Augusta A. Clark (Finding Aid)

Augusta A. Clark

1932 -

Favorite Color: Blue

Favorite Food: Maryland Hardshell Crabs

Favorite Time of Year: Between Spring and Fall

Favorite Vacation Spot: U.S. Virgin Islands

Interview Length: 120 minutes

Interview Date(s): July 27, 2000, September 11, 2002

Interview Location(s): Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Abstract

Augusta Clark describes her family's background, telling stories of her parents' experience growing up and meeting in rural Alabama. She explains her parents' decision to migrate north to West Virginia, taking time to praise her mother for having the courage and perseverance to make the move by herself with three small children. Clark credits both her parents with instilling intelligence, confidence, and the drive to succeed in all their children. Clark shares many stories of her childhood that reflect her parents' love and commitment. She then describes her own childhood personality, saying she was ambitious, argumentative, and eager to succeed. Clark describes the race relations in her town of Fairmont, West Virginia, saying that while blacks and whites were segregated in both neighborhoods and schools, there were no instances of violence or conflict. Augusta Clark describes the conditions of her segregated school in Fairmont, West Virginia, praising the high level of skill and dedication of African American teachers. She talks about expectations of her to attend college, much like the other women in her family. Clark also tells of her aspirations to become a lawyer. Clark describes her first job after graduating from college, an assistantship at 'Color' magazine, which took her to a big city for the first time, Philadelphia. Clark describes her first experience in an urban environment, saying her confidence led to her hiring at the Free Library of Philadelphia. She says her desire to advance in the field led to her master's degree in Library Science from Drexel University. Clark then details her thirteen-year career as a librarian for the City of Philadelphia and for the General Electric Company. Clark explains her decision to attend law school at Temple University and the special circumstances of her admittance. She then details her first year at law sch Augusta Clark describes her challenging experience in law school, saying she juggled commitments to school, her career, and her family. Clark says that she felt self-doubt for the first time when she failed academically, but credits her family with helping her to succeed eventually. Clark then discusses her first involvement with Philadelphia politics, when she assisted U.S. Rep. Bill Gray in his election campaign. She explains what she learned from Gray, and how it gave her the confidence to run for office in the Philadelphia City Council. Clark describes her first campaign, in which she made connections with the electorate despite her house burning down. She describes her feelings on Election Day, going from dejected to elated when she learned of her election. Clark then talks about her first days on the council, detailing her conflicts and differences with Council President George X. Schwartz. Augusta Clark discusses her time on the Philadelphia City Council in depth, starting with a discussion about the impact made by her and other independent black politicians on Philadelphia government. Clark explains how the emphasis on accountability led to a new public perception of the city council. She recalls some of her major successes, including her improvement of public education. Clark recounts the disagreements she had with Philadelphia mayors, including a discussion about a police brutality incident in 1985. Clark then discusses her current position as a member of the mayor's cabinet, explaining her duties and the impact she is having on local organizations. Clark then moves into a personal discussion, talking about her future plans, living with an oxygen tank, her legacy, and her thoughts on the future of the black community. Augusta Clark describes photographs depicting her family and her career as a Philadelphia politician.

59 Stories (See Ordered Story Set)