The Civil Rights History Project: Survey of Collections and Repositories

Jesse R. Nichols interview

Repository: U.S. Senate. Historical Office

Collection Description (Extant): The first African American hired as a clerical staff member of the Senate, Jesse Nichols served as government documents clerk for the Senate Finance Committee from 1937 to 1971. Previously, black men and women had worked as messengers, grounds keepers, and in service positions, but had been excluded from the clerical staff. When Nichols started work, most restaurants and other services on Capitol Hill were still segregated, and he recounts the transition to integration. Appointed by Senator Pat Harrison, a Mississippi Democrat, Nichols' career extended through the chairmanships of several Southern senators, including Walter George, Harry Byrd, and Russell Long. Jesse Nichols died on February 18, 2005.

Collection URL: http://www.senate.gov/artandhistory/history/oral_history/Jesse_R_Nichols.htm

Date(s): April 12, 1994

Digital Status: Yes

Language: English

Rights (CRHP): Contact the repository which holds the collection for information on rights

Subjects:

African Americans--Washington (D.C.)
Discrimination in employment
Discrimination in public accommodations
United States. Congress. Senate

Genres:

Interviews
Transcripts