Interview with Wilhelmina Hunter, August 12, 1986

Interview Summary

The wife of Dr. Bush Hunter, Mrs. Hunter recalls her childhood in Boston as the only African American student in elementary, high school and business school. She discusses her interest in becoming a professional working woman, her experiences in Washington, D.C. during the "Roaring 20's", and her marriage to Dr. Bush Hunter. Mrs. Hunter comments upon the attitudes of African Americans and the conditions faced in Lexington from 1926-1986. She remembers the lack of public accommodations available for African American entertainers Duke Ellington and Marion Anderson, the social activities in Lexington, and the prejudice practiced at Kaufman's Department Store. She discusses her view of racism and the role of the African American church in Lexington.

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 Hunter, Wilhelmina Hunter, Wilhelmina--Interviews

Interview Rights

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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.