# Richard Russell Jr.

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American politician (1897–1971)

For other people named Richard Russell, see [Richard Russell (disambiguation)](/source/Richard_Russell_(disambiguation)).

Richard Russell Jr. Russell in 1952 President pro tempore of the United States Senate In office January 3, 1969 – January 21, 1971 Preceded by Carl Hayden Succeeded by Allen J. Ellender United States Senator from Georgia In office January 12, 1933 – January 21, 1971 Preceded by John S. Cohen Succeeded by David H. Gambrell Committee positions Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee In office January 3, 1969 – January 21, 1971 Preceded by Carl Hayden Succeeded by Allen Ellender Chair of the Senate Armed Services Committee In office January 3, 1955 – January 3, 1969 Preceded by Leverett Saltonstall Succeeded by John C. Stennis In office January 3, 1951 – January 3, 1953 Preceded by Millard Tydings Succeeded by Leverett Saltonstall 66th Governor of Georgia In office June 27, 1931 – January 10, 1933 Preceded by Lamartine Griffin Hardman Succeeded by Eugene Talmadge Speaker of the Georgia House of Representatives In office 1927–1931 Preceded by William Cecil Neill Succeeded by Arlie Daniel Tucker Member of the Georgia House of Representatives from Barrow County In office 1921–1931 Preceded by G. A. Jones Succeeded by George Thompson Personal details Born Richard Brevard Russell Jr. (1897-11-02)November 2, 1897 Winder, Georgia, U.S. Died January 21, 1971(1971-01-21) (aged 73) Washington, D.C., U.S. Party Democratic Parents Richard Russell Sr. Ina Dillard Russell Relatives Robert Lee Russell (brother) Alexander Brevard Russell (brother) John D. Russell (nephew) Alma mater Gordon State College University of Georgia Profession Attorney Military service Branch/service United States Navy Naval Reserve Battles/wars World War I Russell's voice Russell speaks on Southern opposition to the Civil Rights Act of 1957 Recorded 1957

**Richard Brevard Russell Jr.** (November 2, 1897 – January 21, 1971) was an American politician. A [Southern Democrat](/source/Southern_Democrat), he served as the 66th [Governor of Georgia](/source/List_of_Governors_of_Georgia) from 1931 to 1933 before serving in the [United States Senate](/source/United_States_Senate) for almost 40 years, from 1933 to 1971. At his death he was the most senior member of the Senate.[1][2] He was a leader of Southern opposition to the [civil rights movement](/source/Civil_rights_movement) for decades.[3]

Born in [Winder, Georgia](/source/Winder%2C_Georgia), Russell established a legal practice in Winder after graduating from the [University of Georgia School of Law](/source/University_of_Georgia_School_of_Law). He served in the [Georgia House of Representatives](/source/Georgia_House_of_Representatives) from 1921 to 1931 before becoming Governor of Georgia. Russell won a [special election](/source/1932_United_States_Senate_elections) to succeed Senator [William J. Harris](/source/William_J._Harris) and joined the Senate in 1933.[4] He supported the [New Deal](/source/New_Deal)[5] in his Senate career and was the chief sponsor of the [National School Lunch Act](/source/National_School_Lunch_Act), which provided free or low-cost school lunches to impoverished students.[6]

During his long tenure in the Senate, Russell served as chairman of several committees, and was the Chairman of the [Senate Committee on Armed Services](/source/United_States_Senate_Committee_on_Armed_Services) for most of the period between 1951 and 1969. He was a candidate for [President of the United States](/source/President_of_the_United_States) at the [1948 Democratic National Convention](/source/1948_Democratic_National_Convention) and the [1952 Democratic National Convention](/source/1952_Democratic_National_Convention). He was also a member of the [Warren Commission](/source/Warren_Commission).[7]

Russell supported [racial segregation](/source/Racial_segregation_in_the_United_States) and co-authored the [Southern Manifesto](/source/Southern_Manifesto) with [Strom Thurmond](/source/Strom_Thurmond).[8] Russell and 17 fellow Democratic Senators, along with one Republican, blocked the passage of civil rights legislation via the [filibuster](/source/Filibuster_in_the_United_States_Senate). After Russell's protégé, President [Lyndon B. Johnson](/source/Lyndon_B._Johnson), signed the [Civil Rights Act of 1964](/source/Civil_Rights_Act_of_1964) into law,[9] Russell led a Southern boycott of the [1964 Democratic National Convention](/source/1964_Democratic_National_Convention).[10] Russell served in the Senate until his death from [emphysema](/source/Emphysema) in 1971.

## Early life

Richard B. Russell Jr. was born in 1897 as the first son of [Georgia Supreme Court](/source/Supreme_Court_of_Georgia_(U.S._state)) Chief Justice [Richard B. Russell Sr.](/source/Richard_Russell_Sr.) and [Ina Dillard Russell](/source/Ina_Dillard_Russell).[11] He eventually had a total of twelve adult siblings, as well as two who died before adolescence.[12]

Russell's father was a well-liked state representative for [Clarke County](/source/Clarke_County%2C_Georgia) and a successful solicitor general for a seven-county circuit. However, he fared poorly in multiple attempts to become U.S. Senator for Georgia and Governor of Georgia.[12] Due to his political failures, the Russell family lived below their financial means at times.

From an early age, the elder Russell trained his son to exceed his father's legacy in the state. As a result of the family's loss of their ancestral plantation and mill during [Sherman's March](/source/Sherman's_March_to_the_Sea), Russell spent much time studying Civil War history.[*[citation needed](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Citation_needed)*]

Russell enrolled in the [University of Georgia School of Law](/source/University_of_Georgia_School_of_Law) in 1915 and earned a [Bachelor of Laws](/source/Bachelor_of_Laws) (LL.B.) degree in 1918.[13] While at UGA, he was a member of the [Phi Kappa Literary Society](/source/Phi_Kappa_Literary_Society).[14]

Dominated by white conservatives, Democrats controlled state government and the Congressional delegation. The Republican Party was no longer competitive, hollowed out in the state following the effective [disenfranchisement of most blacks](/source/Disenfranchisement_after_the_Reconstruction_era) by Georgia's approval of a constitutional amendment, effective in 1908, requiring a literacy test, but providing a "grandfather clause" to create exceptions for whites.[15]

## Early political career

Following his time at college, Russell briefly worked at a law firm with his father before successfully running for the [Georgia House of Representatives](/source/Georgia_House_of_Representatives) at the earliest opportunity.[16] Six years into his tenure, Russell ran unopposed for the Speakership at the age of 29. His popularity among his legislator colleagues came from his perceived integrity and willingness to build coalitions.[16]

## Governor of Georgia (1931–1933)

Russell as governor

Russell's campaign for Governor was an untraditional one: it was not based in Atlanta, and Russell at 33 would be the youngest Georgian Governor to that point if he was elected, but he did have the support of 90% of the state legislators. He won the [election](/source/1930_Georgia_gubernatorial_election).[17]

As governor, Russell reorganized the [bureaucracy](/source/Bureaucracy), reducing the number of state agencies from 102 to 18,[17] promoted economic development in the midst of the [Great Depression](/source/Great_Depression_in_the_United_States), and balanced the state budget.[18]

During Russell's governorship, World War I veteran [Robert Elliot Burns](/source/Robert_Elliott_Burns) released the autobiography *[I Am A Fugitive from a Georgia Chain Gang!](/source/I_Am_a_Fugitive_from_a_Georgia_Chain_Gang!)*, which had previously been serialized in [*True Detective*](/source/True_Detective_(magazine)) magazine and later formed the basis for a popular Paul Muni [film](/source/I_Am_a_Fugitive_from_a_Chain_Gang) in November 1932.[19] The book details the multiple stints Burns served in the Georgia penal system and his attempts to escape.

