Interview with Great Grand-Daughter of Co-Founder of NAACP, Author Anita Hackley-Lambert
Dorothy Thompson
January 15, 2008
Anita has envisioned a career in writing ever since the age of twelve, when she wrote her first unpublished book, NO WHERE TO RUN, a compelling story of sexual assaults she suffered beginning at age five. She was inspired to write the life story of F.H.M. Murray, because of a promise she made to her mother to acknowledge and honor Murray's legacy. With publication of this book, the author hopes to spark the interest of historians, educators, scholars, educational institutions, black history collectors, genealogists, students, and family members of this outstanding historical figure. Her greatest desire is that each reader will come to know the essence of the man, F.H.M. Murray.
Anita currently has 3 new books slated for publication in 2008, plus 12 works-in-progress. Her future writing projects include such genres as autobiographical, biographical, inspirational, true ghost stories, suspense, and fiction. You can visit her website at www.anitahackleylambert.com.
Thank you for the interview, Anita. Your book, F.H.M. MURRAY: FIRST BIOGRAPHY OF A FORGOTTEN PIONEER FOR CIVIL JUSTICE is the biography of a wonderful man who did wonders for creating civil justice. Can you tell us ways in which he helped achieve his goals?
Yes. F.H.M. Murray, “possessed one of the strongest work ethics of his time.” He developed an “Enlarged Vision Model,” a concept that proved that despite racism, restrictions, and segregation - with a positive mindset, education, and with a quality work ethic, Black Americans could alter their social status. And using this model himself, Murray successfully won his battles against civil and social injustices.
He used his success to create businesses, jobs, and on-the-job training that launched the careers of people like sports journalist Sam Lacey, and writer Melvin Tolson. The homes he purchased and the businesses he founded, not only made history, but were so successful they lasted over six decades. F.H.M. Murray can best be described as a trail blazer – one that went ahead of others, to test the waters and make the way better for those who followed him.
F.H.M. Murray was one of the co-founders of the NAACP. Did he have personal reasons for helping build its foundation of liberty and justice for all?
Indeed. F.H.M. Murray, who had been fights for civil justice and equality for all of his adult life, wanted his promise to advance the Black race to continue. He realized the time had come when collaborating with other like-minded individuals could have a larger impact on his dream. He hoped the NAACP would do all it was established to do.
How did you research this book and how long did it take to put it all together?
First let me say, that our family has a rich heritage – one where family stories were passed down like fairy tales. I realized that some of these stories seemed “too far out there,” especially when it came to my great grandfather, F.H.M. Murray. It was difficult to imagine that a single individual could do all the things he did. So, it was important for me to get the legacy of Murray validated.
Researching this book took an enormous amount of work and travel. I used archives from across this nation, visited his birthplace and hometown where he was raised, interviewed family and friends. I had no idea my research would take over ten years, plus another two years meshing the voluminous files into a book.
I continue to be amazed at all the new things I keep uncovering about F.H.M. Murray that is not included in my book. This was a remarkable individual.
In your research, did you find out things about your great-grandfather that were notable and can you tell me what they are?
Well, since Murray had more successful careers than most people do in a lifetime, I will try to combine and summarize his notable contributions. His birthright was stolen from him, so he reestablished his birthright by starting a new Murray Clan and building an empire and legacy that would follow him after his death. He made history early in his life as the first Black to pass first civil service exam, first Black from Ohio to receive federal appointment, and the first Black art historian and self published author. He founded two newspapers, including the Washington Tribune which became the largest Black owned newspaper in the nation. He founded several lucrative businesses, including the Murray Brothers Printing Company that lasted for over 60 years.
As a civil rights advocate and social reformer he founded the Murray Underground Railroad in Virginia, and worked closely with social reformers like W.E.B. Du Bois, William Monroe Trotter, L.M. Hershaw, Ida B. Wells, and others who protested against the philosophy of Booker T. Washington. Murray was co-founder of the Niagara Movement , co-founder and co-editor of the Horizon: A Magazine of the Color Line – a related publication for the Niagara Movement.
The best way to understand why and how F. H. M. Murray accomplished so much, is to purchase the book at www.AnitaHackleyLambert.com.
He also co-founded the Niagara Movement. Can you tell us what that is exactly?
The Niagara Movement was the first Black organized civil rights movement in this nation. It was a platform, led by W.E.B. DuBois, where its members used to launch their attacks on Booker T. Washington and his followers. F.H.M. Murray believed that all humanity was created equally and had proven that the intellect of the educated Black man was no less than that of any other race. Fighting for this cause was his life long passion, and the Niagara Movement was a stepping stone toward accomplishing his promise to help advance his race.
What have you done to spread the word about your great-grandfather’s wonderful accomplishments?
I used many areas and many marketing tools. Actually, I began marketing and promoting my book two months before it went to press. I setn out as many press releases, used direct marketing, and email marketing. My attempt was to flood the highways and byways with my book announcements.
When you work with a limited budget, each of these tolls are important and come with some hurdles, especially for first-time or unknown authors. However, for me, media exposure has been the greatest hurdle, although I am waiting to hear from a few high-powered celebrities. (LOL) BIG dream, huh? Perhaps, but I expect to be blessed. I am a BIG dreamer, a visionary, and have a lot of faith.
The next is marketing and promotions. I did most of this on my own and that was good. Although, my effort to spread the word is successful, especially since I sold my first 100 books before my book came off the press, it is not enough. From here on, I am praying for support from others. My goals are far too big for me to do alone. I cannot explain this, but whosoever helps me gets blessed. This is just the way it has always been.
Do you feel that your goals in publishing this book and getting the word out about F.H.M. Murray has been satisfied and what plans do you have for future promotions?
Now, I am having my first Virtual Book Tour through Pump Up Your Book Promotions. I am excited to finally be able to converse with and meet hundreds to thousands of people around the globe. How great is that? I am confident that my great grandfather will finally get the recognition he deserves for devoting his life to the betterment of others. Martin Luther King, Jr. once said “Not everyone can become famous but everyone can become great in his service to others.” F.H.M. Murray was indeed a great man.
Thank you for the interview, Anita. Do you have any final words?
Yes. Again, thank you for this opportunity to share my book with so many.
I would like to encourage everyone. Do not place restrictions on yourself. This only builds up barriers in our lives. One of the greatest lessons I have learned from F.H.M. Murray has caused me to develop my motto, “you can become as big as you can dream.” And with that, let me leave these words from Murray with you: “Never give up. Never give in. Never stop until you win, win, win!”
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