Interview with Wilson W. Wyatt, December 17, 1986

Interview Summary

Wilson Wyatt first discusses his efforts as mayor of Louisville, Kentucky, toward desegregation, particularly in company boards, schools, and the University of Louisville. He also discusses his effort to place utilities under the management of the municipal government, as well as his participation in the 1944 Democratic National Convention and his leadership in Americans for Democratic Action (ADA). Mr. Wyatt discusses his leadership in the post-war housing crisis in Washington D.C. first as Housing Expediter, then as Administrator of the National Housing Agency. He discusses his impressions of the workings of the federal government, and explains that in 1947 he returned to Louisville, Kentucky to resume his law practice. The personalities Mr. Wyatt discusses during the interview include Lyman Johnson, Alben Barkley, Franklin D. Roosevelt, Harry Truman, and Brent Spence.

Interview Keyword

Democratic Party Desegregation Federal government Housing Mayors Municipal government Public utilities Race relations Racism

Interview LC Subject

Kentucky--Politics and government Louisville (Ky.) Politicians--Kentucky Washington (D.C.) Wyatt, Wilson W. (Wilson Watkins), 1905-1996

Interview Rights

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Interview Usage

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