Roger W. Wilkins (Finding Aid)

Roger W. Wilkins

1932 -

Favorite Color: Blue

Favorite Food: Fried Chicken

Favorite Time of Year: Autumn

Favorite Vacation Spot: Rocky Mountains

Interview Length: 195 minutes

Interview Date(s): June 22, 2001

Interview Location(s): Washington, D.C.

Abstract

Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Roger Wilkins shares detailed information about his family background, including stories of his great-great-grandfathers who were former slaves. He shares his favorite childhood memory, the story of how his uncle Roy Wilkins began working for the NAACP 'Crisis' magazine, and pays tribute to his father. Finally, he discusses his views about integration. Pulitizer Prize-winning journalist Roger Wilkins discusses his mother, including her background, her strength after the death of his father in 1941, and her professional accomplishments. He reflects his understanding of his father's death and, subsequently, his move to Harlem, New York. He describes his childhood and educational experience in Harlem, New York and, after his mother remarries, his adolescent struggles in middle-class, integrated Grand Rapids, Michigan. Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Roger Wilkins describes the differences in the relationships that he had with his father and stepfather. He reflects on how his father's death affected his personality. He discusses his personal heroes, former slave and abolitionist Harriet Tubman and African American baseball legend Jackie Robinson. He also talks about the color prejudice among African Americans. Finally, he discusses his experiences at the University of Michigan, his attempt to enlist in the United States Air Force after graduation in 1953, and his final decision to go to law school. Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Roger Wilkins describes the race relations of the University of Michigan, where he received his AB in 1953 and his LLB in 1956. He also discusses his law career but, more specifically, his natural inclination toward issues of civil rights. He discusses his contributions and commitment to the Civil Rights Movement, even amidst accusations of being a spy as a worker for the United States Department of Justice. Finally, he reflects on his views of the Vietnam War and J. Edgar Hoover. Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Roger Wilkins discusses his governmental, behind the scenes role in the Civil Rights Movement. He discusses his overall opinions of the John F. Kennedy Administration, specfically as it compared to the Lyndon B. Johnson administration and its significance for African Americans. He descibes his editorial written about the Gridiron Dinner in 1970 and, in addition, his commitment to upholding his honor and contributing to social change. Finally, he discusses receiving the Pulitzer Prize in 1979, joining the 'New York Times,' and what it has meant to him to be a journalist. Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Roger Wilkins reflects on the depression he suffered as a result of his father's death. He discusses his career at the 'New York Times,' including being a part of a discrimination lawsuit against the newspaper. He discusses his career opportunities since he ultimately left journalism in 1979, including teaching and his work with Nelson Mandela. Wilkins reflects on his continued commitment to the black struggle and also his hopes and fears for the black community. Finally, he describes his legacy. Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Roger Wilkins shares a multitude of personal photographs.

73 Stories (See Ordered Story Set)