Interview with Wiley Austin Branton, Sr. - OH 359

Interviewer

Michael A. Cooke

Download

Download Interview (50.2 MB)

Abstract

This interview was conducted for the South Carolina Legislative Black Caucus. Wiley Austin Branton, Sr. (1923-1988) first discusses his early life and experiences. Born in Arkansas, he was drafted into World War II before returning home and participating in his family’s taxi business. Mr. Branton wanted to attend the University of Arkansas but blacks were not allowed at the time so he pushed for the desegregation of the school. He graduated law school in 1952, and filed the original “Little Rock 9” lawsuit. He has an extensive record working with civil rights and the black community. From a young age he was interested in getting involved in the issue of voter registration in the black community. He worked with the NAACP to try and raise voting awareness in Arkansas during the late 1940s. He ended up getting convicted for the crime of using voting ballots for education instead of an official vote and this fueled his desire to go to law school. He goes into detail on his support of the black community and how he continued advocating for voter registration and civil rights.

Publication Date

3-21-1985

Unique Identifier

OH 359

Format

1 Cassette; MP3; WAV;

Length

00:54:50

Restrictions

This interview is open for use.

Series

Politics

Disciplines

Oral History

Keywords

South Carolina Legislative Black Caucus

Interview with Wiley Austin Branton, Sr. - OH 359

Share

COinS