Rev. Albert Richard Sampson (Finding Aid)

Rev. Albert Richard Sampson

1938 -

Favorite Color: Red

Favorite Food: Fish

Favorite Time of Year: All seasons

Favorite Vacation Spot: Africa and the Caribbean

Interview Length: 143 minutes

Interview Date(s): August 19, 2002

Interview Location(s): The HistoryMakers, Chicago, Illinois

Abstract

Reverend Al Sampson considers his five 'favorites.' An adopted child from Massachusetts, Al Sampson discusses his family life. He remembers visits to the South and explains his decision to attend Shaw University in Raleigh, North Carolina. Sampson reviews his involvement with a number of social justice organizations during his college years. He also reviews both the mentors and notable figures who influenced him early on. He discusses his decision to attend Interdenominational Theological Center in Atlanta, Georgia and he reviews his professional affiliations following the completion of his seminary education. Al Sampson expresses his admiration for Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. He talks about experiences they shared together and lessons he learned from their relationship. Then, he discusses strategies for social change during the Civil Rights Movement. Sampson describes the impact of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.'s vision and states how the Civil Rights Movement served its purpose. Al Sampson emphasizes an international and multicultural approach to social change. Al Sampson explains a dual approach to organizing for social change. After talking about how he combined Saul Alinsky's philosophy with grassroots strategies, he describes the results of his approach to organizing for social change. Sampson tells about the black church's potential for social change and cites examples of how his church is portraying a positive image. He compares past African American leaders' traits with those he sees today and considers how an evolution needs to take place for the future generations. Sampson once again remembers his childhood and describes how he broke out of some stereotypes of his neighborhood. Sampson discusses the emphasis on character throughout his life and how he was introduced to the concept in elementary school. Al Sampson remembers influential figures with whom he's worked throughout his life. He talks about his marriage and moving to Chicago, Illinois. Next, when asked about his greatest accomplishment he speaks about maintaining his integrity and cites examples of how he accomplished this. After describing how he'd like to be remembered and his future plans Al Sampson expresses his admiration for Minister Louis Farrakhan. He states his appreciation of the HistoryMakers process before talking about sexism in the Civil Rights Movement. Al Sampson discusses the media's response to his leadership. Al Sampson continues his thoughts on the effects of the media on black leadership. He then discusses the various issues that civil rights activists had to endure during their liberation struggles. Citing Angela Davis as an example, Sampson states his opinion on women's roles in leadership. Al Sampson discusses Chicago politics and economics in the 1980s and speaks in detail about Harold Washington's contributions and career.

36 Stories (See Ordered Story Set)