From Poverty to History Maker

Robert A. Holmes, Emeritus Distinguished Professor of Political Science at Clark Atlanta University, earned his PHD from Columbia University at age 25. A professor and administrator at four universities, he served as president of the National Conference of Black Political Scientists and the Association of Social and Behavioral Scientists. A businessman, civic leader, and Georgia state legislator for 34 years, Holmes has received more than 100 awards and honors for his many history making accomplishments.

• Foreword Preface Acknowledgements Chapter 1 The Early Childhood and Formative Years: Poverty and SegregationChapter 2 Higher Education Experiences and My Early Professional Career Chapter 3 Civic, Political and University Activities in Atlanta Chapter 4 The 1974 Election Campaign and Early Years in Political Office Chapter 5 Atlanta and Georgia Politics in the 1970s and 1980s Chapter 6 Family, University, Business and Civic Developments Chapter 7 The Southern Center and Decline of the Political Science Program Chapter 8 The Georgia General Assembly in the 1990s Chapter 9 Election Reform and Other Policy Issues Chapter 10 My Final Years in Academia, 2000-2005 Chapter 11 Partisan Politics and the Georgia Legislature Chapter 12 The Political Struggle Over Education Reform Chapter 13 Republican Control of the Georgia General Assembly and Adverse Impacts Chapter 14 The Retirement Years Index

If those who helped to shape it do not write Atlanta’s history, it runs the risk of being forgotten…I am not only proud that he has chronicled his life, I am grateful that he has lived a life worth sharing.