Vivian Figures

Vivian Figures is an American politician currently serving as a Democratic member of the Alabama State Senate, representing the 33rd District, which encompasses areas in Mobile County. She was first elected to the Senate in January 1997, following the death of her husband, Michael Figures, who had previously held the position. Throughout her political career, Figures has been recognized for her advocacy on various issues, particularly in education and public health, and has played a significant role in Alabama's legislative landscape.

Early life and career

Vivian Figures was born on January 24, 1957. She completed her secondary education at Williamson High School in Mobile, Alabama. Pursuing higher education, she earned a Bachelor of Science degree in management science from the University of New Haven in Connecticut. Figures financed her college education through employment at Yale University and by working in a family-owned grocery store.

Figures began her legal education at the Thomas Goode Jones School of Law in Montgomery, Alabama. However, her studies were interrupted by the untimely death of her husband, which necessitated a shift in her focus and career path. In addition to her political endeavors, she has taken on leadership roles in various educational initiatives. She is the President and CEO of the Figures Legacy Education Foundation and has served on the board of directors for the Mobile Area Education Foundation. Her commitment to education is further exemplified by her position on the Board of Trustees for Jacksonville State University, a role she has held since 2012.

Figures has also been active in national politics, having served as an at-large member of the Democratic National Committee. In 2002, she was initiated into the Delta Theta Omega chapter of the Alpha Kappa Alpha sorority, reflecting her engagement in community and civic organizations.

Legislative service

Figures' political career began in local government when she was elected to the Mobile City Council in 1993. During her tenure on the council, she became known for her strong advocacy for community issues. One of her notable early actions was leading the opposition against a proposed facility for burning petroleum-contaminated oil near downtown Mobile, showcasing her commitment to environmental and public health concerns. Additionally, she was the initial proponent of naming Mobile's new minor league baseball park after Hank Aaron, a legendary baseball player and native of Mobile.

In 1996, following her husband's passing, Figures sought election to the Alabama Senate to fill the vacancy left by his death. She participated in the Democratic primary election, where she garnered a significant portion of the votes, ultimately winning the runoff against James Buskey. Figures then defeated her Republican opponent to secure her position in the state legislature. Upon taking office in January 1997, she made history as the first African American woman from Mobile County to serve in the Alabama Senate.

Throughout her legislative career, Figures has held several leadership roles, including chairwoman of both the Education Committee and the Mobile County Local Legislation Committee. She is particularly recognized for her persistent efforts to introduce legislation aimed at banning smoking in indoor public places across Alabama. Although a bill she sponsored to address this issue passed the Senate and had anticipated support in the House, it ultimately failed to advance due to legislative filibusters.

In 2008, Figures made history again by becoming the first African American woman to secure the Democratic nomination for the United States Senate. She won the primary election decisively but was ultimately defeated by the incumbent Republican senator in the general election.

In November 2012, Figures was selected by her peers to serve as the floor leader for the Alabama Senate Democrats, marking a significant milestone as the first woman to lead either party in the Alabama Legislature. Her leadership has included navigating complex legislative challenges and advocating for the interests of her constituents.

Figures has also been active in addressing social issues. She opposed a controversial bill that sought to impose severe penalties on doctors performing abortions, arguing for a more equitable approach to reproductive rights. In 2020, amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, she expressed concerns about the safety of legislative sessions, emphasizing the risks posed to members and their families.

In 2021, Figures' residence was the target of a violent attack, with multiple shots fired into her home. Fortunately, there were no injuries as the house was unoccupied at the time. This incident highlighted the challenges and dangers faced by public officials.

Policy focus and district

As a member of the Alabama Senate, Figures has focused on a range of policy issues, with a strong emphasis on education, public health, and social justice. Her background in education and her roles in various educational foundations have informed her legislative priorities, particularly in advocating for funding and resources for schools in her district.

Figures has been a vocal advocate for public health initiatives, particularly concerning smoking bans and reproductive rights. Her efforts to ban smoking in public places reflect a broader commitment to improving health outcomes for residents of Alabama. Additionally, her opposition to restrictive abortion legislation underscores her advocacy for women's rights and health care access.

Figures represents the 33rd District, which includes parts of Mobile County. Her work in the Senate has been characterized by a focus on the needs of her constituents, including economic development and community welfare. She has played a pivotal role in securing economic incentives that have facilitated significant investments in the region, such as the establishment of a Thyssen-Krupp steel plant near Mobile.

Overall, Vivian Figures' legislative career has been marked by her commitment to her community and her advocacy for policies aimed at improving the lives of her constituents. Her leadership roles and legislative initiatives reflect her dedication to public service and her ongoing efforts to address the challenges faced by the people of Alabama.