Oral History Interview with Rita Jackson Samuels, April 30, 1974. Interview A-0077. Southern Oral History Program Collection (#4007).
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Abstract
Rita Jackson Samuels, coordinator of the Governor's Council on Human Relations in Atlanta, Georgia, offers her thoughts on the changing racial dynamics of her home state. She gives the most attention to measuring the progress of African Americans in Georgia during her tenure and that of Governor Jimmy Carter. She also discusses at length the installation of a portrait of Martin Luther King in the state capitol, a move which she initiated, and describes its symbolic importance.
Excerpts
Biracial councils open lines of communication between white and black communities
Lack of government commitment to racial diversity in Georgia
Measuring race progress in Georgia's government
Symbolism of King's portrait in Georgia capitol
Few white women in Georgia state legislature
Increasing confidence among blacks in small Georgia town
Hiring blacks while denying specific advocacy on their behalf
Measuring race progress in Georgia's government
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Finding aid to the Southern Oral History Program Collection
Database of all Southern Oral History Program Collection interviews
Subjects
King, Martin Luther, Jr., 1929-1968
Women in politics
Georgia--Politics and government
African American politicians--Georgia
Carter, Jimmy, 1924-
African American women
Women political activists--Georgia
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