William R. "Billy" Powell oral history interview, August 25, 1995

Interviewed by Christine Lutz: Mr. Powell begins his interview by explaining his family and personal background. His parents both died when he was five years old, so he and his siblings were raised by various aunts and uncles. He talks about Grant Park in the 1940s, including his employment as a soda jerk, and dropping out of high school to join the Navy. Powell then talks about his experiences during the Korean War, mentioning especially his time at Pusan, visiting Japan, and hydrogen bomb testing in the Pacific. He explains that after the war he went to work at Southern Bell, joined the Communications Workers of America (CWA), got married, and became an active organizer for the CWA. When Mr. Powell was asked by his interviewer if Georgia Democrats have supported unions as they should, he replied that “they go hand in hand in the state.” In terms of influential people, Powell lists Ms. Lillian Carter, Sam Caldwell, Zell Miller, and J.T. Becker. He also discusses the changing labor workforce since the 1960s, civil rights, and the CWA’s Equity Committee.