Following the release of the book and the film adaptation, Russell attempted to extradite Burns from the state of New Jersey so Burns could continue to serve his sentence in Georgia. Russell denounced Burns' depictions of the horrific hard labor in his state, calling New Jersey Governor [A. Harry Moore](/source/A._Harry_Moore)'s refusal to return Burns to Georgia "a slander on the state of Georgia and its institutions."[19]

## U.S. Senate career (1933–1971)

### Electoral history

Russell's first campaign for the Senate was as a result of a [special election](/source/1932_United_States_Senate_election_in_Georgia) in September 1932 after the death of [William J. Harris](/source/William_J._Harris). His opponent in the primary was Representative [Charles Crisp](/source/Charles_R._Crisp), who was nicknamed "Kilowatt Charlie" due to his links to the unpopular [Georgia Power Company](/source/Georgia_Power_Company).[17]

In [1936](/source/1936_United_States_Senate_election_in_Georgia), Russell defeated the former [Democratic](/source/Democratic_Party_(United_States)) Governor [Eugene Talmadge](/source/Eugene_Talmadge) for the US Senate seat by defending the [New Deal](/source/New_Deal) as good for Georgia.[20]

### New Deal

In 1933, when Russell came into the Senate, the Democrats had [just ousted](/source/1932_United_States_Senate_elections) the Republicans as the majority party and thus many committee assignments became available.[17] The vacancies and Russell's populist reputation from his time as Governor and his primary campaign meant that he got his first choice, [Appropriations](/source/United_States_Senate_Committee_on_Appropriations), in order to stop him becoming a second [Huey Long](/source/Huey_Long).[17] Due to a feud between [Carter Glass](/source/Carter_Glass), the [chairman of the Appropriations committee](/source/Chairman_of_the_Appropriations_committee), and the senior Democrat on the [Appropriations Subcommittee on Agriculture](/source/Appropriations_Subcommittee_on_Agriculture), [Ellison D. Smith](/source/Ellison_D._Smith), Russell became the chairman of that subcommittee. This assignment gave Russell extensive power over the funding of aid to farmers.[17]

Russell supported the [New Deal](/source/New_Deal) of President [Franklin D. Roosevelt](/source/Franklin_D._Roosevelt) during the [Great Depression](/source/Great_Depression).[21][22] Russell was elected on a moderately progressive platform, and supported bailout and aid programs for local governments.[23] Once in the Senate, he became an ardent supporter of the Roosevelt administration and New Deal programs, and expressed his support for "the fullest measure of relief that the combined resources of this commonwealth will afford."[23] Russell endorsed almost every New Deal act during the ["Hundred Days" Congress session](/source/First_100_days_of_Franklin_D._Roosevelt's_presidency); once a rift in the Democratic Party emerged in 1935, resulting in [filibusters](/source/Filibuster) and deadlocks, Russell continued to support the President and the New Deal. Howard N. Mead observes that even "when many other Southern politicians began to express some measure of discontent with the administration and its proposals, Russell remained firm in his support".[23] When competing with conservative Talmadge for the Georgia Senate seat, Russell expressed his fervent support for income tax and social welfare, consistently praised the New Deal in his speeches, and attacked Talmadge for his fiscal conservatism.[23]

Once describing himself as "a liberal and progressive Democrat,"[24] Russell continued to be an outspoken economic progressive even after World War II, and was the main sponsor of the 1946 [National School Lunch Act](/source/National_School_Lunch_Act), which was eventually named after him.[25] He expanded and carried out projects to distribute surplus food of Georgia to poor families through food stamps and school lunch programs, and wished to tackle rural poverty.[25] After the establishment of a national school lunch program, Russell continuously pushed for funding it further throughout 1950s and 1960s, and sought active promotion and implementation of Georgian foods such as peanuts in the program. He saw this as a way to promote the interests of Georgian farmers.[25] During the Johnson presidency however, Russell voted against the [Economic Opportunity Act of 1964](/source/Economic_Opportunity_Act_of_1964), despite sympathizing with its objectives, believing (as noted by one study) “that the legislation as too loosely drawn and would result in huge amounts of waste.”[26]

### Military and foreign policy

During [World War II](/source/World_War_II), Russell was known for his uncompromising position toward Japan and its civilian casualties. In the late months of the war, he held that the US should not treat Japan with more leniency than Germany, and that the United States should not encourage Japan to sue for peace.[27]

Russell was a prominent supporter of a strong national defense.[28] He used his powers as chairman of the [Senate Armed Services Committee](/source/Senate_Armed_Services_Committee) from 1951 to 1969, and then as chairman of the [Senate Appropriations Committee](/source/Senate_Appropriations_Committee) as an institutional base to gain defense installations and jobs for Georgia. He was dubious about the [Vietnam War](/source/Vietnam_War), privately warning President Johnson repeatedly against deeper involvement, remarking to President Johnson in 1964 that "It’s a hell of a... hell of a situation. It’s a mess, and it's going to get worse."[29]

### Opposition to civil rights

Russell and President [Lyndon B. Johnson](/source/Lyndon_B._Johnson) in 1963

Russell voted against the [Civil Rights Act of 1957](/source/Civil_Rights_Act_of_1957),[30] the [Civil Rights Act of 1960](/source/Civil_Rights_Act_of_1960),[31] the [Civil Rights Act of 1964](/source/Civil_Rights_Act_of_1964),[32] and the [Civil Rights Act of 1968](/source/Civil_Rights_Act_of_1968)[33] as well as the [24th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution](/source/Twenty-fourth_Amendment_to_the_United_States_Constitution)[34] and the [Voting Rights Act of 1965](/source/Voting_Rights_Act_of_1965).[35]

Unlike [Theodore Bilbo](/source/Theodore_Bilbo), ["Cotton Ed" Smith](/source/Ellison_D._Smith), and [James Eastland](/source/James_Eastland), who had reputations as ruthless, tough-talking, heavy-handed [race baiters](/source/Race_baiting), Russell never justified hatred or acts of violence to defend segregation.[17] But he strongly defended [white supremacy](/source/White_supremacy) and apparently did not question it or ever apologize for his segregationist views, votes and speeches. For decades Russell was a key figure in the [Southern Caucus](/source/Southern_Caucus) within the Senate that blocked or watered down meaningful civil rights legislation intended to protect African Americans from [lynching](/source/Lynching_in_the_United_States), disenfranchisement, and disparate treatment under the law.[17]

Russell strongly condemned President Truman's pro-desegregation stance and wrote that he was "sick at heart" over it. However, unlike many other Southern Democrats such as [Strom Thurmond](/source/Strom_Thurmond), he did not walk out of the convention and support the [Dixiecrats](/source/Dixiecrats).[36]

In 1952, Russell was a candidate for the Democratic presidential nomination; while he did not discuss civil rights while campaigning, his platform named "local self-government" one of the major "Jeffersonian Principles".[36] Russell claimed that the goal of his candidacy was to showcase the principles of "Southern Democracy" and to allow Southern Democrats to form a united front against the North. While he decisively defeated [Estes Kefauver](/source/Estes_Kefauver) in the [Florida primary](/source/1952_Florida_Democratic_presidential_primary), Russell was opposed by most of Democrats as he refused to support the civil rights plank of the party.[36] [Jim Rowe](/source/James_H._Rowe) claimed that the sectional nature of the defeat shocked Russell and made him into a more parochial politician.[37]

In early 1956, Russell's office was continually used as a meeting place by the Southern Caucus,[17] and he was through most of the caucus's life the acknowledged leader of the group, sending out invitations to what he called "Constitutional Democrats".[38] The caucus included fellow senators such as [Strom Thurmond](/source/Strom_Thurmond), [James Eastland](/source/James_Eastland), [Allen Ellender](/source/Allen_Ellender), and [John Stennis](/source/John_Stennis), the four having a commonality of being dispirited with *[Brown v. Board of Education](/source/Brown_v._Board_of_Education)*, the 1954 ruling by the US Supreme Court that said that segregation in public schools was unconstitutional.[37]

Russell was one of the strongest opponents of every desegregation measure in the Senate, but he remained loyal to the party. Although he called the 1960 Democratic Party platform a "complete surrender to the [NAACP](/source/NAACP) and the other extreme radicals at [Los Angeles](/source/Los_Angeles)", he did agree to campaign for the Kennedy-Johnson ticket for the [1960 United States presidential election](/source/1960_United_States_presidential_election).[36]

In January 1964, President Johnson delivered the [1964 State of the Union Address](/source/1964_State_of_the_Union_Address), calling for Congress to "lift by legislation the bars of discrimination against those who seek entry into our country, particularly those who have much needed skills and those joining their families."[39] Russell issued a statement afterward stating the commitment by Southern senators to oppose such a measure, which he called "shortsighted and disastrous," while admitting the high probability of it passing. He added that the civil rights bill's true intended effect was to intermingle races, eliminate states' rights, and abolish the checks and balances system.[40]

