Maddox's tenure as governor was not marked by the rampant racism that many feared. In fact, as the New Georgia Encyclopedia points out, "he proved reasonably progressive on many racial matters. As governor he backed significant prison reform, an issue popular with many of the state's African Americans. He appointed more African Americans to government positions than all previous Georgia governors combined, including the first black officer in the Georgia State Patrol and the first black official to the state Board of Corrections."
Incidentally, the black official appointed to the state Board of Corrections was none other than Graham Jackson.
Famed civil rights activist Hosea Williams offered this fascinating quote about Maddox: "Lester Maddox did more for black people than any governor in the history of the state."
PHOTO: More details about Maddox's sale of the Pickrick building and property to Georgia Tech.
Photo source: Ga Tech Capital Planning & Space Management