Lester Maddox

Date of Birth: September 30, 1915

Zodiac Sign: Libra

Date of Death: June 25, 2003

Biography

Lester Garfield Maddox was an American politician who served as the 75th Governor of the U.S. state of Georgia from 1967 to 1971. Born into a working-class family in Atlanta, Georgia, Maddox did not complete high school, instead, he left to work and support his family during the Great Depression. He later became a successful businessman, owning and operating the Pickrick Cafeteria, which gained notoriety in the 1960s for its staunch segregationist stance. Maddox entered politics as a staunch segregationist and gained national attention in 1964 when he brandished an axe handle to prevent African Americans from entering his restaurant, defying the Civil Rights Act of 1964. Despite his controversial stances, Maddox was elected Governor of Georgia in 1966. During his tenure, he surprised many by appointing African Americans to state positions and advocating for prison reform and improved education. After serving as governor, Maddox remained an active figure in Georgia politics, including a term as Lieutenant Governor under his successor, Jimmy Carter. He made several unsuccessful attempts to return to the governor’s office and even tried his hand at running a “racist-themed” restaurant. Maddox passed away in 2003 after battling cancer.

5 Interesting Facts about Lester Maddox

1. Lester Maddox’s restaurant, the Pickrick Cafeteria, became famous for its “Pickrick Drumsticks” – wooden axe handles he used as a symbol of segregation.

2. Despite his segregationist views, Maddox appointed more African Americans to government positions than any of his predecessors.

3. Maddox wrote an autobiography titled “Lester Maddox Remembers: The Hopes and Controversies of the Little People’s Governor.”

4. He ran a “segregationist-themed” restaurant called “The Governor’s Restaurant” after leaving office.

5. Maddox’s tenure as Governor included strong advocacy for prison reform, including improvements in conditions and educational opportunities for inmates.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Lester Maddox

1. “The people of Georgia are great people. They never have been given the credit they deserve.”

2. “You can’t legislate morality.”

3. “I want to protect the little man, the small businessman, and the consumer.”

4. “We don’t need more government, we need better government.”

5. “I did more for the black people than any other governor in the history of Georgia up to that time.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

At the height of his career, Lester Maddox’s net worth was estimated to be modest compared to modern standards, primarily stemming from his business ventures and political career. However, exact figures are not well-documented.

Children

Lester Maddox and his wife, Virginia Cox Maddox, had three children: Lester Maddox Jr., Virginia Maddox, and Linda Maddox. His children supported him throughout his political career and were involved in various family business ventures.