Letter from Russell about Civil Rights Act

After Johnson signed the [Civil Rights Act of 1964](/source/Civil_Rights_Act_of_1964), Russell (along with more than a dozen other southern Senators, including [Herman Talmadge](/source/Herman_Talmadge) and [Russell Long](/source/Russell_Long)) [boycotted](/source/Boycott) the [1964 Democratic National Convention](/source/1964_Democratic_National_Convention) in [Atlantic City](/source/Atlantic_City%2C_New_Jersey).[41]

Although he had served as a prime mentor of Johnson, Russell and Johnson disagreed over [civil rights](/source/Civil_Rights_Movement). Johnson supported this as President. Russell, a segregationist, had repeatedly blocked and defeated federal civil rights legislation via use of the [filibuster](/source/Filibuster).[42]

#### Perception on race issues

Russell was considered to be moderate in his support for segregation;[23] in 1936, he often attacked [race-baiting](/source/Race-baiting), such as the claim that New Deal legislation would mostly benefit black people.[23] [W. J. Cash](/source/W._J._Cash) considered Russell "the better sort of Southerner," as he was ready to call out "ruffian appeals to race hatred" made by others.[23] James Thomas Gay claimed that Russell "wished blacks no ill;"[25] in the 1950s, Russell corresponded with a black voter from [Dublin, Georgia](/source/Dublin%2C_Georgia), Hercules Moore, who raised concerns that African-American children were being treated unfairly in the school lunch program, which was funded federally. Russell took the matter seriously and "later gave Moore satisfactory evidence that the program was being properly administered for children of both races.".[25]

### Abe Fortas nomination

Russell's support for first-term senator [Lyndon B. Johnson](/source/Lyndon_B._Johnson) paved the way for Johnson to become [Senate Majority Leader](/source/Senate_Majority_Leader). Russell often dined at Johnson's house during their Senate days.[17] But, their 20-year friendship came to an end during Johnson's presidency, in a fight over the 1968 nomination as [Chief Justice](/source/United_States_Chief_Justice) of [Abe Fortas](/source/Abe_Fortas), Johnson's friend and Supreme Court justice.[43][*[page needed](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Citing_sources)*]

In June 1968, Chief Justice [Earl Warren](/source/Earl_Warren) announced his decision to retire. President Johnson afterward announced the nomination of Associate Justice [Abe Fortas](/source/Abe_Fortas) for the position. David Greenburg wrote that when Russell "decided in early July to oppose Fortas, he brought most of his fellow Dixiecrats with him."[44]

### Anti-Communism

In May 1961, President [John F. Kennedy](/source/John_F._Kennedy) requested Russell place the Presidential wreath at the [Tomb of the Unknowns](/source/Tomb_of_the_Unknowns) during an appearance at [Arlington National Cemetery](/source/Arlington_National_Cemetery) for a [Memorial Day](/source/Memorial_Day) ceremony.[45]

Russell scheduled a closed door meeting for the Senate Armed Services Committee for August 31, 1961, at the time of Senator [Strom Thurmond](/source/Strom_Thurmond) requesting the committee vote on whether to vote to investigate "a conspiracy to muzzle military anti-Communist drives."[46]

In late February 1963, the Senate Armed Services Committee was briefed by Defense Secretary [Robert McNamara](/source/Robert_McNamara) on policy in the Caribbean. In response to what appeared to be an attack on an American shrimp boat by a "Russian Type Plane", Russell stated that he believed that it would be policy that American airmen would strike down any "Communist jets" in international waters that were attacking vessels, and only inquire on the aircraft's purpose there afterward.[47]

## Warren Commission

From 1963 to 1964, Russell was one of the members of the [Warren Commission](/source/Warren_Commission), which was charged to investigate the [assassination of President John F. Kennedy](/source/Assassination_of_John_F._Kennedy) in November 1963. Originally Russell did not want to serve on the Warren Commission, telling President Lyndon B. Johnson that he did not like or have confidence in [Earl Warren](/source/Earl_Warren), who was to head the commission.[48]

Russell's personal papers indicated that he was troubled by the Commission's [single-bullet theory](/source/Single-bullet_theory), the [Soviet Union](/source/Soviet_Union)'s failure to provide greater detail regarding [Lee Harvey Oswald](/source/Lee_Harvey_Oswald)'s period in Russia, and the lack of information regarding Oswald's Cuba-related activities.[49][50] In a telephone conversation with President Johnson in September 1964 he expressed his disbelief in the single-bullet theory, to which Johnson replied that he did not believe it either.[51]

In a January 1970 television interview, Russell stated that he accepted Oswald shot Kennedy but that he doubted he had acted alone, explaining that "too many things caused me to doubt that he planned it all by himself".[52] Russell had written a [dissenting opinion](/source/Dissenting_opinion) for the Warren Commission that "a number of suspicious circumstances" could not allow him to agree that there was no conspiracy to kill Kennedy and that citing a lack of evidence he believed this "preclude[d] the conclusive determination that Oswald and Oswald alone, without the knowledge, encouragement or assistance of any other person, planned and perpetrated the assassination". With Russell's agreement this statement was not included in the final report.[53] Russell had also made a request to Warren that "Senator Russell dissents" be placed in a footnote of the final report, although he refused to do so, insisting that there must be unanimity among the Commission.[54]

## Legacy

A statue of Russell by [Frederick Hart](/source/Frederick_Hart_(sculptor)) is in the rotunda of the [Russell Senate Office Building](/source/Russell_Senate_Office_Building).

Russell was seen as a hero by many of the pro [Jim Crow](/source/Jim_Crow_laws) South. While undoubtedly a skilled politician of immense influence, his lifelong support of [white supremacy](/source/White_supremacy) has marred his legacy.[55] Russell publicly said that America was "a white man's country, yes, and we are going to keep it that way." He also said he was vehemently opposed to "political and social equality with the Negro." Russell also supported [poll taxes](/source/Poll_taxes_in_the_United_States) across the South and called President Truman's support of civil rights for black Americans an "uncalled-for attack on our Southern civilization."[56]

Russell has been honored by having the following named for him:

- The [Russell Senate Office Building](/source/Russell_Senate_Office_Building), oldest of the three U.S. Senate office buildings. In 2018, Democratic Senate minority leader [Charles Schumer](/source/Charles_Schumer) called for the renaming of the building with the name of recently deceased Republican Senator [John McCain](/source/John_McCain).[55]

- The [Richard B. Russell Special Collections Building](/source/Richard_B._Russell_Special_Collections_Building) at the [University of Georgia](/source/University_of_Georgia) in [Athens, Georgia](/source/Athens%2C_Georgia), which houses the [Hargrett Rare Book and Manuscript Library](/source/Hargrett_Rare_Book_and_Manuscript_Library), the [Russell Library for Political Research and Studies](/source/Russell_Library_for_Political_Research_and_Studies), the [Walter J. Brown Media Archives](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Walter_J._Brown_Media_Archives&action=edit&redlink=1), and the Peabody Awards Collection.[57]

- [Russell Hall](/source/Russell_Hall_(Georgia)), a co-ed [dormitory](/source/Dormitory) for first-year students at the [University of Georgia](/source/University_of_Georgia) in [Athens, Georgia](/source/Athens%2C_Georgia).[58]

- Russell Hall, a building at the [University of Georgia College of Public Health](/source/University_of_Georgia_College_of_Public_Health) that houses nineteen classrooms within the [University of Georgia](/source/University_of_Georgia) in [Athens, Georgia](/source/Athens%2C_Georgia).[59]

- The Russell Auditorium at [Georgia College and State University](/source/Georgia_College_%26_State_University) in [Milledgeville, Georgia](/source/Milledgeville%2C_Georgia).[60]

- [Richard B. Russell Dam and Lake](/source/Richard_B._Russell_Lake), part of the [Richard B. Russell Multiple Resource Area](/source/Richard_B._Russell_Multiple_Resource_Area), located on the upper [Savannah River](/source/Savannah_River) between [Elberton, Georgia](/source/Elberton%2C_Georgia), and [Calhoun Falls, South Carolina](/source/Calhoun_Falls%2C_South_Carolina). A Georgia [state park](/source/State_park) on the shores of that lake also [bears Russell's name](/source/Richard_B._Russell_State_Park).[61]

- The [Richard B. Russell Airport](/source/Richard_B._Russell_Airport) in [Rome, Georgia](/source/Rome%2C_Georgia), the regional [general aviation](/source/General_aviation) airport serving [Floyd County, Georgia](/source/Floyd_County%2C_Georgia).[62]

- Senator Russell's Sweet Potatoes are a favorite southern dish around the holidays.[63][64]

- [USS Richard B. Russell (SSN-687)](/source/USS_Richard_B._Russell), a [*Sturgeon*-class](/source/Sturgeon-class_submarine) [attack submarine](/source/Attack_submarine).

