Judge Russell B. Sugarmon, Jr. (Finding Aid)

Judge Russell B. Sugarmon, Jr.

1929 -

Favorite Color: Blue

Favorite Food: Ribs; Chinese Food

Favorite Time of Year: Spring and Fall

Interview Length: 162 minutes

Interview Date(s): June 28, 2003

Interview Location(s): Memphis, Tennessee

Abstract

Judge Russell Sugarmon describes his family background and his childhood growing up in Memphis, Tennessee. Sugarmon discusses the many branches of his family's ethnicities, and recalls the personalities of his mother and father. Sugarmon then describes his childhood neighborhood and his favorite activities. Sugarmon also talks about his high school football career, which allowed him to travel around the South. Judge Russell Sugarmon discusses the political climate in Memphis, Tennessee during the first half of the 20th Century, and takes time to remember some of his favorite teachers from high school. Sugarmon talks about his educational aspirations, and how he used his success in high school to gain admittance to Morehouse College, and later Harvard University Law School. Sugarmon explains how his mischief at Morehouse led to his enrollment at Rutgers University. Sugarmon then shares many amusing anecdotes from his time at Rutgers. Judge Russell Sugarmon describes his experience at Rutgers University, recalling one of his favorite memories from his time on the football team, as well as an acclaimed academic paper he wrote there. Sugarmon then recounts his time at Harvard University Law School, remembering influential classmates and professors, and describing the intellectual environment. Sugarmon explains why he chose to join the Army after getting his law degree and details his tour of duty in Japan. Judge Russell Sugarmon details his first experiences in the politics of Memphis, Tennessee. He describes his run for public works commissioner of Memphis, his first foray into politics. After that campaign, he turned his attention to helping black voters consolidate their strength and make a statewide impact in elections. Sugarmon explains how the Tennessee Voters Council formed, and discusses the council's influence in subsequent elections, particularly the 1959 Tennessee gubernatorial election, which affected national politics. Judge Russell Sugarmon details his involvement in the Civil Rights Movement of the 1960s. Sugarmon describes his efforts in election reform and voting reform in Memphis, Tennessee, and evaluates the impact of civil rights workers in Mississippi during the Mississippi Freedom Summer of 1964. Sugarmon discusses his efforts to reform the delegation process at two Democratic National Conventions, and offers his thoughts on the politics of Robert F. Kennedy. Judge Russell Sugarmon discusses two memorable incidents that occurred during his civil rights work in the 1960s, and transitions into a discussion about his career as a judge. Sugarmon uses examples of cases on which he has ruled to illustrate the financial and educational problems in the state of Tennessee, as well as express his concerns for the black community. Sugarmon then reflects on his life and considers how he'd like to be remembered.

42 Stories (See Ordered Story Set)