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This Day in Arkansas History

December 1, 1954

A bipartisan coalition in Congress—put together by Democratic senator from Arkansas Bill Fulbright and others—condemned Wisconsin senator Joseph McCarthy. Fulbright was the only senator to vote against appropriations for McCarthy’s Senate Permanent Investigative Subcommittee. During Richard Nixon’s tenure in office, Fulbright led the way in defeating the nomination of G. Harold Carswell, an outspoken opponent of the civil rights movement. He also later combated the John Birch Society, the Christian Crusade, H. L. Hunt, Strom Thurmond, and the other organizations and individuals that made up the radical right.

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Al Joyner

As a long jumper at Arkansas State University (ASU) in Jonesboro (Craighead County), Al Joyner was a three-time NCAA indoor and outdoor champion and four-time Southland Conference Champion. Representing the United States in the 1984 Olympic Games, he became the first African American to win the event and the first American to win it in eight decades. He was married to track legend Florence “Flo Jo” Griffith, who died in 1998. Joyner’s sister, Jackie Joyner-Kersee, also became a track star, and the two siblings became the first brother-sister American teammates to win medals at the same games.

 

As a long jumper at Arkansas State University (ASU) in Jonesboro (Craighead County), Al Joyner was a three-time NCAA indoor and outdoor champion and four-time Southland Conference Champion. Representing the United States in the 1984 Olympic Games, he became the first African American to win the event and the first American to win it in eight decades. He was married to track legend Florence “Flo Jo” Griffith, who died in 1998. Joyner’s sister, Jackie Joyner-Kersee, also became a track star, and the two siblings became the first brother-sister American teammates to win medals at the same games.

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About the Encyclopedia

The CALS Encyclopedia of Arkansas is a free, authoritative source of information about the rich history, geography, and culture of Arkansas. It is updated regularly to ensure the people of Arkansas have an accurate and accessible resource to explore our heritage. We invite you to browse our text entries and media galleries to learn more about the people, places, events, legends, and lore of the 25th state. We are continually adding new entries, photographs, maps, videos, and audio files, so check back frequently to see what’s new.

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