Frances L. Murphy, II (Finding Aid)

Frances L. Murphy, II

1922 - 2007

Favorite Color: Red

Interview Length: 81 minutes

Interview Date(s): June 3, 2003

Interview Location(s): Baltimore, Maryland

Abstract

Newspaper publisher Frances Murphy describes her family background, discusses her ancestors that founded the venerable 'Afro-American' newspapers. Murphy discusses her father's and mother's involvement with African American leaders and talks about growing up in their household with four sisters. Murphy recalls her early memories of childhood, describing her personality and detailing the segregation in Baltimore. Murphy also talks about her education and explains how she attended college out of state. Newspaper publisher Frances Murphy continues to describe her youth, explaining her early interest in journalism and politics. Murphy tells of her experience at college, studying journalism at the University of Wisconsin, and talks about her return to Baltimore to join the staff of her father's newspaper, the 'Afro-American'. Murphy details her time at the 'Afro', including her rise to become editor and publisher of the paper upon the death of her father. She recalls the many notable writers and editors that helped make the 'Afro' so influential. Murphy also talks about her parallel career as a professor of journalism at Howard University and at the State University of New York at Buffalo. Newspaper publisher Frances Murphy details her trips abroad to Sweden and the Soviet Union to raise awareness about African American successes. She then shares her opinions about controversial political figures Clarence Thomas and Marion Barry. Murphy thinks back through her years at the 'Afro-American' newspaper and recalls the biggest scoops and crises over the years. She also shares her concerns about drugs and their negative effects on African Americans. Reflecting on her life, Murphy talks about her children and grandchildren and considers her legacy.

25 Stories (See Ordered Story Set)