Gadsden County Commission Honors Former Congressman Al Lawson in Building Naming Ceremony

Quincy, Fla – Gadsden County Commissioners celebrated the official renaming of the Gadsden County Co-operative Extension Service facility to the Alfred J. Lawson Jr. Building on Wednesday, June 19, in Quincy.

Lawson worked with Gadsden County Commissioner Brenda Holt to secure $2.2 million in funding assistance from the State of Florida and a grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) during his tenure in Congress. This funding was instrumental in the development of the Gadsden County Co-operative Extension Service facility, now known as the Alfred J. Lawson Jr. Building.

The building that was voted on by the Gadsden County Commissioners in February 2022 is a hub for agricultural and community development. It provides an indoor assembly area for product expos, trade fairs, and 4-H competitions. Master Gardeners, Family and Community Educators, Cattlemen’s Association, and other agencies also utilize the new facility. It also serves as a home to a centralized farmer’s market to support local farmers and sell locally grown produce and other commodities.

A native of Midway, Lawson represented Gadsden County as its state representative, state senator, and U.S. Representative over four decades, beginning in 1982. While serving in Congress, Lawson brought back $40 million for local county projects. FAMU’s Al Lawson Multipurpose Center, the main venue for basketball, volleyball, concerts, and commencement ceremonies, is named in his honor.

Lawson graduated from Havana Northside High School and received his bachelor’s degree from FAMU, where he lettered in basketball and ran track. He then earned a master’s degree in public administration from Florida State University and completed his coursework for a Ph.D. in public administration.