Interview with Okey Mills, August 18, 1987

Interview Summary

Okey Mills was the sheriff of Raleigh County, West Virginia during the War on Poverty. In this interview he discusses being elected sheriff and his duties. He talks about the conflict between himself, the local people, and the VISTA workers and Appalachian Volunteers that came into the area as part of the War on Poverty programs. He talks about the issues that occurred when the outside volunteers tried to stir up the local people and gives his opinion on some of the problems with the idea of "maximum feasible participation", as it was carried out during the War on Poverty. He discusses how the mission of the War on Poverty changed over time. He talks about the integration of Raleigh County, West Virginia.

Interview Keyword

anti-poverty organizations Byrd, Robert C. Raleigh County (W. Va.) United States. Economic Opportunity Act of 1964

Interview LC Subject

Appalachian Region Appalachian Region--Economic conditions Economic assistance Johnson, Lyndon B. (Lyndon Baines), 1908-1973 Mills, Okey Mills, Okey--Interviews Volunteers in Service to America

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Interview Usage

Interviews may be reproduced with permission from Louie B. Nunn Center for Oral History, Special Collections, University of Kentucky Libraries.