William McKinley Branch stood about five feet tall. He believed he answered God’s Call. Like his Nephew Sheriff1 down in Forkland2 God lifted up another Preacher Man. Branch felt that he would be remiss If he met a Woman that he didn’t kiss. Not too many men held a grudge Over the loose lips of the Kissing Judge.
Now-a-days, one would have to insist That Christians greet with a hug and a kiss. Following Baptist tradition from down South, The Judge’s smack was right on the mouth He kissed at the weddings and kissed at church. Is that why women folk loved him so much? Not many men held a grudge Over the loose lips of the Kissing Judge.
When racism was a major political denominator, The establishment frowned on any agitator. Everyone thought that “Judge” was his given name. He did what no Black man did from Mexico to Maine. Branch offered his candidacy for consideration. He was the 1st Black Probate Judge in the nation. The Branch ran deep in the Heart of the Black Belt. When Judge Branch died, everybody wept!
1 The Reverend Sheriff Thomas Gilmore was Branch’s nephew.
2Forkland is a town i n the southern portion of Greene County, Alabama.