Interview with Delores Vinegar-Oderinde, March 19, 1987

Interview Summary

The great granddaughter of freed slaves, Mrs. Oderinde recounts her family history, background, mixed ancestry and stories of slavery passed down thru the generations. She remembers growing up on a farm in a mixed community in Owen County as one of the few African American families in the area; and, discusses the interaction among citizens of Owen, Scott, Harrison and Woodford
counties. Attending segregated schools until the third grade, Mrs. Oderinde recalls moving to an integrated school; educational differences in Georgetown after integration; and, her perception of the attitudes and teaching styles of white teachers.

Mrs. Oderinde compares Georgetown to the other communities in which she has lived, Denver and Omaha; remarks upon the changes Georgetown has undergone; and, discusses her present day, integrated neighborhood. She comments upon the transformation of the African American church: modern day emphasis on money as opposed to saving souls; self aggradizement and volunteering for "the credit"; lack of assistance except on holidays; outright prejudices against other faiths;and, the different religious practices of other faiths and denominations.

Remembering her participation in the civil rights movement, Mrs. Oderinde recalls wearing her first afro and the assumption that she was a member of the Black Panthers. She mentions the beginnings of the women's movement and the growth which comes with meeting individuals of other cultures; the prejudice still alive despite the progress already made; and, the need she recognizes for the African American community to become more active politically.

Interview Keyword

African Americans African Americans in Lexington Lexington, Kentucky Race relations Vinegar-Oderinde, Delores Vinegar-Oderinde, Delores--Interviews

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 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.