Interview with Lyman T. Johnson, May 16, 1979

Interview Summary

Johnson discusses at length his philosophies on overthinking, decision-making, and perfectionism. He talks about the attitude he took when running for a seat on the Board of Education. He tells a story of a bomb threat that was made at a convention in Louisville in 1975. He talks about standing up to politicians and chiding them about their policy decisions. Johnson talks about his support of the Stevenson/Sparkman campaign in 1952, despite heavy criticism from the black community over his support of Sparkman. He also talks about his support of Hugo Black, again despite criticism from other African Americans. He talks about how being in the federal government can sometimes make a politician more free to vote in ways that help the black community, and also gives examples of times that that was untrue. Johnson talks about his method for preparing to give a speech. He tells the story of when the Louisville chapter of the NAACP began in 1914 in response to a law prohibiting people of color from buying property in majority white-owned neighborhoods. Johnson discusses the future of the fight for civil rights, and one of the biggest issues he sees currently: high unemployment rates. Johnson tells the story of witnessing a riot in Louisville.

Interview Keyword

National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) Buchanan v. Warley John Sparkman Hugo Black Dred Scott v. Sandford Plessy v. Ferguson Bombings John Sherman Cooper Decision-making Philosophy. Race riots

Interview LC Subject

Politicians Unemployment African Americans--Civil rights African Americans--Segregation African Americans--Social conditions. African Americans--Southern States. Civil rights--Law and legislation Politics and government Race discrimination. Racism United States--Race relations. African Americans--Employment. African Americans--Legal status, laws, etc.

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Interview Usage

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