John J. McKeithen: Governor of ALL people

History has proved that the hands of many potters, both black and white, have shaped Southern University into a great institution of higher learning. The late Louisiana Governor John J. McKeithen was one of these contributors.
During his tenure as governor (1964-1972), he was instrumental in the building of several key infrastructures on campus including buildings such as the F.G. Clark Activity Center, T.T. Allain, the Freshman Complex, Stewart Hall and what some consider his greatest contribution, the Harding Boulevard Overpass bridging the campus of Southern University to the Scotlandville community.
Frank Ransburg, university historian described McKeithen as the model statesman.
“He was governor of ALL people,” said Ransburg.
On February 28, 1968, McKeithen along with state officials and news reporters paid a surprise visit to the university.
“During those days, the train would pass through at 7:45 a.m., noon, and 5 p.m. holding up traffic on Harding Boulevard for miles,” said Ransburg.
Arriving on campus concerned and a little agitated, McKeithen announced to the news media, university officials and students that he felt an overpass an should be constructed over the railroad due to the close proximity of Scenic Highway.
McKeithen felt that the overpass was such a dire need of the university that he immediately placed a direct call from his limousine to the Chief Engineer of the Highway Department.
“The construction of an overpass at Southern’s campus is to begin immediately. There should be no further instruction or confirmation needed from me,” McKeithen said according to old news releases.
According to Ransburg, McKeithen’s most ardent show of leadership probably occurred when he dispatched National Guard troops to protect civil rights marchers from Bogalusa to Baton Rouge in their quest to register to vote.
“This single action showed McKeithen’s courage and fortitude in making decisions that were right, although not necessarily popular with Louisiana’s conservative electorate,” said Ransburg.
McKeithen’s greatest achievement was his skill at handling racial conflicts. He appointed the first state biracial commission and he monitored it to make certain that it carried out its responsibility.
“He had a good rapport with black people,” said Ransburg. “For the first time ever, a black man was allowed to enter through the front door of the governors mansion and not the back.”