Description

Reg Murphy recalls growing up in Gainesville, Georgia, and attending Mercer University. He discusses working for the Macon Telegraph and covering the integration of the University of Georgia. Murphy recalls receiving a Neiman Fellowship at Harvard University for a year. Murphy recalls covering the state capitol for first the Macon Telegraph and then the Atlanta Constitution. He recalls uncovering corruption in the Griffin Administration. Murphy recalls covering events during Governor Vandiver's administration including the demise of the unit system and the Baker v. Carr reapportionment case. He recalls working with Ralph McGill and explains how he was offered the role of editor of the Atlanta Constitution. Murphy discusses Bill Hartsfield's and Ivan Allen's roles in advancing the national reputation of Atlanta and Georgia overall. He recalls the development of Georgia Tech and the University of Georgia and Dr. Martin Luther King's influence on African American political activity in Atlanta. Murphy weighs in on the Three Governors Controversy in 1944 and the tumultuous 1966 gubernatorial election that involved the United States Supreme Court. Murphy comments on the "one man, one vote" decision and explains its significance in Georgia history. He also discusses the importance of Atlanta as a hub for the Civil Rights Movement, recalling the actions of Ralph David Abernathy and Vernon Jordon. Murphy reflects on Jimmy Carter's campaign for governor and subsequently President. Murphy recalls being kidnapped by extremists, discusses the kidnapping of Patty Hearst, and comments on the state of print journalism in America.John Reginald "Reg" Murphy was...

Record Contributed By

Richard B. Russell Library for Political Research and Studies

Record Harvested From

Digital Library of Georgia