1987 SPECIAL REPORT: "MEMPHIS RACE RELATIONS"

During the 1970s, African Americans shifted their strategies from protest to political action. Black Memphians were elected at all levels of local, state, and national government as an increasing number of whites left the city to reside in Shelby County’s suburban communities. In 1974, after serving two terms in the Tennessee House of Representatives, Harold Ford, Sr. became the first African American from Tennessee elected to the United States House of Representatives, serving from 1975-1997.

Four years later, Willie Herenton became the first African American to be appointed superintendent of the Memphis City Schools. Herenton held the position until 1991, when he became the first African American to be elected mayor.

The videos on this website are sourced from YouTube, and are embedded using the public API provided by YouTube. By using this website, you acknowledge that the videos displayed are the property of their respective owners, and remain subject to the copyright laws of the owner.
All articles, images, product names, logos, and brands featured on this website are the property of their respective owners, and we make no claim to ownership or affiliation with any of these entities.
Please note that your use of embedded videos from YouTube is subject to YouTube's terms of service and privacy policy. By using this website and viewing embedded videos, you agree to abide by YouTube's terms of service and privacy policy.
If you have any questions or concerns about the content displayed on this website, please contact us using the information provided on the website.