Calvin Smyre (Finding Aid)

Calvin Smyre

1947 -

Favorite Color: Blue

Favorite Food: Chicken

Favorite Time of Year: Summer

Favorite Vacation Spot: Florida

Interview Length: 164 minutes

Interview Date(s): March 21, 2002

Interview Location(s): Atlanta, Georgia

Abstract

Georgia state representative Calvin Smyre describes his family background, and details his father's and grandfather's service in the military. Smyre recalls the effects of having to live in several different places due to his father's service, but fondly recalls the time he spent in Columbus, Georgia. Smyre also describes his early years at school. Georgia state representative Calvin Smyre recalls his itinerant childhood, a result of his father's military service. Smyre describes his favorite activities in Columbus, Georgia. Smyre devotes a great deal of time to describing his experience in Germany, where his father spent four years at a military base. Smyre explains his culture shock and how he used sports and photography to adjust. He also describes his high school in Germany and details his new integrated environment. Georgia state legislator Calvin Smyre continues to describe his four year residence in Germany, explaining how it changed his outlook and the dynamics of his family. Smyre recalls his college admissions process, and explains why he chose to attend Fort Valley State University. Smyre details his experience at Fort Valley, sharing his transition from German culture to black culture, and describing his course of study and his most influential professors. Georgia state representative Calvin Smyre recalls his difficulty graduating from Fort Valley State University, and explains how it taught him to value the opportunities he had. Smyre describes his brief stint in the Army, and his employment at Ford Motor Company and at a textile mill. Smyre recalls how his participation in volunteer public service led to his interest in politics. Smyre details his first election to the Georgia House of Representatives at age twenty-six, and describes his rapid rise through the ranks. Smyre discusses various committees on which he served and names some influential lawmakers upon his election. Georgia state representative Calvin Smyre details the success he has achieved over his three decades in the Georgia state legislature. Smyre discusses his struggle to change Georgia's state flag and eradicate its Confederate symbology, a struggle that lasted nearly ten years. Smyre talks about his integral role in building the Georgia Dome, which helped attract the 1996 Summer Olympics to Atlanta. Smyre also discusses his efforts in educational reform. Georgia state representative Calvin Smyre reflects on his career in the Georgia House of Representatives, discussing the impact of his three decades of leadership, and explaining why he never ran for national office. Smyre speculates about his future plans, and does not rule out becoming Speaker of the Georgia House. Smyre also talks about the state of the Democratic Party, his ability to cross racial lines, and his legacy.

33 Stories (See Ordered Story Set)