The Summit on the State of Black America at the Library of Congress honored five visionaries from the areas of politics, education, and social activism. The five honorees were Edward Brooke, Cardiss Collins, David Dinkins, John Hope Franklin and Dorothy Height. Moderated by veteran journalist Bernard Shaw, the audience consisted mainly of students from various colleges and high schools. The two hour program was divided into the subject areas of politics, economics and education.

The interview includes Joe Adams' memories of growing up in Watts, California, joining the air force, and his early career as a radio DJ and actor. He recalls acting in Broadway plays, working for NBC and hosting shows in Las Vegas, Nevada. He discusses working for his friend Ray Charles as his manager, promoter and assistant.

The interview includes Clifford Alexander's memories of growing up in New York City, his education at Harvard and Yale and his early career as an assistant district attorney. He describes working as an assistant to President Lyndon Johnson on civil rights issues, his work on the Equal Opportunity Employment Commission and as Secretary of the Army, and his unsuccessful run for mayor of Washington, D.C. He also includes his opinions on minorities in government, affirmative action, and current politics.

The interview includes Maya Angelou's memories of becoming mute as a child and the mentorship of her teacher Mrs. Flowers, who encouraged her to read poetry. She recalls her relationships with her grandmother and brother and becoming a teenage mother. She discusses touring Europe while performing in "Porgy and Bess," writing the poem delivered at President Clinton's inauguration, and her participation in the civil rights movement.

The interview includes Lee Archer's memories of growing up in Harlem, New York and joining the army to serve during World War II. He recalls training at a segregated base in Macon, Georgia, where he met his wife and training in Tuskegee to become a pilot. He discusses serving in Italy and performing bombing raids in Germany, attending college and law school, and his career at General Foods and Beatrice Foods.

The interview includes Ernie Banks' memories of growing up in Wylie, Texas, playing semi-professional baseball as a teenager and joining the army. He recalls playing in the Negro Leagues with Kansas City Monarchs and the difficulties of travelling through segregated areas. He discusses his friendships with Buck O'Neil and Jackie Robinson, meeting his wife, and becoming the first African American to play for the Chicago Cubs.

The interview includes Willie Barrow's memories of her childhood in rural Texas, attending the Pacific-Warner Theological Seminary in Portland, Oregon and her marriage to her husband Clyde. She recalls her career as a youth pastor in Chicago, her involvement in the labor movement, and her work as a field organizer for the Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC) including the Selma to Montgomery March of 1965. She also discusses her relationships with Jesse Jackson and Martin Luther King, Jr., her faith, and her work with Operation PUSH and as an AIDS activist.

The interview includes Derrick Bell's memories of growing up in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and attending Duquesne University and University of Pittsburgh Law School. He discusses working on several school desegregations cases with Thurgood Marshall at the NAACP Legal Defense Fund and his resignations from Harvard and the University of Oregon over discriminatory hiring practices. He also discusses his opinions on affirmative action and current politics.

The interview includes Lerone Bennett's memories of growing up in Mississippi, working for black newspapers as a teenager, and attending Morehouse College. He recalls reporting for the Atlanta Daily World and moving to Chicago to write for Jet Magazine. He discusses his interest in African American history, editing Ebony Magazine and covering the civil rights movement.

The interview includes David Blackwell's memories of growing up in Illinois and studying math at the University of Illinois and the Institute of Advanced Study. He recalls teaching at several black colleges, becoming chair of the mathematics department Howard University, and accepting a position at the University of California at Berkeley, where he taught for over 30 years. He discusses his teaching methods, research in statistics, the racism he faced in academia and being the first African-American elected to the Academy of Sciences.

The interview includes Randolph Bromery's memories of growing up in Cumberland, Maryland, joining the army and serving as a Tuskegee Airman. He recalls majoring in math at Howard University, living in Washington, D.C., and working at the U.S. Geological Survey. He discusses earning his Ph.D. in geology at Johns Hopkins University and his career at the University of Massachusetts, where he became chancellor and acquired the W.E.B. DuBois papers.

The interview includes Edward Brooke's memories of growing up in Washington, D.C., attending Howard University and joining the army during World War II. He recalls attending Boston University Law School, his early career as a lawyer and his unsuccessful run for Massachusetts Secretary of State. He discusses his work as Attorney General of Massachusetts and as U.S. Senator, his identity as an African American Republican and supporting several civil rights bills.

