Interview with Jerry Covington, September 4, 1986

Interview Summary

The grandson of former slaves, Mr. Covington reminisces about his family history and the memories of his parents and grandparents, growing up on a small farm, and his lack of education. He recalls the stories passed down from his grandparents about their slavery experiences, and the white relatives in the family tree. He remembers his mother making quilts to supplement the family income, and hiring himself out as a houseboy to his white relatives, the Covingtons, at the age of five. Mr. Covington talks about the small, close knit community in which he lived and how it has evolved. He comments upon his present neighborhood and his relationships with his white neighbors. He recounts his employment history including out of town jobs he had, and obtaining credit at Central Bank in 1934. He discusses the parental discipline employed while raising his children, as well as their educational history and family responsibilities.
He comments upon the changes he has witnessed in the African American church, the emphasis placed on money and salaries, public humiliation for poor parishioners who can't afford to pay "dues", itinerant ministers, differences in congregational makeup, preaching styles of past ministers, a decline in concern amongst the clergy with community welfare, and the recent theft of church funds by a recent treasurer.
Mr. Covington remarks about his political involvement including working at the polls during the 1934 elections when African American voters were scared off, and the voting practices of both Democrats and Republicans. He mentions the civil rights movement and its impact upon the African American community.

Interview Keyword

African Americans African Americans in Lexington Lexington, Kentucky Race relations

Interview LC Subject

African American families African Americans--Civil rights--Kentucky African Americans--Education--Kentucky--Lexington African Americans--Kentucky--Lexington--Economic conditions African Americans--Race identity. African Americans--Religion African Americans. Covington, Jerry Covington, Jerry--Interviews

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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.