Birmingham. For information and reservations, call 205-706-1289.
Founded by the Alabama legislature in 1987, the men’s hall of fame recognizes men "whose lives have impacted the state, nation and world." Honorees must have been deceased for two years. Hall board members represent Alabama's seven congressional districts. The Birmingham Women's Committee of 100 sponsors the program. The hall is located on the second floor of Harwell Goodwin Davis Library at Samford. The Alabama Women’s Hall of Fame is located at the University of West Alabama in Livingston.