Interview with Lyman T. Johnson, March 20, 1979

Interview Summary

Johnson talks about his grandfather buying his own freedom from enslavement. He reads the document which shows that his grandfather bought his grandmother. He says according to the laws of the time that he did not technically buy her freedom, but became her new owner. Johnson discusses at length his philosophy on Christianity, capitalism, and socialism. He gives examples of how socialism could be implemented in America, and how private companies could still exist under socialism. He discusses how capitalism was an inciting factor for World War II. He discusses his views no how the Civil War, World War I, and World War II could have each been prevented. He discusses at length his philosophy on God and free will. He ranks various U.S. presidents and their accomplishments. He discusses Abraham Lincoln's views on race and slavery. Johnson tells the story of how he came to support and work for the presidential election campaign of Jimmy Carter.

Interview Keyword

World War II World War I Free will Morality Religion Ethics Emancipation Enslaved Enslavement Enslavers Abraham Lincoln Poverty Slave masters Slave owners Slave trade Franklin D. Roosevelt Jimmy Carter Christianity Private companies Private enterprise

Interview LC Subject

Family histories African Americans--Southern States Slavery--United States Enslaved persons--Abuse of Enslaved persons--Social conditions Enslaved persons--United States African American families African Americans--Genealogy African Americans--Race identity African Americans--Social conditions Family history Genealogy United States--Race relations Capitalism Economic policy Economics Industries Politics and government Socialism Depressions--1929 World War, 1914-1918 World War, 1939-1945 United States--History--Civil War, 1861-1865

Interview Rights

All rights to the interviews, including but not restricted to legal title, copyrights and literary property rights, have been transferred to the University of Kentucky Libraries.

Interview Usage

Interviews may only be reproduced with permission from Louie B. Nunn Center for Oral History, University of Kentucky Libraries.