Jackson State University graduate Rep. Robert G. Clark served in the Mississippi House of Representatives from 1968 to 2004 and was the first African American member of the Mississippi Legislature since 1894. The Robert Clark Era Oral History Project at the Margaret Walker Center contains transcripts of 1983 interviews with Rep. Clark and then-director of the Margaret Walker Center Dr. Alferdteen Harrison; transcripts and recordings of interviews with Rep. Clark’s colleagues; and ephemera including campaign materials and correspondence. This item set focuses on the work Rep. Clark in the state legislature to support education, specifically at HBCUs.
Curated By
Garrad Lee
Contributing Institution
Jackson State University
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Frank Conic moved to the Farish Street District in 1919. He talks about his time growing up on Farish Street and working as a barber with his father while in high school. In 1950 he opened Conic Beauty and Barber Supply and he talks about that experience as a business owner in the district. The transcript is heavily edited with handwritten notes.
Georgia Ross was an educator in Mississippi for 29 years, beginning her career in 1971 when schools were still segregated. In this interview, Ms. Ross talks about the influence Robert Clark, as a state representative, had on education, saying that he was very forward thinking for a Mississippi legislator and probably ahead of his time.
Johnny Palmer was appointed in 1980 as the first Black sergeant at arms at the Mississippi State Capitol. He had worked at the House as a maintenance and inventory supervisor since 1959. He details the challenges that Robert Clark faced and also talks about the dynamics that the presidents of the major Black colleges had with the House.
Sen. Alyce Griffin Clarke served in the Mississippi House of Representatives from 1984-2004. She talks about her work in education before running for office in 1984. She also discusses Robert Clark’s passion for education, the different committees she is involved in, the Institute of Higher Learning, and more.
Rep. Robert G. Clark served in the Mississippi House of Representatives from 1968 to 2004. In this interview, Rep. Clark talks about his vocational education in agriculture he began after graduating the 8th grade. He also talks about playing basketball in high school and college even though his eyesight had begun to fail him.
Rep. Robert G. Clark served in the Mississippi House of Representatives from 1968 to 2004. He was the first African-American member of the Mississippi Legislature since 1894. In this interview, Rep. Clark summarizes in detail his time at Jackson State College.
Rep. Robert G. Clark served in the Mississippi House of Representatives from 1968 to 2004. In this interview, Rep. Clarks talks about his eyesight issues keeping him out of the U.S. military, even though he did want to serve. He also discusses his teaching career out of college and his decision to enter politics in the mid-1960's.
Senator David L. Jordan began serving on the Mississippi State Senate in 1993 and has been serving for 31 years. He recounts growing up on a plantation in Greenwood, Mississippi. The interview focuses on the work he did with Robert Clark in the Mississippi Legislature to support and obtain funds for Historically Black Colleges.
Sen. Johnnie Walls Jr. served on the Mississippi State Senate from 1993-2010. He details the strides made in the Senate for the HBCUs and other institutions in the state. He points to key situations and circumstances that show Robert Clark’s integrity and his influence and thanks him for his leadership of the Black Caucus and his mentorship.
Sen. Willie Simmons served in the Mississippi Senate from 1993 to 2020. He details the opposition and challenges he faced while fighting for education reform and better treatment of the Black colleges in Mississippi. He looks at his career retrospectively and ponders over how he would like to be remembered.
Douglas Anderson served in the Mississippi House of Representatives from 1976-1980 and the state Senate from 1980-1992. He was one the first four African Americans elected to the Mississippi Legislature in the 20th century, after Robert Clark in 1967. He details his experiences while on various committees and working with Robert Clark.