- Richard B. Russell Highway, a part of the [Russell–Brasstown Scenic Byway](/source/Russell%E2%80%93Brasstown_Scenic_Byway)

- Richard B. Russell Parkway in [Warner Robins, Georgia](/source/Warner_Robins%2C_Georgia)

- Richard B. Russell Middle School in [Winder, Georgia](/source/Winder%2C_Georgia)

In 2020, former [Georgia Board of Regents](/source/Georgia_Board_of_Regents) Chairman [Sachin Shailendra](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Sachin_Shailendra&action=edit&redlink=1) and then Chancellor [Steve Wrigley](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Steve_Wrigley&action=edit&redlink=1) of the [University System of Georgia](/source/University_System_of_Georgia) tasked an advisory group to review the names of buildings and colleges across all campuses within the [USG](/source/University_System_of_Georgia). Members of the advisory group consisted of Marion Fedrick, the tenth and current president of [Albany State University](/source/Albany_State_University) in [Albany, Georgia](/source/Albany%2C_Georgia), [Michael Patrick](/source/Michael_Patrick) of [Chick-fil-A](/source/Chick-fil-A), retired judge Herbert Phipps of the [Georgia Court of Appeals](/source/Georgia_Court_of_Appeals), current chairman of the University of Georgia Foundation, [Neal J. Quirk Sr.](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Neal_J._Quirk_Sr.&action=edit&redlink=1), and Dr. Sally Wallace, the current dean of the [Andrew Young School of Policy Studies](/source/Andrew_Young_School_of_Policy_Studies) of [Georgia State University](/source/Georgia_State_University) in [Atlanta, Georgia](/source/Atlanta).[65]

Despite recommendations from the advisory group to rename all buildings associated with Russell, the [Georgia Board of Regents](/source/Georgia_Board_of_Regents) did not move forward with any of the final recommendations from the advisory group's report.[66]

## References

1. **[^](#cite_ref-1)** ["Richard Brevard Russell"](https://www.nga.org/cms/home/governors/past-governors-bios/page_georgia/col2-content/main-content-list/title_russell_richard.default.html). *National Governors Association*. Retrieved July 5, 2018.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-2)** ["Sen. Richard B. Russell"](https://www.legion.org/distinguishedservicemedal/1971/sen-richard-b-russell). *The American Legion*. Retrieved July 5, 2018.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-3)** ["Civil Rights Movement"](https://www.history.com/topics/black-history/civil-rights-movement). *History.com*. October 27, 2009. Retrieved July 5, 2018.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-4)** ["William J. Harris biography"](https://www.genealogymagazine.com/william-j-harris-biography/). *Genealogy Magazine*. Retrieved September 20, 2018.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-5)** ["The Great Depression and the New Deal (1929 to 1941)"](https://web.archive.org/web/20180705033148/https://kr.usembassy.gov/education-culture/infopedia-usa/history/great-depression-new-deal-1929-1941/). U.S. Embassy & Consulate in Korea. Archived from [the original](https://kr.usembassy.gov/education-culture/infopedia-usa/history/great-depression-new-deal-1929-1941/) on July 5, 2018. Retrieved July 5, 2018.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-6)** ["National School Lunch Act"](https://web.archive.org/web/20131103090048/http://www.fns.usda.gov/nslp/history_5). Food and Nutrition Service, USDA. Archived from [the original](https://www.fns.usda.gov/nslp/history_5) on November 3, 2013. Retrieved July 5, 2018.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-7)** ["Warren Commission – Introduction"](https://www.archives.gov/research/jfk/warren-commission-report/intro). National Archives. August 15, 2016. Retrieved July 5, 2018.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-8)** ["Southern Manifesto introduced, March 12, 1956"](https://www.politico.com/story/2009/03/southern-manifesto-introduced-march-12-1956-019897). *Politico*. Retrieved July 5, 2018.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-9)** ["LBJ signs landmark Civil Rights Act, July 2, 1964"](https://www.politico.com/story/2018/07/02/lbj-signs-landmark-civil-rights-act-july-2-1964-680040). *Politico*. Retrieved July 5, 2018.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-10)** ["The 1964 Democratic National Convention and the Mississippi Freedom Democratic Party – the DLG B"](https://blog.dlg.galileo.usg.edu/?p=3793). blog.dlg.galileo.usg.edu. September 3, 2012. Retrieved July 5, 2018.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-11)** ["Richard B. Russell Jr"](https://www.georgiaencyclopedia.org/articles/arts-culture/richard-b-russell-jr-1897-1971/). *New Georgia Encyclopedia*. Retrieved April 24, 2023.

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-:0_12-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-:0_12-1) Caro, Robert (2002). [*Master of the Senate: The Years of Lyndon Johnson*](/source/Master_of_the_Senate). New York: [Alfred A. Knopf](/source/Alfred_A._Knopf). pp. 164–169. [ISBN](/source/ISBN_(identifier)) [0-394-52836-0](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/0-394-52836-0).

1. **[^](#cite_ref-13)** ["Russell, Richard Brevard Jr. – Biographical Information"](http://bioguide.congress.gov/scripts/biodisplay.pl?index=R000536). *bioguide.congress.gov*. Retrieved March 18, 2018.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-14)** Fite, Gilbert C. (1991). *Richard B. Russell Jr., Senator From Georgia*. University of North Carolina Press. p. 31.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-todayinGA_15-0)** ["August 21: Georgia's Literacy Test"](https://www.todayingeorgiahistory.org/content/georgias-literacy-test). *Today in Georgia History*. Georgia Historical Society & Georgia Public Broadcasting. 2011–2013. Retrieved June 6, 2021.

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-:1_16-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-:1_16-1) Caro, Robert (2002). [*Master of the Senate: The Years of Lyndon Johnson*](/source/Master_of_the_Senate). [Alfred A. Knopf](/source/Alfred_A._Knopf). pp. 169–172. [ISBN](/source/ISBN_(identifier)) [0-394-52836-0](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/0-394-52836-0).

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-CaroSenate7_17-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-CaroSenate7_17-1) [***c***](#cite_ref-CaroSenate7_17-2) [***d***](#cite_ref-CaroSenate7_17-3) [***e***](#cite_ref-CaroSenate7_17-4) [***f***](#cite_ref-CaroSenate7_17-5) [***g***](#cite_ref-CaroSenate7_17-6) [***h***](#cite_ref-CaroSenate7_17-7) [***i***](#cite_ref-CaroSenate7_17-8) [***j***](#cite_ref-CaroSenate7_17-9) Caro, Robert (2002). "7. A Russell of the Russells of Georgia". [*Master of the Senate: The Years of Lyndon Johnson*](/source/Master_of_the_Senate). New York: [Alfred A. Knopf](/source/Alfred_A._Knopf). [ISBN](/source/ISBN_(identifier)) [0-394-52836-0](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/0-394-52836-0).

1. **[^](#cite_ref-18)** ["Richard B. Russell Jr. Collection, Subgroup A: Georgia Legislative/Speaker of the House Papers"](https://web.archive.org/web/20100611205935/http://russelldoc.galib.uga.edu/russell/view?docId=ead%2Frussell_subgroupA.xml). Archived from [the original](http://russelldoc.galib.uga.edu/russell/view?docId%3Dead%2Frussell_subgroupA.xml) on June 11, 2010. Retrieved December 5, 2010.

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-:2_19-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-:2_19-1) Caro, Robert (2002). [*Master of the Senate: The Years of Lyndon Johnson*](/source/Master_of_the_Senate). New York: [Alfred A. Knopf](/source/Alfred_A._Knopf). pp. 188–189. [ISBN](/source/ISBN_(identifier)) [0-394-52836-0](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/0-394-52836-0).

1. **[^](#cite_ref-20)** Boyd, Tim S. R. (2012). *Georgia Democrats, the Civil Rights Movement, and the Shaping of the New South*. Gainesville: University Press of Florida. p. 35. [ISBN](/source/ISBN_(identifier)) [9780813061474](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/9780813061474).

1. **[^](#cite_ref-21)** ["Dedication and Unveiling of the Statue of Richard Brevard Russell, Jr., P.31"](https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/CDOC-105sdoc8/pdf/CDOC-105sdoc8.pdf) (PDF).