The interview includes Calvin Brown's memories of growing up in Grambling, Louisiana, meeting his wife and attending Grambling State University. He recalls moving to Los Angeles, California, his job at a post office and raising foster children. He discusses working a movie extra, performing stunts and his job as Bill Cosby's stunt double on the television show I Spy.

The interview includes Oscar Brown's memories of growing up in Chicago, attending several colleges and his involvement in school theater. He discusses his first job as a radio actor and his early political activism with the Communist Party. He recalls his first record contract, writing the play, "Kicks and Company," and his memories of working with many famous actors and musicians. He also discusses his volunteer work to expose gang members to musical theater.

The interview includes Roscoe C. Brown's memories of growing up in Washington, D.C., and attending Dunbar High School and Springfield College. He recalls joining the army air force, training to be a Tuskegee Airman and flying missions in Europe during World War II. He discusses earning his PhD in physical education and health, his teaching career and becoming president of Bronx Community College.

The interview includes Willie Brown's memories of growing up in Mineola, Texas, and moving to California where he attended San Francisco State University for his undergraduate and law degree. He recalls joining the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, starting his law practice and his election to the California State Assembly. He also discusses his participation in the anti-war movement and his election as mayor of San Francisco.

The interview includes Roscoe Lee Browne's memories of growing up in New Jersey, attending Lincoln University and his army service during World War II. He discusses his years as a teacher, running track for the New York Pioneer Club and his first acting roles with the New York Shakespeare Festival in Central Park. He also discusses his work in movies and television.

The interview includes Curtis Bryant's memories of growing up in McComb, Mississippi and attending the Prentiss Normal and Industrial Institute. He discusses working on railroads and becoming chairman of his union, which led to his involvement in the civil rights movement. He describes his participation in voter registration drives, the Mississippi Freedom Project of 1964 and harassment from the Ku Klux Klan.

The interview includes Yvonne Braithwaite Burke's memories of growing up in Los Angeles, California and attending the University of California, Los Angeles and the University of Southern California Law School. She recalls her involvement in the civil rights movement, the Watts riots, and her election as the first African American woman to the California State Assembly. She discusses her election to the U.S. House of Representatives, her legislative accomplishments and her unsuccessful run for Attorney General of California.

The interview includes James Cameron's account of his attempted lynching in Indiana at age 16 and later conviction of accessory to murder. He discusses how this led to his involvement in the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People and the civil rights movement in Indiana and Milwaukee, Wisconsin. He also recounts how he founded America's Black Holocaust Museum in Milwaukee.

The interview includes Robert L. Carter's memories of growing up in New Jersey and attending Howard University Law School and Columbia University. He discusses his army service during World War II and work with the NAACP Legal Defense Fund on the Brown v. Board of Education case. He also discusses his opinions on the current state of education.

The interview includes Elizabeth Cattlet's memories of growing up in Washington, D.C. and attending Howard University. She recalls attending the University of Iowa where she worked with Grant Wood and earned an M.F.A. in sculpture. She discusses working at the George Washington Carver School in Harlem, New York, and receiving a Rosenwald Fellowship to study art in Mexico where she met her husband Francisco Mora and joined the Taller de Gráfica Popular (People's Graphic Arts Workshop). She also discusses the communist accusations of herself and other artists.

The interview includes Ray Charles' memories of growing up in Florida, losing his sight and learning to play the piano at the Florida School for the Deaf and Blind. He recalls his move to Seattle, Washington, where he began to play in nightclubs. He discusses his contract with Atlantic Records, writing many hit songs and finding his background singers, the Raelets. He also discusses his refusal to play for segregated audiences.

The interview includes Leah Chase's memories of growing up in Madisonville, Louisiana and attending St. Mary's academy in New Orleans. She recalls the segregation and Creole culture of New Orleans, her first jobs and meeting her husband Dooky, a musician. She discusses running his parents' restaurant, which became a meeting place for civil rights activists and politicians. She also discusses collecting African American art for her restaurant.

