Interview with Anthany Beatty, Sr., January 13, 1987

Interview Summary

Officer Beatty remembers the family stories regarding his paternal great grandparents who were slaves, his grandparents and parents, and growing up in the "Brick City" housing projects after leaving the home place in Ft. Springs, a small rural, close knit all black community. In order to support the family, his father often held two or three jobs at a time either driving trucks, janitorial work, or farming, and is currently the supervisor of the print shop at First Security Bank. He talks about attending Constitution Elementary School, and the involvement of teachers in their students lives especially Ms. Mamie Grimsley. He also discusses Lexington Junior High School before integration, feeling unwanted by the white teachers, Henry Clay High School, and attending Eastern Kentucky University and Kentucky State University for his master's degree.
Officer Beatty remarks upon the church of his youth where although ministers changed frequently, they offered strong moral leadership. He recalls that the church was family oriented and interactive. He discusses how Ft. Springs has evolved as a community with a transforming racial makeup, economic status, and moral character. Discrimination faced by Beatty in the police force is addressed, and questionable practices are identified. The civil rights movement and its impact upon his life is also discussed, as well as the advantages and disadvantages wrought by the movement.

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. Beatty, Anthany, Sr. Beatty, Anthany, Sr.--Interviews

Interview Rights

All rights to the interviews, including but not restricted to legal title, copyrights and literary property rights, have been transferred to the University of Kentucky Libraries.

Interview Usage

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