1. **[^](#cite_ref-22)** Fite, Gilbert C. (September 3, 1991). [*Richard B. Russell, Jr., Senator from Georgia*](https://books.google.com/books?id=zMI1O290OtQC&dq=Richard+B.+Russell,+Jr.,+Senator+from+Georgia+fair+labor+standards+act&pg=PA134). UNC Press Books. p. 134. [ISBN](/source/ISBN_(identifier)) [978-0-8078-5465-5](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/978-0-8078-5465-5) – via Google Books.

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-mead_23-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-mead_23-1) [***c***](#cite_ref-mead_23-2) [***d***](#cite_ref-mead_23-3) [***e***](#cite_ref-mead_23-4) [***f***](#cite_ref-mead_23-5) [***g***](#cite_ref-mead_23-6) Mead, Howard N. (1981). "Russell vs. Talmadge: Southern Politics and the New Deal". *The Georgia Historical Quarterly*. **65** (1). Georgia Historical Society: 28–45.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-24)** [Richard B. Russell, Jr., Senator from Georgia By Gilbert C. Fite, 1991, P.160](https://www.google.co.uk/books/edition/Richard_B_Russell_Jr_Senator_from_Georgi/zMI1O290OtQC?hl=en&gbpv=1&dq=Whatever+others+may+have+thought+of+Russell+s+political+philosophy,+he+considered+himself+a+liberal+and+progressive+Democrat&pg=PA160&printsec=frontcover)

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-james1_25-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-james1_25-1) [***c***](#cite_ref-james1_25-2) [***d***](#cite_ref-james1_25-3) [***e***](#cite_ref-james1_25-4) Gay, James Thomas (1996). "Richard B. Russell and the National School Lunch Program". *The Georgia Historical Quarterly*. **80** (4). Georgia Historical Society: 859–872.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-26)** [Richard B. Russell, Jr., Senator from Georgia By Gilbert C. Fite, 1991, P.424](https://www.google.co.uk/books/edition/Richard_B_Russell_Jr_Senator_from_Georgi/zMI1O290OtQC?hl=en&gbpv=1&dq=Richard+Russell+Job+corps&pg=PA424&printsec=frontcover)

1. **[^](#cite_ref-27)** "Correspondence between Richard Russell and Harry S. Truman, August 7 and 9, 1945, regarding the situation with Japan." *Papers of Harry S. Truman: Official File*. [Truman Library](http://www.trumanlibrary.org) [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20060711051738/http://www.trumanlibrary.org/) July 11, 2006, at the [Wayback Machine](/source/Wayback_Machine)

1. **[^](#cite_ref-28)** Gilbert C. Fite, *Richard B. Russell Jr., Senator from Georgia* (1991) pp. 349–70.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-29)** ["Conversation with RICHARD RUSSELL, May 27, 1964 | Miller Center"](https://millercenter.org/the-presidency/secret-white-house-tapes/conversation-richard-russell-may-27-1964). *millercenter.org*. December 16, 2016. Retrieved August 19, 2025.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-30)** ["HR 6127. CIVIL RIGHTS ACT OF 1957"](https://www.govtrack.us/congress/votes/85-1957/h42). *GovTrack.us*.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-31)** ["HR 8601. PASSAGE"](https://www.govtrack.us/congress/votes/86-1960/h102). *govtrack.us*.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-32)** ["H.R. 7152. PASSAGE"](https://www.govtrack.us/congress/votes/88-1964/h128). *govtrack.us*.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-33)** ["TO PASS H.R. 2516, A BILL TO ESTABLISH PENALTIES FOR … -- House Vote #113 -- Aug 16, 1967"](https://www.govtrack.us/congress/votes/90-1967/h113). *GovTrack.us*. Retrieved January 11, 2024.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-34)** ["S.J. RES. 29. CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT TO BAN THE USE OF POLL TAX AS A REQUIREMENT FOR VOTING IN FEDERAL ELECTIONS"](https://www.govtrack.us/congress/votes/87-1962/h193). *GovTrack.us*.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-35)** ["TO PASS H.R. 6400, THE 1965 VOTING RIGHTS ACT"](https://www.govtrack.us/congress/votes/89-1965/h87). *govtrack.us*. July 9, 1965.

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-stern1_36-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-stern1_36-1) [***c***](#cite_ref-stern1_36-2) [***d***](#cite_ref-stern1_36-3) Stern, Mark (1991). "Lyndon Johnson and Richard Russell: Institutions, Ambitions and Civil Rights". *Presidential Studies Quarterly*. **21** (4). Wiley on behalf of the Center for the Study of the Presidency and Congress: 687–704.

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-architect_37-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-architect_37-1) Woods, Randall (2006). [*LBJ: Architect of American Ambition*](https://archive.org/details/lbj00rand/page/303). Free Press. p. [303](https://archive.org/details/lbj00rand/page/303). [ISBN](/source/ISBN_(identifier)) [978-0684834580](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/978-0684834580).

1. **[^](#cite_ref-CaroSenate8_38-0)** Caro, Robert (2002). "8. We of the South". [*Master of the Senate: The Years of Lyndon Johnson*](/source/Master_of_the_Senate). New York: [Alfred A. Knopf](/source/Alfred_A._Knopf). [ISBN](/source/ISBN_(identifier)) [0-394-52836-0](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/0-394-52836-0).

1. **[^](#cite_ref-39)** [Johnson, Lyndon B.](/source/Lyndon_B._Johnson) (January 8, 1964). ["91 – Annual Message to the Congress on the State of the Union"](http://www.presidency.ucsb.edu/ws/index.php?pid=26787). American Presidency Project.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-40)** ["South's Senators To Fight 'Rights'"](https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=A7-hzOuI2KQC&dat=19640109&printsec=frontpage&hl=en). *[Sarasota Herald-Tribune](/source/Sarasota_Herald-Tribune)*. January 9, 1964.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-41)** Kornacki, Steve (February 3, 2011) [The "Southern Strategy," fulfilled](http://www.salon.com/news/politics/war_room/2011/02/03/reagan_southern_strategy/index.html) [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20110413151441/http://www.salon.com/news/politics/war_room/2011/02/03/reagan_southern_strategy/index.html) April 13, 2011, at the [Wayback Machine](/source/Wayback_Machine), *[Salon.com](/source/Salon.com)*

1. **[^](#cite_ref-42)** Oberdorfer, Don (March 13, 1965). ["The Filibuster's Best Friend"](http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=f5h&AN=17065279&site=eds-live). *[The Saturday Evening Post](/source/The_Saturday_Evening_Post)*. Vol. 238, no. 5. p. 90. Retrieved June 21, 2016.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-43)** Laura Kalman (1990). [*Abe Fortas*](https://archive.org/details/abefortasbiograp00kalm). [Yale University Press](/source/Yale_University_Press). [ISBN](/source/ISBN_(identifier)) [9780300046694](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/9780300046694). Retrieved October 20, 2008.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-44)** ["The Republicans' Filibuster Lie"](https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2005-may-03-oe-greenberg3-story.html). *Los Angeles Times*. May 3, 2005.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-45)** ["Russell to Honor Dead; Georgia Senator to Put Wreath at Tomb of Unknowns"](https://www.nytimes.com/1961/05/24/archives/russell-to-honor-dead-georgia-senator-to-put-wreath-at-tomb-of.html). *[The New York Times](/source/The_New_York_Times)*. May 24, 1961.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-46)** "Sen. Thurmond Ask Probe of Plot to Muzzle". Yuma Sun Newspaper. August 30, 1961.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-47)** ["U.S. Maps Tougher Policy In Caribbean"](https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=A7-hzOuI2KQC&dat=19630223&printsec=frontpage&hl=en). Sarasota Herald Tribune.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-48)** ["Telephone conversation between President Johnson and Senator Richard Russell"](https://americanradioworks.publicradio.org/features/prestapes/lbj_rr_092963.html). [American Public Media](/source/American_Public_Media).

1. **[^](#cite_ref-49)** ["Senator Russell's papers show he disagreed with Warren report"](https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=bhMwAAAAIBAJ&pg=3085%2C4917493). *Rome News-Tribune*. Vol. 150, no. 246. Rome, Georgia. AP. October 17, 1993. p. 6–A.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-50)** ["HSCA Report, Vol. 11"](http://www.aarclibrary.org/publib/jfk/hsca/reportvols/vol11/pdf/HSCA_Vol11_WC_1_Operations.pdf) (PDF). p. 14.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-51)** ["President Johnson Phone Call on the Warren Commission"](https://www.c-span.org/program/american-history-tv/president-johnson-phone-call-on-the-warren-commission/366466). *c-span.org*. [C-SPAN](/source/C-SPAN).

