Carolyn Long Banks interview, August 1, 2011
Scope and Contents
Interviewed by Harvey Newman and Andrea Young. In this interview, Banks discusses her long and industrious career as a civil rights activist. She discusses her struggle to integrate Atlanta, her work with prominent black leaders, and her involvement with bringing the Olympics to Atlanta. She also talks about her work with St. Paul of the Cross Catholic Church, of which she is an active member, and her family history of civil rights activism.
Dates
- Creation: August 1, 2011
Creator
- Long, Carolyn (Interviewee, Person)
Restrictions on Access
Available in Reading Room and online
Biographical Note
Carolyn Long Banks comes from a long line of civil rights activists. At a young age she was acquainted with Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s family, and worked with him on the Committee to Appeal for Human Rights. She picketed, protested, marched, and was arrested all over the city through her activism. She integrated Rich's Magnolia Room, and served on the Atlanta City Council during the Missing and Murdered Children crisis, which became her priority while in office. She also supported and helped enforce Mayor Maynard Jackson's Affirmative Action legislation, served as the president of the National League of Cities, and was appointed to the Committee of Women by the then-Governor Jimmy Carter. Banks also became the first African-American buyer for Rich’s Department Store.
Extent
1 Interview(s) (1 folder, audio (1:50:08))
Language of Materials
From the Collection: English
Repository Details
Part of the Special Collections Repository
100 Decatur St., S.E.
Atlanta, Georgia 30303
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404-413-2881 (Fax)
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