Dr. William Anderson discusses the Civil Rights Movement in Albany, GA, and his role as a local leader in the community. Anderson invited Martin Luther King, Jr. to Albany to speak, and what was supposed to be one talk became a movement which lasted several months. Anderson also talks about the negotiations between the Civil Rights leaders and the Albany city government, and his interactions with Police Chief Laurie Pritchett.
Pre-interview (Contact the archive for more information.)
Dr. William G. Anderson
William G. Anderson was born in Georgia on December 12, 1927 to John D. Anderson and Emma Gilchrist Anderson. Anderson emerged out of his humble southern upbringing into an illustrious professional career. After obtaining an undergraduate degree from Alabama State College for Negroes in 1949, Anderson went on to the University of Osteopathic Medicine and Health Sciences in Des Moines, Iowa and received his certification in surgery (Kellogg African American Health Care Project). Anderson is noted as the first African-American president for the American Osteopathic Association (AOA), an organization in which he is an honored and active member. Currently, Anderson is a clinical professor of osteopathic surgical specialties at Michigan State University's College of Osteopathic Medicine, an associate dean for the Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine, and a developer of osteopathic education curriculum for hospitals in the Detroit area (Friday, 2002).
Civil Rights Era
In 1957, after completing his residency in Flint, Michigan, Anderson relocated to Albany, GA to start his practice. However, because of the stringent segregationist policies in place and racist attitudes of local townsfolk, Anderson was prevented from treating patients. Anderson decided to respond to this unjust resistance by spearheading the "Albany Movement." Anderson called on Martin Luther King, Jr., a long-time family friend and childhood neighbor to support him in this crusade to combat the inequalities of segregation (The State News, 2005).
Bibliography
- "William G Anderson". Kellogg African American Health Care Project. 2000. 29 September, 2005. http://www.med.umich.edu/haahc/Oralbios/anderson.htm
- Friday, Krister. "Living American History with William G. Anderson". Michigan State University College of Osteopathic Medicine. Michigan State University College of Osteopathic Medicine. 18 February 2002. http://www.com.msu.edu/communique/winter2001/anderson.htm
- "Prof. reflects on friendship with MLK Jr.". The State News. 2005. 29 September, 2005.