GSU Library Research Guides: Civil Rights in Georgia for 8th Grade Georgia Studies Students: The Resistance to the 1964 Civil Rights Act

Lester Maddox

Audio - If I Go To Jail, 1964
Audio of Lester Maddox's July 10, 1964 news conference
Heart of Atlanta/Pickrick Trial
In 1964, two Atlanta business owners captured national attention when they refused to comply with the 1964 Civil Rights Act. Moreton Rolleston and Lester Maddox, owners of the Heart of Atlanta Motel and the Pickrick Restaurant respectively, sued to challenge the constitutionality of Section II of the Civil Rights Act, which barred segregation in all public accommodations on the basis that the practice inhibited the interstate movements of people and products. The cases were paired and tried before a three-judge circuit court in Atlanta, which upheld the law and ordered both men to admit black patrons within twenty days. Maddox's decision to close the Pickrick rather than submit to integration earned him the admiration many white Georgians, and paved his way to victory in the state's 1966 gubernatorial contest. Rolleston meanwhile appealed his decision to the Supreme Court (Heart of Atlanta Motel v. United States), which unanimously upheld the lower court's decision.

Maddox Battles Against Integration

AJC Newspaper Article Cafe Is Closed for Good, Maddox Cries After He Bars 2 Negroes at Door
Aug 14, 1964 The Atlanta Constitution article describes Maddox as an "ardent segregationist." Maddox closed his restaurant, "The Pickrick" rather than integrate.
AJC Newspaper Article 'Pickrick Drumsticks' Sell Like Hotcakes for Maddox
August 16, 1964 The Atlanta Journal and the Atlanta Constitution article describes Maddox's infamous 'Pickrick Drumsticks' - ax and pick handles which he signed and sold outside his closed restaurant.
NYT Newspaper Article 'Mr. White Backlash'
Nov 6, 1966 New York Times profile of Lester Maddox, Democratic candidate for governor of Georgia.

'Pickrick Says' Newspaper Ads

May 9, 1959 Ad in The Atlanta Constitution

Lester Maddox, future governor of Georgia, ran advertisements in The Atlanta Constitution for his Pickrick restaurant. "Pickrick Says" ads often included Maddox's political commentary.

November 22, 1958 Ad in The Atlanta Constitution

Lester Maddox, future governor of Georgia, bought advertisements in The Atlanta Constitution newspaper for his Pickrick restaurant. "Pickrick Says" ads often included Maddox's political commentary.