1. **[^](#cite_ref-52)** *Investigation of the Assassination of President John F. Kennedy Hearings Before the Select Committee on Assassinations of the U.S. House of Representatives, Ninety-fifth Congress, Second Session · Volumes 10-12*. U.S. Government Printing Office. 1978. p. 205.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-53)** Wilkes, Donald E. Jr. (2003). ["Sen. Richard Russell and the Great American Murder Mystery"](https://digitalcommons.law.uga.edu/fac_pm/133). *Popular Media*. **133**.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-54)** Wrone, David R. (2013). *The Zapruder Film: Reframing JFK's Assassination*. University Press of Kansas. p. 246.

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-auto_55-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-auto_55-1) Rubin, Jennifer (August 29, 2018). ["Republicans can't even agree to take a segregationist's name off a building"](https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/opinions/wp/2018/08/29/republicans-cant-even-agree-to-take-a-segregationists-name-off-a-building/). *[The Washington Post](/source/The_Washington_Post)*.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-56)** Zeitz, Joshua (September 30, 2018). ["Why It's Time to Rename the Russell Office Building"](https://politi.co/2zFkJSX). *POLITICO Magazine*. Retrieved January 5, 2022.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-57)** ["Richard B. Russell Building, Special Collections Libraries | UGA Libraries"](https://www.libs.uga.edu/russell-library/foundation/russell-library/richard-b-russell-special-collections-libraries-building). *www.libs.uga.edu*. Retrieved November 9, 2022.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-58)** ["Russell Hall – University Housing"](https://housing.uga.edu/russell-hall/). Retrieved November 9, 2022.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-59)** ["HSC Russell Hall | University Architects"](https://www.architects.uga.edu/home/historic-preservation/hpmp-galleries/hsc-russell-hall). *www.architects.uga.edu*. Retrieved November 9, 2022.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-60)** ["Facilities"](https://web.archive.org/web/20160906022008/http://www.gcsu.edu/facilities). September 10, 2015. Archived from [the original](http://www.gcsu.edu/facilities) on September 6, 2016. Retrieved September 11, 2016.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-61)** ["Georgia State Parks – Richard B. Russell State Park"](https://web.archive.org/web/20170630233540/http://www.gastateparks.org/info/richbruss/). *gastateparks.org*. Archived from [the original](http://gastateparks.org/info/richbruss/) on June 30, 2017. Retrieved March 18, 2018.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-62)** ["Richard B Russell Airport"](https://web.archive.org/web/20090504203253/http://www.floydcountyga.org/Airport/about_air.htm). Archived from [the original](http://www.floydcountyga.org/Airport/about_air.htm) on May 4, 2009.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-63)** ["Senator Russell's Sweet Potato Casserole"](https://www.myfoodandfamily.com/member-recipe/00131155/senator-russells-sweet-potato-casserole). *My Food and Family*.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-64)** ["Senator Russell's Sweet Potato Casserole – Lost Recipes Found"](http://lostrecipesfound.com/senator-russells-sweet-potatoes/). *Lost Recipes Found*.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-65)** ["Advisory Group To Review Names Used On University System of Georgia Campuses | Communications | University System of Georgia"](https://www.usg.edu/news/release/advisory_group_to_review_names_used_on_university_system_of_georgia_campuse). *University System of Georgia*. Retrieved November 9, 2022.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-66)** ["Naming Advisory Group | University System of Georgia"](https://www.usg.edu/naming_advisory_group). *University System of Georgia*. Retrieved November 9, 2022.

## Further sources

### Primary sources

- Logue, Calvin McLeod and Freshley, Dwight L., eds. (1997). *Voice of Georgia: Speeches of Richard B. Russell, 1928–1969*.

- Nixon, Richard. ["Remarks Honoring the Late Senator Richard Brevard Russell in Atlanta, Georgia. January 23, 1971"](http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=fth&AN=32359559&site=eds-live&scope=site). American Reference Library – Primary Source Documents. Retrieved June 21, 2016.

### Scholarly secondary sources

External videos Booknotes interview with Gilbert Fite on Richard B. Russell Jr., Senator From Georgia, August 2, 1992 C-SPAN

- Barrett, David M. (Winter 1988). "The Mythology Surrounding Lyndon Johnson, His Advisers, and the 1965 Decision to Escalate the Vietnam War". *Political Science Quarterly* 103, no. 4: 637–63. [doi](/source/Doi_(identifier)):[10.2307/2150900](https://doi.org/10.2307%2F2150900).

- Campbell, Charles E. (2013). *Senator Richard B. Russell and My Career as a Trial Lawyer*. Macon, GA: Mercer University Press.

- [Caro, Robert A.](/source/Caro%2C_Robert_A.) (2002). *[The Years of Lyndon Johnson, Vol. 3: Master of the Senate](/source/Master_of_the_Senate)*.

- [Fite, Gilbert](/source/Gilbert_Fite) (2002). [*Richard B. Russell Jr., Senator from Georgia*](https://www.questia.com/PM.qst?a=o&d=51073646); [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20080223225404/http://www.questia.com/PM.qst?a=o&d=51073646) February 23, 2008, at the [Wayback Machine](/source/Wayback_Machine)

- Finley, Keith M. (2008). *Delaying the Dream: Southern Senators and the Fight Against Civil Rights, 1938–1965*. Baton Rouge: LSU Press. [ISBN](/source/ISBN_(identifier)) [0807133450](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/0807133450).

- Franklin, Sekou (2014). "The Elasticity of Anti-civil Rights Discourse: Albert Gore SR., Richard Russell, and Constituent Relations in the 1950s and 1960s". *Social Identities*. **20** (1): 90. [doi](/source/Doi_(identifier)):[10.1080/13504630.2013.840574](https://doi.org/10.1080%2F13504630.2013.840574). [S2CID](/source/S2CID_(identifier)) [144032586](https://api.semanticscholar.org/CorpusID:144032586).

- Gay, James Thomas (Winter 1996). "Richard B. Russell and the National School Lunch Program". *The Georgia Historical Quarterly*. **80** (4). Georgia Historical Society: 859–872. [JSTOR](/source/JSTOR_(identifier)) [40583600](https://www.jstor.org/stable/40583600).

- Goldsmith, John A. (1993). *Colleagues: Richard B. Russell and His Apprentice, Lyndon B. Johnson*.

- Grant, Philip A. Jr. (Summer 1973)). "Editorial Reaction to the 1952 Presidential Candidacy of Richard B. Russell". *Georgia Historical Quarterly* 57(2): 167–178. [JSTOR](/source/JSTOR_(identifier)) [40579514](https://www.jstor.org/stable/40579514).

- Mann, Robert (1996). *The Walls of Jericho: Lyndon Johnson, Hubert Humphrey, Richard Russell and the Struggle for Civil Rights*.

- Mead, Howard N. (1981). "Russell vs. Talmadge: Southern Politics and the New Deal". *The Georgia Historical Quarterly*. **65** (1). Georgia Historical Society: 28–45. [JSTOR](/source/JSTOR_(identifier)) [40580744](https://www.jstor.org/stable/40580744).

- Potenziani, David (Fall 1981). "Striking Back: Richard B. Russell and Racial Relocation". *The Georgia Historical Quarterly* 65, no. 3: 263–77. [JSTOR](/source/JSTOR_(identifier)) [40580793](https://www.jstor.org/stable/40580793).

- Shelley, Mack C. II (1983). [*The Permanent Majority: The Conservative Coalition in the United States Congress*](https://www.questia.com/PM.qst?a=o&d=106092311); [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20090604174516/http://www.questia.com/PM.qst?a=o&d=106092311) June 4, 2009, at the [Wayback Machine](/source/Wayback_Machine).

- Stern, Mark (Fall 1991). "Lyndon Johnson and Richard Russell: Institutions, Ambitions and Civil Rights". *Presidential Studies Quarterly* 21, no. 4: 687–704. [JSTOR](/source/JSTOR_(identifier)) [27550807](https://www.jstor.org/stable/27550807).

