From Bargaining Table to Diplomatic Table: Leonard Woodcock in China (Part 2‪)‬ Tales from the Reuther Library

After Leonard Woodcock stepped down as president of the UAW in 1977, U.S. President Jimmy Carter sent him to Beijing as a diplomatic envoy and ultimately as the nation’s first ambassador to the People’s Republic of China. In the second of a two-part interview, his wife Sharon Woodcock talks about Deng Xiaoping’s visit to the United States; Leonard Woodcock’s work after leaving the State Department, including his work on the Board of Governors of Wayne State University; and his support of the Reuther Library. UAW archivist Gavin Strassel discusses Leonard Woodcock’s archival collections at the Reuther Library and the unique, first-hand view they provide into the formation of modern China and U.S / China relations.

Related Collections:

Leonard Woodcock Papers

Sharon Woodcock Oral History

UAW President’s Office: Leonard Woodcock Records

UAW Vice President’s Office: Leonard Woodcock Records

Related Resources:

Collection Spotlight: Leonard Woodcock Papers

Episode Credits

Producers: Dan Golodner and Troy Eller English

Interviewer: Gavin Strassel

Interviewee: Sharon Woodcock

Music: Bart Bealmear