Michelle Childs for the Supreme Court, drawing criticism from Senator Roger Wicker, who called it "affirmative action."
Graham rejected that label, arguing it did not apply to highly qualified minority candidates.
Representative James Clyburn condemned Graham for calling federal Covid aid to Black farmers "reparations," saying Graham "ought to be ashamed."
Despite their differences, Clyburn later praised Graham's public service and mutual respect.
In his memoir, Graham acknowledged that integrating the cafe in the 1970s came "much later than it should have," but noted the deeply entrenched segregationist culture at the time.
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"It is just the way it is," his father told him, reflecting the resistance from white patrons.
