Saving Stories:the Civil Rights Movement

Senator Georgia Davis Powers

The Nunn Center’s interview with Senator Georgia Davis Powers was featured on another edition of Saving Stories on WUKY in celebration of Martin Luther King Day. Senator Powers played a key role in the organization of the march on Frankfort in 1964 involving Martin Luther King, Jackie Robinson and other leaders of the Civil Rights Movement. Senator Powers has recently been interviewed by historian Gerald Smith as part of an in depth life history involving her career and involvement in the Movement. Although these interviews are currently restricted, her interviews for our Kentucky Legislature Oral History Project and our Blacks in Lexington Project are featured inthis edition of Saving Stories. Senator Powers, the first African-American and woman elected to Kentucky’s Senate in 1968, has led a remarkable career as a legislator fighting for justice and civil rights for Kentucky. Most recently, she has been honored with an endowed chair in her name as part of University of Kentucky’s Center for Research on Violence Against Women and Senator Powers has also recently pledged her papers to the University of Kentucky’s Special Collections.

Listen to Interview on WUKY  (subscribe to the podcast as well!)

Saving Stories: Wisdom To Kentucky Legislators

Senator Walter Baker

The latest edition of Saving Stories on WUKY features one of the Nunn Center’s interviews with long-time Kentucky Legislator Senator Walter Baker.  In this episode, Senator Baker’s offers very interesting insights into a time in the Kentucky Legislature when bipartisanship was more of a reality for Kentucky legislators and offers advice to future legislators.  Senator Baker was was a Republican in the Senate from 1972 until 1981 and again from 1989 to 1996.  Previously he served in the House from 1968 until 1970.

Listen to Interview on WUKY  (subscribe to the podcast as well!)

Senator Baker’s two oral history interviews (both of which are currently online in their entirety) were conducted as part of the Kentucky Legislature Oral History Project and  detail his career, family, his experiences at Harvard, as well as early experiences interning for Senator Thruston Morton.  Other topics include Baker’s philosophy on politics, campaigning and an overview of several Kentucky governors.