The interview includes Mary Alice Chineworth's memories of growing up in Rock Island, Illinois and attending Mount Mary College and Catholic University for her doctorate. She recalls the discrimination she faced from white convents, which led her to join the Oblate Sisters of Providence, the first African American convent in the United States. She discusses her career teaching at Catholic schools in Baltimore, Maryland, the history of African American Catholics, and her opinions on women in the priesthood.

The interview includes Shirley Chisholm's memories of growing up in Barbados and Brooklyn, New York and attending Brooklyn College and Columbia University. She recalls teaching in nursery schools and joining many political organizations before winning an election for New York State Assembly. She discusses winning her first run for U.S. Representative against James Farmer, and the discrimination she faced in congress. She also discusses her run for the Democratic presidential primary in 1972, her support of women's issues and teaching at Mt. Holyoke and Spelman College.

The interview includes Alice Coachman Davis' memories of growing up in Albany, Georgia, her participation in sports and attending the Tuskegee Institute. She recalls her track meets and competing at the 1948 Olympics, where she won the gold medal for women's high jump. She also discusses women in sports and her career as a teacher and coach.

The interview includes William T. Coleman's memories of growing up in Pennsylvania, joining the army and becoming a Tuskegee Airman, and his education at the University of Pennsylvania and Harvard Law School. He discusses his work with Thurgood Marshall on the Brown v. Board case, his experience as a Republican and working in the Gerald Ford administration.

The interview includes Cardiss Collins' memories of growing up in St. Louis, Missouri and Detroit, Michigan. She recalls moving to Chicago, Illinois, where she became an accountant for the Department of Revenue and met her husband, George Collins, a Chicago Alderman and U.S. Representative. After his death in office, Collins was asked to take his seat. She recalls many moments from her twenty year career in office, including learning about political issues from other members, joining the Black Congressional Caucus, and her disagreements with President Jimmy Carter.

The interview includes Evelyn Cunningham's memories of growing up in North Carolina and New York City and attending Long Island University, where she was captain of the fencing team. She recalls her first job as a stringer for the New York Times, her assignment to cover the civil rights movement in Montgomery, Alabama for the Pittsburgh Courier, and her friendship with Martin Luther King, Jr. She also discusses her later career as an assistant to Nelson Rockefeller and her work on several commissions for women's rights.

The Ossie Davis interview includes his memories of growing up in Georgia, attending Howard University and moving to Harlem where he joined the Rose McClendon Players theater group. He recalls his political activism in the 1930s, serving as an army nurse during World War II, and writing the play "Purlie Victorious." The Ruby Dee interview includes her memories of growing up in Harlem, her relationship with her stepmother, attending Hunter College, and her first acting roles with the American Negro Theater. The Ossie Davis and Ruby Dee interview includes the couple's memories of their first play together, their many acting roles, the racism they faced in Hollywood and the blacklistings in the McCarthy era. They also discuss their involvement in the civil rights movement and friendship with Malcolm X.

The interview includes Carmen de Lavallade's memories of growing up in Los Angeles, California, taking dance classes and the influence of her cousin, dancer Janet Collins. She recalls performing with the Metropolitan Opera Ballet and the New York City Ballet and meeting her husband, Geoffrey Holder. She also discusses her friendship with Alvin Ailey and her careers as a choreographer and professor at Yale University.

The interview includes Ophelia DeVore-Mitchell's memories of growing up in South Carolina and moving to New York City where she attended Hunter College High School. She recalls attending New York University, meeting her husband and her first modeling jobs. She discusses founding her modeling company to promote a better image of African Americans, changes in the advertising and fashion industries, and mentoring African American models and actresses.

The interview includes David Dinkins' memories of growing up in Trenton, New Jersey, serving in the marines and attending Howard University and Brooklyn Law School. He discusses joining the Carver Democratic Club in Harlem and running for mayor of New York in 1989. He recalls several events during his time in office, including the Crown Heights riot, implementing the Safe Streets, Safe Cities program to reduce crime and cutting the budget. He also discusses losing the 1993 election to Rudy Giuliani and teaching public affairs at Columbia University.

The interview includes David Driskell's memories of growing up in North Carolina and attending Howard University. He recalls the segregation in Washington, D.C., meeting his wife, and his first teaching job at Talledega College, where he curated exhibitions of well-known artists. He discusses teaching at Fisk University, promoting and collecting African American art and his own work as a painter.

