In this WSB newsfilm clip from August 4, 1965, Georgia Governor Carl Sanders speaks to reporters from his office in Atlanta, Georgia about public safety and voter registration in Americus, Georgia. Governor Sanders begins with the issue of public safety by explaining that he has instructed Colonel Lowell Connor, director of the Department of Public Safety, to provide the fullest possible protection for all citizens in Americus. Sanders is pleased that the Georgia State Highway Patrol has maintained peace and tranquility in Americus for the two weeks it has been there. He recognizes the full cooperation of citizens who avoid protest areas when they are not participating in demonstrations, and reports that when troopers have been notified of demonstrations, they have been on hand to protect civil rights workers. Outlining procedure, Sanders explains that troopers are instructed to stop incidents that may occur; they will arrest those who continue to cause trouble and turn them over to local officials. Speaking of voter registration efforts, Sanders recognizes his responsibility as governor to ensure all citizens are able to register and vote. He disapproves of those who "make wild, unfounded statements" to the press about voter registration efforts rather then following the proper channels, such as filing a complaint with the state voter registration board in Atlanta or the county superior court. He reports that as of the beginning of the press conference, no one from the civil rights movement has filed an official complaint regarding voter registration. Sanders discourages the possibility of federal intervention, believing that Georgians can and should retain the autonomy to resolve any issues regarding voter registration. He appeals to citizens of Sumter County to allow for the exercise of constitutional rights without injury or damage of property in order to facilitate the community's transition back to normal activities. The clip also includes Sanders announcing the appointment of James V. Carmichael of Marietta, Cobb County, to the State Board of Regents, a position Carmichael held until 1972.

Title supplied by cataloger.

The Civil Rights Digital Library received support from a National Leadership Grant for Libraries awarded to the University of Georgia by the Institute of Museum and Library Services for digital conversion and description of the WSB-TV Newsfilm Collection.

1 clip (about 8 min.): black-and-white, sound ; 16 mm.

Original found in the WSB-TV newsfilm collection.

WSB-TV newsfilm clip of Georgia governor Carl Sanders speaking about public safety and voter registration in Americus from his office in Atlanta, Georgia, 1965 August 4, WSB-TV newsfilm collection, reel 1304, 47:51/55:23, Walter J. Brown Media Archives and Peabody Awards Collection, The University of Georgia Libraries, Athens, Ga, as presented in the Digital Library of Georgia.

Forms part of: Civil Rights Digital Library.