Lester Maddox
Lester Maddox was an influential and controversial figure in mid-20th century American politics, particularly known for his staunch segregationist views. Born into a working-class family in Atlanta, he opened the Pickrick restaurant in 1947, where he gained notoriety for his conservative political advertisements and resistance to desegregation. Notably, he became a symbol of defiance against the Civil Rights Act of 1964, famously wielding a pickax handle to confront demonstrators outside his establishment. Instead of complying with federal mandates, Maddox chose to close his restaurant rather than serve African American customers, asserting that his actions were based on principles of states' rights and free enterprise rather than racism.
Despite his controversial beginnings, Maddox's political career took a surprising turn when he was elected governor of Georgia in 1966. During his tenure, he implemented progressive policies, including increased funding for education and the appointment of African Americans to state offices, reflecting the complex dynamics of the era. His subsequent election as lieutenant governor in 1970 further highlighted the evolving political landscape in the South, shaped by civil rights activism and economic considerations. Maddox's legacy serves as a compelling case study of the intersection of race, politics, and social change in America.
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Subject Terms
Lester Maddox
- Born: September 30, 1915
- Birthplace: Atlanta, Georgia
- Died: June 25, 2003
- Place of death: Atlanta, Georgia
Segregationist, restaurant owner, and governor of Georgia from 1967 to 1971. Maddox gained national notoriety by defying the Civil Rights Act of 1964.
Origins and History
Born into a working class family in Atlanta, Lester Garfield Maddox labored in defense plants before starting his first business in the early 1940’s. In 1947, Maddox opened the Pickrick restaurant. Two years later, he gained local attention by placing in Atlanta newspapers a series of “Pickrick Says” advertisements in which he trumpeted conservative political views and defended segregation.
Maddox defied the Civil Rights Act of 1964 by brandishing a pickax handle at demonstrators in front of the Pickrick. After losing several suits in federal court, Maddox closed his restaurant rather than serve African American customers. He claimed that his stance was motivated not by racism but by states’ rights, free enterprise, and Christianity. In 1966, he parlayed his notoriety into victory in the race for governor. His policies proved surprisingly progressive: He increased funding for education and appointed African Americans to state offices.
Maddox was elected lieutenant governor in 1970 but lost a second bid for the governorship in 1974.
Impact
His campaign theatrics and governorship were indicative of the political turmoil in the South in the wake of the Civil Rights movement. Although race baiting could still attract enough disaffected white voters to defeat moderate Democrats, economic needs demanded progressive policies.
Additional Information
Compare Maddox’s own story, Speaking Out: The Autobiography of Lester Garfield Maddox (1975), with Bruce Galphin’s The Riddle of Lester Maddox (1968).