Director of Community Relations, August 1, 1964 - July 7, 1965

Scope and content:

President Lyndon B. Johnson selected Leroy Collins to head the newly formed Community Relations Service created under the Civil Rights Act of 1964. The program functioned as a platform in which Civil Rights leaders and their agendas could be peacefully demonstrated to the American government and public. Collins' liberal attitudes towards desegregation, coupled with his popularity as a strong Southern Governor, made him an ideal candidate for the position. He resigned from his position as President of the National Association of Broadcasters on August 1, 1964 to become the Director of the Community Relations Service. He served in this position until his resignation on July 7, 1965 when he became Under Secretary of Commerce by presidential appointment.

Contents

Access and use