Benson, Robert

Date:
2001-01-30
Length:
60 minutes
Interviewer:
K'Meyer, Tracy
Transcription available:
yes
Series:
Civil Rights Movement in Louisville
Series ID:
2002_001
Interview Number(s):
2002_1_8
Summary:
Robert Benson (b. 1942 in Lousville), Louisville lawyer and former Kentucky legislator, speaks about his experiences with the Civil Rights Movement and some of its leaders in Louisville. Topics include how he became aware of prejudice in the community and got involved with the Open Housing movement; the demonstrations for Open Housing; his experiences representing the Hikes Point/Highlands district from 1974-1980; his friendship with ACLU lawyer Thomas Hogan, who filed the lawsuit that lead to desegregation efforts in Louisville; the passing of laws merging Jefferson County school districts; the passing of laws to desegregate the resulting combined school district; and the backlash and demonstrations against desegregation and busing.
Topic(s):
Civil rights lawyers, Civil rights--Kentucky--Louisville, Discrimination in housing--Kentucky--Louisville, Discrimination in housing--Law and legislation, Busing for school integration--Kentucky--Louisville, School integration--Kentucky--Louisville, Lawyers--Kentucky--Louisville