Albert Ely Edwards (March 19, 1937 – April 29, 2020) was an American politician who served in the Texas Legislature, representing District 146.
He received a bachelor's degree from Texas Southern University in 1966 and a Certificate in Corrective Therapy at Tuskegee Institute in Alabama.
In 1986, he founded "Operation Justus", a community-based organization that serves as a referral service for persons with social problems and concerns.
Others demonstrating on the national level included Reverend Jesse Jackson, Dick Gregory, Aretha Franklin, Harry Belafonte along with many others.
Al Edwards was elected Chairman of the Democratic National Committee Black Caucus and held that position for six years.
In 1999, Edwards was appointed Chairman of the Texas Emancipation Juneteenth Cultural and Historical Commission by Governor George W. Bush.
On January 15, 2004, Al Edwards helped to lead a successful march of over 5000 people in Waller County in order for the students of Prairie View A & M University to be able to vote.