John Hall Buchanan

Republican Representative of Alabama's 6th district

Representative
Alabama, district 6
January 4, 1965 - January 3, 1967
Representative
Alabama, district 6
January 10, 1967 - January 3, 1969
Representative
Alabama, district 6
January 3, 1969 - January 3, 1971
Representative
Alabama, district 6
January 21, 1971 - January 3, 1973
Representative
Alabama, district 6
January 3, 1973 - January 3, 1975
Representative
Alabama, district 6
January 14, 1975 - January 3, 1977
Representative
Alabama, district 6
January 4, 1977 - January 3, 1979
Representative
Alabama, district 6
January 15, 1979 - January 3, 1981

Congresses Served

House Terms

March 19, 1928 (89 years old)

Birthday

March 5, 2018

Death

Served as a Republican U.S. Representative for Alabama’s 6th congressional district from 1965 to 1981.
Born in Paris, Tennessee, and served in the United States Navy from 1945 to 1946.
Attended Samford University, did graduate work at the University of Virginia, and graduated from the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in 1957.
Initially a conservative Republican, opposed the creation of Medicare, the Voting Rights Act of 1965, and the Civil Rights Act of 1968.
Played a key role in investigations of the Ku Klux Klan, contributing to a significant reduction in its membership.
His social views evolved, influenced by his involvement with an integrated church, leading to the hiring of African-Americans on his staff and supporting civil rights.
Advocated for Title IX, equality for women in college programs, and supported rights for Jewish and Christian dissidents, as well as black majorities in Southern Rhodesia and South Africa.
Became a centrist, supporting busing for desegregation, a woman’s right to choose, and the creation of a Martin Luther King, Jr. statue in the Capitol.
Served as a member of the U.S. delegation to the United Nations and on the United Nations Human Rights Committee.
After leaving Congress, became involved with the liberal group People for the American Way and supported Bill Clinton in the 1992 presidential election.
Received numerous awards for his service and contributions to civil rights and women’s rights.
Lived in Bethesda, Maryland, after leaving Alabama and never returned to live in Alabama.
Died in 2018 in Rockville, Maryland, from dementia.