Interview with Charles C. Jones, September 2, 1986

Interview Summary

Raised on a farm in Madison County, Kentucky, Mrs. Jones taught school for 35 years before her retirement. She describes her family history and descent from former slaves, her parents' education, and reminisces about her grandmother. She recalls the gender roles of her childhood, social activities during the Depression era, "basket meetings" at the local church, and family farm activities such as raising livestock and produce, food preparation, and chores. She discusses the segregation in Richmond with the railroad tracks as the dividing line, and the implementation of the Day Law.

The African American community is examined in depth as Mrs. Jones looks at the importance of education, the evidence of class distinctions among African Americans, community interaction, and the presence of African American businessmen and professionals in Richmond. Mr. J.W. Cobb and the African American newspaper, the role of the minister and church within the community, and deficiencies of the present African American churches are also studied. Mrs. Jones discusses the effect of President Ronald Reagan's administration upon the African American community nationwide, the socio-economic changes in the Arlington neighborhood, segregation in the area department stores, her role in the civil rights movement, the reaction of the white community to Dr. Martin Luther King's death, and the integration experiences at the University of Kentucky.

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. Jones, Charles C. (Charles Chenault), 1927-1988 Jones, Charles C. (Charles Chenault), 1927-1988--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.