Laura W. Murphy (Finding Aid)

Laura W. Murphy

1955 -

Favorite Color: Green

Favorite Food: Chocolate and Red Peppers

Favorite Time of Year: Autumn

Favorite Vacation Spot: Eleutheria, Bahamas

Interview Length: 133 minutes

Interview Date(s): January 18, 2001

Interview Location(s): Chicago, Illinois

Abstract

Laura Murphy, national director for the American Civil Liberties Union, details her family genealogy, which she traces back to white ancestors on the Mayflower. Murphy describes her parents' privileged backgrounds, but their advantages are tempered by ever-present racism. She describes her family's deep roots in Baltimore and her parents' political activism. Laura Murphy discusses the notion of "passing." She describes her family history of passing by some ancestors and even her mother. This caused a permanent rift between her mother and an aunt. Murphy talks about facing prejudice from other blacks for having a fair complexion. She describes the struggles and indignities she and her siblings faced, particularly because some siblings were not as fair complected as she. Murphy also describes her parents' political activism and her childhood involvement in the campaigns of several noted Baltimore politicians. Laura Murphy describes her experience through high school and college. She recalls a high school guidance counselor discouraging her from applying to elite schools. Murphy ignored the advice, gaining acceptance to Wellesley, Brown, and Radcliffe, choosing to attend Wellesley. Murphy remembers her time at Wellesley, and explains how she used her experience there to work in the offices of Parren Mitchell and Shirley Chisholm. Murphy then describes the beginning of her long career at the ACLU. Laura Murphy discusses one of her greatest accomplishments at the ACLU, her successful lobbying for the extension of the Voting Rigts Act. Murphy also talks about her personal life, including marriage, divorce, and career changes. Murphy describes the evolution of her career at the ACLU, explaining how she became Executive Director of the organization's Washington, D.C. office. Laura Murphy details how vital the work of the ACLU has been in protecting the rights of all Americans, even if their causes weren't always popular. She sees her efforts as part of a continuum of family activism and her activism as a child. Murphy admits the grueling pace and demands of her job have caused her to contemplate leaving to paint and sculpt. Murphy wants to leave a legacy of a woman who was a courageous advocate on behalf of people whose rights were being denied.

35 Stories (See Ordered Story Set)