Interview with Janice LaRue, April 28, 1997

Interview Summary

Janice LaRue was one of the first African American undergraduates to attend the University of Kentucky. She grew up in Lexington as the oldest of six children. Her mother had attended Kentucky State University, but urged LaRue to attend UK. LaRue graduated from Dunbar High School early and entered the University of Kentucky at the age of sixteen. LaRue explains that she felt that her high school education had adequately prepared her for college, but that she was not excited about attending UK because she wanted to attend Kentucky State.

LaRue recalls her experience at UK as miserable. She felt ignored and states that she feels that she would not have graduated had she continued at UK beyond her freshman year. She describes a racist Latin teacher. LaRue explains that the black students claimed one area of the student center for themselves, so that they had a place to gather. She also remembers that some of the black students formed their own kind of sorority with Edith Hayes as their advisor. LaRue has no fond memories of UK, and explains that her daughter-in-law who attended UK in the mid-1980s had a similar experience. Yet, she feels that things are different today and that there is a better support system for African American students.

Interview Keyword

African American families African Americans--Economic conditions. African Americans--Education. Childhood Families. Segregation in education--Kentucky Education--Kentucky

Interview LC Subject

LaRue, Janice LaRue, Janice--Interviews University of Kentucky University of Kentucky--History African Americans--Segregation Lexington (Ky.) Race relations--Kentucky Racism African American college students--Social conditions African Americans--Education (Higher) College environment College students, Black College students--Social conditions Integration Universities and colleges Race discrimination African Americans--Social conditions College students--Attitudes College students--Conduct of life

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Interview Usage

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