AEA celebrates 40th anniversary of merger

MONTGOMERY, Ala. (AP) - Hundreds of educators from across
Alabama have gathered in Montgomery to celebrate the 40th
anniversary of the merger of the state organizations for black and
white teachers.
    The all-black Alabama State Teachers Association and the
all-white Alabama Education Association merged in December 1969.
The resulting organization was known as the Alabama Education
Association, and it became major political force in the state.
    An AEA spokesman said the anniversary celebration is being held
Friday at the Montgomery Civic Center.
    The two men who led the separate teacher organizations in 1969,
Paul Hubbert and Joe Reed, continue to lead AEA today.