- United States Congress. ["Richard Russell Jr. (id: R000536)"](http://bioguide.congress.gov/scripts/biodisplay.pl?index=R000536). *[Biographical Directory of the United States Congress](/source/Biographical_Directory_of_the_United_States_Congress)*.

- Ziemke, Caroline F. (Spring 1988). "Senator Richard B. Russell and the 'Lost Cause' in Vietnam, 1954–1968". *Georgia Historical Quarterly*. 72(1): 30–71. [JSTOR](/source/JSTOR_(identifier)) [40581768](https://www.jstor.org/stable/40581768).

**Attribution**

- This article incorporates [public domain material](/source/Copyright_status_of_works_by_the_federal_government_of_the_United_States) from [*Biographical Directory of the United States Congress*](http://bioguide.congress.gov). [Federal government of the United States](/source/Federal_government_of_the_United_States).

## External links

Wikimedia Commons has media related to [Richard Russell, Jr.](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Category:Richard_Russell,_Jr.).

- United States Congress. ["Richard Russell Jr. (id: R000536)"](http://bioguide.congress.gov/scripts/biodisplay.pl?index=R000536). *[Biographical Directory of the United States Congress](/source/Biographical_Directory_of_the_United_States_Congress)*.

- [Richard Brevard Russell Jr. biography](http://ngeorgia.com/ang/Richard_Brevard_Russell,_Jr.) [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20130126011813/http://ngeorgia.com/ang/Richard_Brevard_Russell,_Jr.) January 26, 2013, at the [Wayback Machine](/source/Wayback_Machine)

- [Letter from Senator Russell to President Truman 7 August 1945 after Bombing of Hiroshima](http://www.trumanlibrary.org/whistlestop/study_collections/bomb/large/documents/pdfs/8.pdf#zoom=100) [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20180308053137/https://www.trumanlibrary.org/whistlestop/study_collections/bomb/large/documents/pdfs/8.pdf#zoom=100) March 8, 2018, at the [Wayback Machine](/source/Wayback_Machine)

- [The New Georgia Encyclopedia entry for Richard B. Russell Jr.](http://www.georgiaencyclopedia.org/nge/Article.jsp?id=h-1391) [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20120916094835/http://www.georgiaencyclopedia.org/nge/Article.jsp?id=h-1391) September 16, 2012, at the [Wayback Machine](/source/Wayback_Machine)

- [Richard B. Russell Library for Political Research and Studies](http://www.libs.uga.edu/russell/) [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20161231194631/http://www.libs.uga.edu/russell/) December 31, 2016, at the [Wayback Machine](/source/Wayback_Machine)

- [Russell Community and Hall at UGA](https://web.archive.org/web/20100528055539/http://www.uga.edu/housing/tour/russell.html)

- [Richard B. Russell State Park](https://web.archive.org/web/20160207093149/http://www.gastateparks.org/info/richbruss/)

- A film clip ["Longines Chronoscope with Richard B. Russell"](https://archive.org/details/gov.archives.arc.95749) is available for viewing at the [Internet Archive](/source/Internet_Archive)

- [Legends of the Dead-Ball Era, 1909–1913: Childhood baseball card collection of Richard B. Russell Jr.](http://dlg.galileo.usg.edu/CollectionsA-Z/bball_search.html) from the [Digital Library of Georgia](/source/Digital_Library_of_Georgia)

- [Russell House](http://georgiainfo.galileo.usg.edu/topics/historical_markers/county/barrow/russell-house) historical marker

- [Appearances](https://www.c-span.org/person/?9254335) on [C-SPAN](/source/C-SPAN)

Party political offices Preceded by Lamartine Griffin Hardman Democratic nominee for Governor of Georgia 1930 Succeeded by Eugene Talmadge Preceded by William J. Harris Democratic nominee for U.S. Senator from Georgia (Class 2) 1932, 1936, 1942, 1948, 1954, 1960, 1966 Succeeded by Sam Nunn Political offices Preceded by Lamartine G. Hardman Governor of Georgia 1931–1933 Succeeded by Eugene Talmadge Preceded by Millard Tydings Maryland Chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee 1951–1953 Succeeded by Leverett Saltonstall Massachusetts Preceded by Leverett Saltonstall Massachusetts Chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee 1955–1969 Succeeded by John C. Stennis Mississippi Preceded by Carl T. Hayden Arizona President pro tempore of the United States Senate 1969–1971 Succeeded by Allen J. Ellender Louisiana Chairman of the Senate Appropriations Committee 1969–1971 U.S. Senate Preceded by John S. Cohen U.S. senator (Class 2) from Georgia 1933–1971 Served alongside: Walter F. George, Herman Talmadge Succeeded by David H. Gambrell Honorary titles Preceded by Carl T. Hayden Arizona Dean of the United States Senate January 3, 1969 – January 21, 1971 Succeeded by Allen J. Ellender Louisiana

v t e United States senators from Georgia Class 2 Few Jackson Walton Tattnall Baldwin Jones Crawford Bulloch Bibb Troup Forsyth Walker Ware Cobb Prince Troup King Lumpkin Berrien Charlton Toombs H. Miller Norwood B. Hill Barrow A. Colquitt Walsh Bacon West Hardwick Harris Cohen Russell Gambrell Nunn Cleland Chambliss Perdue Ossoff Class 3 Gunn Jackson Milledge Tait Elliott Berrien Forsyth Cuthbert W. Colquitt Johnson Dawson Iverson J. Hill Gordon Brown Gordon Clay Terrell Smith Watson Felton George Talmadge Mattingly Fowler Coverdell Z. Miller Isakson Loeffler Warnock

v t e Presidents pro tempore of the United States Senate ▌ Langdon (1789) ▌ Lee (1792) ▌ Langdon (1792–1793) ▌ Izard (1794) ▌ H. Tazewell (1795) ▌ Livermore (1796) ▌ Bingham (1797) ▌ Bradford (1979) ▌ Read (1797) ▌ Sedgwick (1798) ▌ Laurance (1798) ▌ Ross (1799) ▌ Livermore (1799) ▌ Tracy (1800) ▌ Howard (1800) ▌ Hillhouse (1801) ▌ Baldwin (1801–1802) ▌ Bradley (1802–1803) ▌ Brown (1803–1804) ▌ Franklin (1804) ▌ Anderson (1805) ▌ Smith (1805–1808) ▌ Bradley (1808–1809) ▌ Milledge (1809) ▌ Gregg (1809) ▌ Gaillard (1810) ▌ Pope (1811) ▌ Crawford (1812–1813) ▌ Varnum (1813–1814) ▌ Gaillard (1814–1819) ▌ Barbour (1819) ▌ Gaillard (1820–1825) ▌ Macon (1826–1827) ▌ Smith (1828–1831) ▌ L. Tazewell (1832) ▌ White (1832–1833) ▌ Poindexter (1834) ▌ Tyler (1835) ▌ W. R. King (1836–1841) ▌ Southard (1841–1842) ▌ Mangum (1842–1845) ▌ Sevier (1845) ▌ Atchison (1846–1849) ▌ W. R. King (1850–1852) ▌ Atchison (1852–1854) ▌ Cass (1854) ▌ Bright (1854–1856) ▌ Stuart (1856) ▌ Bright (1856–1857) ▌ Mason (1857) ▌ Rusk (1857) ▌ Fitzpatrick (1857–1860) ▌ Bright (1860) ▌ Fitzpatrick (1860) ▌ Foot (1861–1864) ▌ Clark (1864–1865) ▌ Foster (1865–1867) ▌ Wade (1867–1869) ▌ Anthony (1869–1873) ▌ Carpenter (1873–1875) ▌ Anthony (1875) ▌ Ferry (1875–1879) ▌ Thurman (1879–1880) ▌ Bayard (1881) ▌ Davis (1881–1883) ▌ Edmunds (1883–1885) ▌ Sherman (1885–1887) ▌ Ingalls (1887–1891) ▌ Manderson (1891–1893) ▌ Harris (1893–1895) ▌ Ransom (1895) ▌ Harris (1895) ▌ Frye (1896–1911) ▌ Bacon/ ▌ Curtis/ ▌ Gallinger/ ▌ Brandegee/ ▌ Lodge (1911–1913) ▌ Clarke (1913–1916) ▌ Saulsbury (1916–1919) ▌ Cummins (1919–1925) ▌ Moses (1925–1933) ▌ Pittman (1933–1940) ▌ W. H. King (1940–1941) ▌ Harrison (1941) ▌ Glass (1941–1945) ▌ McKellar (1945–1947) ▌ Vandenberg (1947–1949) ▌ McKellar (1949–1953) ▌ Bridges (1953–1955) ▌ George (1955–1957) ▌ Hayden (1957–1969) ▌ Metcalf (1963–1969, acting) ▌ Russell (1969–1971) ▌ Ellender (1971–1972) ▌ Eastland (1972–1978) ▌ Magnuson (1979–1980) ▌ Young (1980) ▌ Magnuson (1980–1981) ▌ Thurmond (1981–1987) ▌ Stennis (1987–1989) ▌ Byrd (1989–1995) ▌ Thurmond (1995–2001) ▌ Byrd (2001) ▌ Thurmond (2001) ▌ Byrd (2001–2003) ▌ Stevens (2003–2007) ▌ Byrd (2007–2010) ▌ Inouye (2010–2012) ▌ Leahy (2012–2015) ▌ Hatch (2015–2019) ▌ Grassley (2019–2021) ▌ Leahy (2021–2023) ▌ Murray (2023–2025) ▌ Grassley (2025–present) ▌ Pro-Administration ▌ Anti-Administration ▌ Federalist ▌ Democratic-Republican ▌ Jacksonian ▌ National Republican ▌ Whig ▌ Democratic ▌ Republican ▌ Independent Category Commons List

