Interview with Othello J. Pumphrey, August 8, 1986

Interview Summary

A World War II Army Air Corps veteran, Mr. Pumphrey spent his childhood in Louisville, Kentucky. He recalls his family history, childhood experiences and educational background, and the respect he accorded African American teachers in the 1930's. He remembers the African American entertainers who visited Louisville during the 1930's, music of the African American churches during the 1940's, discrimination against African American tenors in the opera during this period, and recalls his professional training. He remarks on the cohesiveness of the African American community and talks about Leon Bibb and Robert Guillaume.

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. Pumphrey, Othello J. Pumphrey, Othello J.--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.