MONTGOMERY, Ala. (WIAT) -- The Alabama Academy of Honor consists of 100 living Alabamians who have made great contributions to the state.

This year, three people are joining leaders like Rosa Parks and Harper Lee because of what they’ve done for Alabama.

Dr. Bernard LaFayette, Jr. is a civil rights activist who served as a Freedom Rider and worked alongside Martin Luther King, Jr. to institutionalize non-violence.

“This kind of honor-- in Alabama? I’ve been to jail in Alabama I don’t know how many times," remarked LaFayette. "And, my life has been threatened.”

Dr. Ray L. Watts serves as the president of the University of Alabama at Birmingham. He said he is proud to lead one of the largest, most comprehensive medical centers in the world.

“It’s a great honor. As you heard, a lot of di

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