Interview with Harry J. Johnson, June 14, 1978

Interview Summary

Having lived through the Great Depression, Mr. Johnson recalls this period of time including the price of haircuts and equality
in the soup lines. The effect of World War II on the African American community in Lexington is discussed as well as the lack of violence in the civil rights movement in the city. He reminisces about the annual Black Fair held at the old fairgrounds during the 1920's, the minstrel shows given at the old Opera House and the old Lexington Race Track. Mr. Johnson recalls that discrimination in the court system at the time resulted in the loss of inheritance for African Americans.

Interview Keyword

African Americans African Americans in Lexington born 1908 in Lexington Former barber Kentucky Lexington, Kentucky Race relations the old Lexington race track

Interview LC Subject

African American families African Americans--Civil rights--Kentucky African Americans--Education--Kentucky--Lexington African Americans--Kentucky--Lexington--Economic conditions African Americans--Religion Johnson, Harry J. Johnson, Harry J.--Interviews African Americans African Americans--Race identity

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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.