Interview with Lyman T. Johnson, June 13, 1979

Interview Summary

Johnson discusses higher education options for African Americans and explains the Atlanta System. He shares stories of his uncle Will's time as a professor at Morehouse College and the cultural differences on Morehouse's campus as opposed to the rest of Atlanta. Johnson shares his family history and how his grandfather was able to buy his own freedom from slavery. Johnson describes the dire poverty that his family was in following the death of his grandfather, because his grandmother was an invalid. The responsibilities fell heavily on his Uncle Will, who provided for the family. Johnson then discusses tending to the grave sites of his family and how he wants to donate his body to the University of Louisville Medical School. He touches on religion and emphasizes how he sees Heaven as a delusion meant to comfort people. Rather than leave behind a physical memorial such as a gravestone, Johnson instead wants this project to pass along his knowledge to future generations.

Interview Keyword

Wills African American education Students African American teachers Historical figures Memorials Burials

Interview LC Subject

African American leadership Family histories Religion Philosophy Death Civil rights workers Legacies Remainders (Estates)

Interview Rights

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Interview Usage

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