Interview with Robert L. Johnson, June 24, 1991

Interview Summary

Robert Johnson, the grandson of Swedish immigrants, grew up in Little Cedar, Iowa. His father ran an farm implement dealership. Johnson studied agriculture at Iowa State College and worked as an extension agent in Iowa for twelve years. He returned to school to get his master's degree in agriculture education, first attending Colorado State University and then Drew University where he became active in the civil rights movement.

Johnson explains that he secured a job with the Madison County Community Action Program (CAP) as its executive director because of his experience with rural communities. He reported directly to the board which was largely composed of people with low incomes. He recalls the board meetings as a continual struggle between the low income representatives and power brokers in the county. Johnson explains that the Green Amendment changed the composition of the board and its emphasis moved toward economic development. Johnson recalls conflicts and struggles with the school system, local power brokers, and bureaucrats in Washington.

In 1966, the Madison County Community Action Program (CAP) joined with three other counties, and Johnson states that the emphasis on Washington-initiated programs and the political problems greatly increased. He explains that the jobs and lives of local people who spoke out were often threatened. Johnson describes how the area became transformed as the Community Action Program shifted its focus to housing and job development. Johnson left the Community Action Program after the death of his father. He ran the family farm implement dealership for a short time before becoming involved in a Des Moines Community College program to help unemployed people find work. He also taught agricultural business at the community college and ran a community center.

Interview Keyword

anti-poverty organizations Civil Rights Movement Community Action Program Des Moines Community College employee credit union Green Amendment Headstart Madison County Medicaid Medicare Mrs. Thomas Cornett Powell County Robert Moore rural water system War On Poverty

Interview LC Subject

Appalachian Region Appalachian Region--Economic conditions Economic assistance Johnson, Robert L. Johnson, Robert L.--Interviews

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