John W. Hechinger interview (part 2 of 3)

@ DC Public Library

Description

Second of three interviews with John Hechinger in which he discusses his appointment and work as the first Chairman of District of Columbia's City Council in 1967. Hechinger notes how Congress and the Board of Commissioners were skeptical of how home rule would be implemented, raising questions about the process and specifically mentioning opposition coming from Congressional segregationists. In the interview, Hechinger also touches on race relations in D.C. during the 1960s and how he fought to integrate the Boys Club of Washington during his time as a member of the organization's board of directors. Hechinger discusses the major figures who composed the D.C. city council, including Walter Fauntroy, John Macy, andvStanley Anderson. He also details his experiences as the Chairman of the City Council, attending council meetings that were often contentious and included notable attendees Marion Barry and Rufus \Catfish\ Mayfield. Hechinger mentions the police department practice of justifJohn W. Hechinger was appointedthe Chairman of D.C.'s first City Council in 1967. Before his appointment, he worked for the Redevelopment Land Agency. He was also the President of the Hechinger Company, a hardware store chain.Original version: audiocassette; DC Public Library, Special Collections, OHP 13 Milepost to Self-Government Oral History Project

Type:

Sound

Contributors:

Levey, Jane Freundel, interviewer

Rights:

Publication rights for this interview can be granted by the DC Public LibraryIn Copyright - Non-Commercial Use Permitted;