Interview with Ovan E. Hatchett, Jr., January 19, 1987

Interview Summary

A graduate of Lexington Dunbar High School, Mr. Hatchett recalls family history including memories of his maternal grandfather, a self taught barber and restauranteur who also owned the Hustler's, a semi-pro baseball team. He remembers his parents' occupations and education, and the mixed racial ancestry in his mother's family.
Mr. Hatchett reminisces about growing up in a close knit, inner city community which was partially integrated, how the neighborhood has evolved over the years, and remarks upon the influence of the community to his sense of identity. He describes living in an integrated neighborhood today including the backgrounds, skills, and economic status of his neighbors.
The role of his church, First Baptist, within African American society is commented upon, as are his views as to how the African American has changed and why. Mr. Hatchett recalls the leadership abilities of Reverend Homer Nutter, and the broadening of the religious message and teaching at his present place of worship.
John Wallace, a family friend who assisted Hatchett in obtaining his first job at the Herald Leader as an apprentice, is remembered, as is Carter Shavers. Overt discrimination at the newspaper, the influence of the union presence upon salaries, moving up through the ranks, and supervisors such as W.C. Thompson are recounted. Mr. Hatchett describes learning the craft of printing and the newspaper business, how changing technology has impacted employment opportunities, the tremendous gains in minority employment at all levels of the paper, his supervisory experiences, and the cohesiveness of the African American employees.
Mr. Hatchett reviews the quality of education today versus the 1960s including the lack of equipment, relationship with teachers, parental involvement in school, scholastic achievements and other factors. He critiques the civil rights movement and its impact upon Lexington, discusses the importance of IBM to the African American community, and comments upon politics and its role with the African American community.

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--Religion Hatchett, Ovan E., Jr. Hatchett, Ovan E., Jr.--Interviews African Americans African Americans--Race identity

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.