The Modern Liberal Movement in Texas

FAIN: FA-11504-76

F. Chandler Davidson
Rice University (Houston, TX 77005-1827)

To study the modern liberal movement in Texas, from its inception in 1944, to the present. To analyze the growth and development of the coalition of Blacks, Chicanos, labor unions, and independent liberals that has flourished for 30 years, paradoxically, in a state characterized as "folk conservative" by a leading historian. The most important feature of this project will be an oral history of the movement based upon between 100 and 200 interviews with leaders (e.g., former U.S. Senator Ralph Yarborough, Maury Maverick, Jr., Congresspeople Barbara Jordan, Bob Eckhardt, etc.), as well as rank and file precinct workers and local opinion leaders scattered .across the state. The liberal coalition in Texas is the largest and best organized in the South.