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Sam Massell, 22 August 2008.

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Massell, Sam

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Samuel "Sam" Massell was born in Atlanta, Georgia, on August 26, 1927. His parents emigrated from Lithuania, and developed a successful real estate business in Atlanta. He graduated from the University of Georgia at 16. When members of the Democratic Executive Committee resigned due to desegregation of what was then the White Democratic Executive Committee, Massell was elected to one of the newly opened posts. He was then elected vice-mayor of Atlanta under Ivan Allen, Jr., where he served for eight years. During that time, he added representatives for various programs, including the community relations, youth, and gay rights' groups. In 1969, in a mayoral race marked by controversy and charges of anti-Semitism, Massell was elected as a Democrat to be the city's first Jewish mayor. His administration saw the development of MARTA without an ad valorem tax. He continued to sponsor the advancement of minorities, electing the first woman to the Atlanta City Council. He was also instrumental in the development of the Omni Coliseum and the Central City Woodruff Park. In 1973, Massell was defeated by his vice-mayor, Maynard Jackson. Massell went on to become the president of the Buckhead Coalition, earning him a title as the unofficial "Mayor of Buckhead."Finding aid available in repository.Massell discusses the role of his father and uncle in the development of Atlanta in the early 20th century. He recalls his father publishing a monthly newspaper called the Atlanta Democrat. Massell talks about working in real estate, as a travel agent, and considering...
Type:
Video
Contributors:
Short, Bob, 1932
Rights:
Resources may be used under the guidelines described by the U.S. Copyright Office in Section 107, Title 17, United States Code (Fair use). Parties interested in production or commercial use of the resources should contact the Russell Library for a fee schedule.
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Record Contributed By

Richard B. Russell Library for Political Research and Studies

Record Harvested From

Digital Library of Georgia

Keywords

  1. Atlanta
  2. Atlanta (Ga.)
  3. Buckhead
  4. Buckhead (Atlanta, Ga.)
  5. City Council Members
  6. Democratic Party (Ga.)
  7. Fulton County
  8. Fulton County (Ga.)
  9. Georgia
  10. Government
  11. History
  12. Interviews
  13. Mayors
  14. Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority
  15. Politics And Government

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