MC 00132 Guide to the Citizens for Ramsey Clark papers, 1969-1980 (Bulk, 1970-1972)

Creator

Citizens for Ramsey Clark.

Quantity

1.0 linear foot (2 archival boxes)

Location

For current information on the location of these materials, please consult the Special Collections Research Center Reference Staff.

Language

English

Acquisition Information

Gift of Charles F. Murphy, 1980.

Processing

Finding aid by Kellie Strickland; updated by Carolyn Chesarino 2010 March

Scope and Contents

This collection contains correspondence, newspaper clippings, songs, stickers, financial records, and other internal documents, 1969 to 1980, of the Citizens for Ramsey Clark organization. These materials focus on the activities of the organization and the political life of Ramsey Clark. Most of the items relate to the efforts of the Citizens for Ramsey Clark to obtain a 1972 Presidential nomination from the Democratic Party for Clark. A sample of Ramsey Clark's writing is also included.

Records pertaining to Ramsey Clark's presidential campaign include a bumper sticker, pin, songs, convention photographs, and finance reports.

The correspondence in this collection represents the ambition of this organization to widely disseminate its message. The group wrote to grassroots organizers and high-profile personalities like Jane Fonda, Paul Newman, and Albert Gore.

The organizational records include circular letters, financial records, planning materials for functions, and letters from people asking for bumper stickers, pins, information, or to express their support.

Reference materials for the group primarily include newspaper and magazine articles about Ramsey Clark and his writing. Represented newspapers and magazines include The News and Observer, The Technician, Playboy, The University of Chicago Magazine, Publishers Weekly, and The Nation.

Historical Note

The Citizens for Ramsey Clark organization existed from 1970 to 1980. The organization's membership included primarily politically liberal North Carolina State University (NCSU) faculty members. The organization's numbers quickly expanded to include members from a variety of backgrounds and occupations. When the group formed in January of 1970 in Raleigh, North Carolina, its primary goal was to help Clark receive the 1972 Democratic Party nomination for President. Much to the dismay of the organization, Clark chose not to enter the race. However, the organization continued to function for several years as a forum for political discussion. The members of the group met weekly at the NCSU's Faculty Club on Thursday nights for dinner. The organization invited guest speakers for these meetings. These guests were often people seeking political office. Officers of the organization included Cyrus King as President, Charles Murphy as Vice President, and Bill Tucker as Treasurer. The organization disbanded in 1980.

Ramsey Clark was the assistant United States Attorney General under the John F. Kennedy administration and the Attorney General under the Lyndon B. Johnson administration. Though he did not run for president in 1972, he did win the Democratic nomination for a United States Senate seat from New York two years later. The Citizens for Ramsey Clark organization made a financial contribution to this unsuccessful campaign. Clark lost that election to the Republican incumbent, Jacob K. Javits.

Controlled Terms

1. Citizens for Ramsey Clark.
2. Clark, Ramsey, 1927-
3. College teachers--North Carolina--Political activity
4. Murphy, C. F.
5. Political campaigns--North Carolina--History--20th century

Related Material

Cyrus B. King Papers, 1950-2008, MC 00173

Access to Collection

Collection is open for research; access requires at least 48 hours advance notice.

For more information contact us via mail, phone, fax, or our web form.

Mail

Special Collections Research Center
Box 7111
Raleigh, NC, 27695-7111

Telephone

(919) 515-2273

Fax

(919) 513-1787

Preferred Citation

[Identification of item], Citizens for Ramsey Clark papers, MC 00132, Special Collections Research Center, North Carolina State University Libraries, Raleigh, North Carolina.

Access to Collection

The nature of the NCSU Libraries' Special Collections means that copyright or other information about restrictions may be difficult or even impossible to determine despite reasonable efforts. The NCSU Libraries claims only physical ownership of most Special Collections materials.

The materials from our collections are made available for use in research, teaching, and private study, pursuant to U.S. Copyright law. The user must assume full responsibility for any use of the materials, including but not limited to, infringement of copyright and publication rights of reproduced materials. Any materials used for academic research or otherwise should be fully credited with the source.