Sanford D. Bishop, Jr. (Finding Aid)

Sanford D. Bishop, Jr.

1947 -

Favorite Color: Green

Favorite Food: Vegetables

Favorite Time of Year: Summer

Favorite Vacation Spot: Warm Climates

Interview Length: 124 minutes

Interview Date(s): September 9, 2003

Interview Location(s): Sanford Bishop's U.S. Congressional office, Washington, D.C.

Abstract

Sanford Bishop talks about his mother's family's North Carolina origins and then recalls one of the many stories she told him about her childhood. Bishop then talks about his father's origins and the unique relationship his family had with the Blumenfelds, the family of a local Jewish businessman in Starkville, Mississippi. Sanford Bishop then details the names and careers of his father's extended family, and shares a story about a 'colorful' uncle who required the services of famed attorney Clarence Darrow. Lastly, Bishop recalls his formal introduction to the Blumenfelds as a child. Sanford Bishop recalls an early childhood memory of an encounter with racism, and shares a story about how his family, living in segregated housing, worked with others to protect their neighborhood from Ku Klux Klan incidents. Bishop then recalls the black Mardi Gras parade and his desire to become a Boy Scout after seeing them assisting the police with traffic control during the celebration. Bishop details his activities in the Boy Scouts in the 1950s and 1960s, his schooling and the teachers who influenced him as a child. He then gives his recollection of 1963 and where he was when President John F. Kennedy was assassinated. Lastly, Sanford Bishop shares a story from the 1950s when his father took action and spoke up to a white man attempting to leave the scene of an accident. Sanford Bishop briefly talks about the difficulty of assembling a black Boy Scout troop in the segregated South. Bishop then returns to the story about the consequences from his father's actions in the 1950s against a white man attempting to leave the scene of an accident. He then details his activities in the Boy Scouts in the 1960s, and his student activities and honors during junior high school and high school. He then recalls the influence his father had on his decision to attend Morehouse College in Atlanta, Georgia and the civil rights activists he met while there. Sanford Bishop talks about his early career as a lawyer for the NAACP Legal Defense Fund, and recalls his role models that inspired him to become civically active and run for political office. Lastly, Bishop details his political campaign and the constituency in his Congressional district. Sanford Bishop talks about his experience in the military and shares stories from his early law career. He then talks about his political campaign and reflects on his interpretation of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.'s dream in relation to his becoming the first black U.S. Congressman from south Georgia. Bishop recalls the compromises he had to make for his political constituency, but maintains he's kept his basic core values. He then talks about having to address the controversy surrounding the altering of the Georgia state flag, and shares a story about his attendance at the Sons of Confederate Veterans convention. Lastly, Bishop reflects on what his legacy might be and recalls his accomplishment in having the new Federal courthouse in Albany, Georgia named after black Civil Rights attorney, Chevene Bowers King. Sanford Bishop talks about how far society has come in relation to the telling of black history, and recalls his political heroes, both black and white. Bishop then talks about his disappointment with the activities of the current Presidential administration. He finally talks about how he would like to be remembered.

33 Stories (See Ordered Story Set)