Semester of Graduation
Fall 2019
Degree
Master of Mass Communication (MMC)
Department
The Manship School of Mass Communication
Document Type
Thesis
Abstract
Andrew T. Hatcher rose to one of the highest positions in U.S. government when he became the first African American to serve as associate White House press secretary in 1960 under the administration of President John F. Kennedy and during the peak of the Civil Rights Movement. This is a historical content analysis that analyzes Hatcher’s role through primary sources, presidential archives, and select national, local, and minority newspapers.
The overarching purpose of this study was to ascertain Hatcher’s role as associate White House press secretary during civil rights. This study provides further insight into: 1) to what extent did Hatcher’s role as the first black associate White House press secretary help facilitate President John F. Kennedy’s priorities during civil rights; and 2) to what extent did Hatcher’s role contribute to meaning making for blacks in the U.S.? Lastly, this study provides historical and professional context for current or future public relations professionals—particularly minorities—who aspire to function in public relations or public information at high levels of government or politics.
Recommended Citation
Wilson, Nayita, "Andrew T. Hatcher: Press, Public Information & Perception for a Nation in Transition Historical Content Analysis on the First African American to Serve as a White House Associate Press Secretary" (2019). LSU Master's Theses. 5016.
https://repository.lsu.edu/gradschool_theses/5016
Committee Chair
Jinx C. Broussard
DOI
10.31390/gradschool_theses.5016
Included in
African American Studies Commons, American Politics Commons, Mass Communication Commons, Political History Commons, Public Affairs Commons, Public Relations and Advertising Commons, United States History Commons