v t e Deans of the United States Senate Gunn/Langdon Foster Brown Hillhouse Anderson Gaillard Ruggles King Benton Mangum Pearce Bayard/Foot Foot Wade Sumner Chandler Anthony Edmunds Morrill Allison Hale Frye Cullom Gallinger Lodge Warren Simmons Smoot Borah Smith McKellar George Hayden Russell Ellender Aiken Eastland/McClellan Eastland Magnuson Stennis Thurmond Byrd Inouye Leahy Grassley

v t e Governors of Georgia 1777–present Bulloch Gwinnett Treutlen Houstoun Glascock Cuthbert Wereat Walton Howly George Wells Humphrey Wells Heard Davies Brownson Martin Hall Houstoun Elbert Telfair Mathews Handley Walton Telfair Mathews Irwin Jackson Emanuel Tattnall Milledge Irwin Mitchell Early Mitchell Rabun Talbot Clark Troup Forsyth Gilmer Lumpkin Schley Gilmer McDonald Crawford Towns Cobb H. Johnson J. E. Brown J. Johnson Jenkins Ruger Bullock Conley J. Smith Colquitt Stephens Boynton McDaniel Gordon Northen Atkinson Candler Terrell H. Smith J. M. Brown H. Smith Slaton J. M. Brown Slaton N. Harris Dorsey Hardwick Walker Hardman Russell E. Talmadge Rivers E. Talmadge Arnall Thompson H. Talmadge Griffin Vandiver Sanders Maddox Carter Busbee J. Harris Miller Barnes Perdue Deal Kemp Category

v t e Chairs of the United States Senate Committee on Armed Services Military Affairs Committee (1816–1947) J. Williams Troup J. Williams Jackson Harrison Benton Preston Crittenden Benton Cass Benton Davis Shields Weller Davis Johnson Wilson Logan Spencer Randolph Logan Sewell Hawley Walthall Hawley Proctor Warren du Pont Johnston Chamberlain Wadsworth Reed Sheppard Reynolds Thomas Naval Affairs Committee (1816–1947) Tait Sanford Pleasants Lloyd Hayne Dallas Southard Rives R. Williams Mangum Bayard Fairfield Yulee Gwin Mallory J. Hale Grimes Cragin Sargent McPherson Cameron McPherson Cameron E. Hale Perkins Tillman Swanson Page F. Hale Trammell Walsh Armed Services Committee (1947–present) Gurney Tydings Russell Saltonstall Russell Stennis Tower Goldwater Nunn Thurmond Warner Levin Warner Levin Warner Levin McCain Inhofe Reed Wicker

v t e Chairs of the United States Senate Committee on Appropriations Morrill Fessenden Morrill Cole Morrill Windom Davis Allison Cockrell Allison E. Hale Warren Martin Warren Jones F. Hale Glass McKellar Bridges McKellar Bridges Hayden Russell Ellender McClellan Magnuson Hatfield Stennis Byrd Hatfield Stevens Byrd Stevens Byrd Stevens Cochran Byrd Inouye Mikulski Cochran Shelby Leahy Murray Collins

v t e Members of the Warren Commission Earl Warren (Chairman) Hale Boggs John Sherman Cooper Allen Dulles Gerald Ford John J. McCloy Richard Russell Jr.

v t e Speakers of the Georgia House of Representatives N. W. Jones Whitefield N. W. Jones W. Glascock Brownson Gibbons Saltus J. Clay Habersham Houstoun N. W. Jones Gibbons James Habersham Joseph Habersham Gibbons Brownson Powell S. Jones Gibbons Napier Stevens D. Meriwether Jackson Whitaker Iverson Whitaker Adams Witt Adams Daniel Adams Abercrombie Murray Hudson Jourdan Hull T. Glascock Joseph Day C. J. Jenkins Wofford C.J. Jenkins Anderson J. Meriwether Ward Stiles Underwood Irvin Williams Akin Hardeman McWhorter J. M. Smith Cumming Bacon Hardeman Bacon Garrard W. A. Little A. S. Clay Howell Atkinson Fleming H. A. Jenkins J. D. Little Morris Slaton Holder Burwell Holder Neill Russell Tucker Rivers Harris Evans Harris Hand Moate G. L. Smith G. T. Smith G. L. Smith Murphy Coleman Richardson Burkhalter Ralston Jones (acting) Burns

v t e (← 1944) 1948 United States presidential election (→ 1952) Democratic Party Convention Primaries Candidates Incumbent nominee: Harry S. Truman campaign VP nominee: Alben W. Barkley Other candidates: Harley M. Kilgore Richard Russell Jr. Henry A. Wallace Republican Party Convention Primaries Candidates Nominee: Thomas E. Dewey VP nominee: Earl Warren Other candidates: Riley A. Bender Herbert E. Hitchcock Douglas MacArthur Joseph W. Martin Jr. Edward Martin Leverett Saltonstall Harold Stassen Arthur Vandenberg Robert A. Taft States' Rights Democratic Party Convention Candidates Nominee: Strom Thurmond VP nominee: Fielding L. Wright Other third-party and independent candidates Prohibition Party Convention Nominee: Claude A. Watson VP nominee: Dale H. Learn Progressive Party Convention Nominee: Henry A. Wallace Nominee: Glen H. Taylor Socialist Party Nominee: Norman Thomas VP nominee: Tucker P. Smith Socialist Workers Party Nominee: Farrell Dobbs VP nominee: Grace Carlson Independents and other candidates Gerald L. K. Smith Other 1948 elections: House Senate

v t e (← 1948) 1952 United States presidential election (→ 1956) Republican Party Convention logistics TV broadcasts Primaries Candidates Nominee: Dwight D. Eisenhower VP nominee: Richard Nixon Other candidates: Riley A. Bender George T. Mickelson Harold Stassen Robert Taft Earl Warren Democratic Party Convention logistics TV broadcasts Primaries Candidates Nominee: Adlai Stevenson II VP nominee: John Sparkman Other candidates: Alben W. Barkley Paul A. Dever W. Averell Harriman Hubert Humphrey Estes Kefauver Robert S. Kerr Richard Russell Jr. Third-party and independent candidates Prohibition Party Convention Nominee: Stuart Hamblen VP nominee: Enoch A. Holtwick Progressive Party Convention Nominee: Vincent Hallinan VP nominee: Charlotta Bass Socialist Labor Party Nominee: Eric Hass Socialist Party Nominee: Darlington Hoopes VP nominee: Samuel H. Friedman Socialist Workers Party Nominee: Farrell Dobbs VP nominee: Myra Tanner Weiss Independents and other candidates Ed Bodin Henry B. Krajewski Homer Aubrey Tomlinson Other 1952 elections: House Senate

Authority control databases International ISNI VIAF GND FAST WorldCat National United States Israel People US Congress Deutsche Biographie Other IdRef Open Library NARA SNAC Yale LUX

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Adapted from the Wikipedia article [Richard Russell Jr.](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Richard_Russell_Jr.) by Wikipedia contributors ([contributor history](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Richard_Russell_Jr.?action=history)). Available under [Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/). Changes may have been made.