Interview with James M. Nabrit

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Date

2006 (Creation date: 1985-03-29)

Main contributor

Elwood, William A

Summary

Part one: Civil rights attorney James Nabrit discusses childhood and segregation in Augusta, Georgia. He covers his law practice in Texas and how he fought to have one Democratic primary instead of two (one for whites, one for African Americans). He left Texas because Mordecai Johnson wanted him to come to Howard University. There, he taught in the law school and became dean, then secretary of the university, then president. He recounts how the news of Jack Johnson’s boxing victory in Augusta, Georgia was greeted by the taunting and burning of an African American man who was celebrating. Part two. Nabrit recalls how the civil rights struggle developed and touches upon African American economic development. He details his preparation for civil rights cases. He declares that winning court cases is not the same thing as achieving civil rights victory. Part three. Nabrit talks about Charles Houston and his contributions. Houston tried cases, met with people, spoke out, organized people. Houston is the one who connected all the lawyers together. Nabrit acknowledges the contributions of the lodges, like the Elks, the Moose. Nabrit elaborates on work he did on behalf of President Lyndon Johnson, like serving at the United Nations as deputy ambassador. Nabrit explains why he worked on Oklahoma civil rights cases. Part four. Nabrit extemporizes on ways to work the legal system. Part five. Stills of photographs. Part six. Mr. Nabrit had to work every summer while in school. His father would not give him money because Nabrit chose to study law instead of becoming a preacher. He discusses his appointment to the United Nations and President Lyndon Johnson. Unidentified woman at 11:46 talks about the background of Mr. Nabrit and why Elwood interviewed him. Still photographs at 13:30, many of Nabrit with various US presidents and officials.

Contributors

Nabrit, James M. 1900-1997 (Interviewee)
Elwood, William A

Subjects

African Americans -- Civil rights -- History
African Americans -- Education -- History
Discrimination in education -- Law and legislation -- United States
School integration -- United States -- History
Segregation in education -- United States -- History

Collection

William A. Elwood Civil Rights Lawyers Project

Unit

Robertson Media Center

Language

English