Interview with Leroy Johnson, February 27, 2007

Leroy Reginald Johnson was born in Atlanta, Georgia on July 28, 1928. He attended Morehouse College, worked in the Fulton County Solicitor-General’s office, and served as a Georgia senator from 1963-1975, becoming the first black legislator in the General Assembly since 1907. In this interview Johnson discusses his career in the Georgia senate. He addresses his rise to chair of the Judiciary Committee, his efforts to desegregate the capitol and appoint black officials, and his relationships with his fellow senators. Johnson also covers his formative years at Morehouse College taking guidance from its president, Benjamin Mays. Other topics include his unsuccessful run for mayor of Atlanta and his efforts to stage a Muhammad Ali-Jerry Quarry boxing match in the city.

2007-02-27

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