Berry Perry
Berry Perry (born c. 1955 in Marengo County), also known as Peanut Man or Speedy, is a peanut vendor who operates from the plaza outside the Mel Bailey Criminal Justice Center in downtown Birmingham.
Perry was born with cerebral palsy and was never admitted to school. He was taught basic skills by his mother, grandmother and brothers and has lived on his own since adulthood. Perry moved to Birmingham in the early 1990s because of the city's transit facilities. He rents a house in Wylam and commutes by MAX bus to the city. He purchases peanuts wholesale at the Peanut Depot and also stocks bottled water and canned drinks from a cooler. He operated in the UAB area before finding shade and friendly workers at the downtown court house.
Perry's income from selling peanuts and drinks supplements his disability check and food stamps. He works five to six hours a day regardless of the weather before returning home on the bus.
Perry has been a plaintiff in several lawsuits aimed at improving access and safety for persons with disabilities. He was named in a lawsuit that the city of Birmingham settled, agreeing to identify and improve sidewalk access. Another suit, naming the Birmingham Housing Authority as defendant, was also settled out of court.
In November 2017 Perry was robbed by a man who had offered to help him at home in exchange for a place to stay. Roy Ward Jr was arrested and charged with third-degree robbery.
References
- Faulk, Kent (September 4, 2013) "Berry Perry, the peanut man, doesn't let disability get in his way." The Birmingham News
- Hrynkiw, Ivana (November 30, 2017) "Berry Perry, city's beloved peanut salesman, robbed of more than $500." The Birmingham News