The interview includes David DuBois' memories of growing up in Indiana, serving in the army in the Philippines during World War II and his political activism at Hunter College. He discusses how his mother met and later married his stepfather, W.E.B. DuBois, which led to his involvement in the Young Progressives of America and the Communist Party. He also discusses editing the newspaper of the Black Panther Party, his teaching career and his years living in Africa and China.

The interview includes Katherine Dunham's memories of growing up in the Chicago area during the Depression and studying anthropology at the University of Chicago. She discusses creating the Dunham Technique, her dance research in the Caribbean and her community arts programs in East St. Louis, Illinois.

The interview includes Joycelyn Elders' memories of growing up in rural Arkansas and attending Philander Smith College. She recalls serving in the army as a physical therapist, attending medical school at the University of Arkansas and her early career as a pediatrician. She discusses her efforts to expand sex education, her friendship with Bill Clinton, and serving as Director of the Arkansas Department of Health and U.S. Surgeon General.

The interview includes Ethel Ennis' memories of growing up in Baltimore, Maryland, living in a housing project and learning to play piano. She recalls her first singing group, attending business school and performing with Benny Goodman in Europe. She also discusses performing on the Arthur Godfrey Show, founding the E&E Production Company with her husband and performing at Richard Nixon's inauguration.

The interview includes Myrlie Evers-Williams' memories of growing up in Mississippi and her experiences with discrimination and harassment. She discusses meeting Medgar Evers at Alcorn A & M College and how they became involved in the civil rights movement, the harassment they faced, his murder and the related trials. She also discusses her move to California, attending Pomona College and becoming chairman of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People.

The interview includes Walter Fauntroy's memories of growing up in Washington, D.C. and attending Virginia Union University and Yale Divinity School. He discusses his work with Martin Luther King, Jr., the Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC) and the New Bethel Church of Washington, D.C. He also discusses planning the March on Washington, and running for delegate to Congress and mayor of Washington, D.C.

The interview includes Walter Fauntroy's opinions on the 2008 presidential election.

The interview includes James Forman's memories of growing up in Chicago and Mississippi and joining the Air Force. He discusses joining the Student Non-Violent Coordinating Committee (SNCC) and several events related to the organization such as the Albany Movement and the internal division that led to the founding of the Black Panther Party. He also discusses founding the Unemployment and Poverty Action Committee, writing the Black Manifesto and his opinions on reparations for African Americans.

The interview includes John Hope Franklin's memories of growing up in Oklahoma and the Tulsa riot of 1921. He recalls attending Fisk University and his friendship with a white professor who encouraged him to go to Harvard University for his graduate degrees. He discusses teaching African American history at several universities and experiencing racism as a member of the Cosmos Club in Washington, D.C.

The interview includes Frankie Muse Freeman's memories of growing up in Danville, Virginia and attending Hampton University and Howard University Law School. She discusses opening her own law practice in St. Louis, Missouri and working with the NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund on several civil rights cases related to school segregation and public housing. She also recalls President Johnson asking her to join the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights and her work with the commission in Mississippi.

The interview includes Evelyn Granville's memories of growing up in Washington, D.C. and attending Dunbar High school and Smith College. She recalls earning her Ph.D. in mathematics at Yale University, teaching at Fisk University and working at the National Bureau of Standards. She discusses working as a computer scientist at IBM, teaching at California State University and developing math curriculum for elementary school students.

The interview includes Samual Gravely's memories of growing up in Richmond, Virginia and joining the navy at the beginning of World War II. He recalls passing the officer test, becoming the first African American to graduate from the navy's V-12 officer training program, and training other African Americans at segregated bases. He discusses his years out of the navy after World War II and being called back after the military was desegregated in 1948. He recounts his many tours of duty on ships including the USS Iowa, USS Taussig and his promotion to Vice Admiral.

The interview includes Charles Green's memories of growing up in Arlington, Virginia, where his father was a minister. He recalls attending Virginia Union University, serving in the segregated army during World War II and returning to pastor several churches in rural Virginia. He discusses meeting Martin Luther King, Jr., his initial involvement in the civil rights movement and his opinions on the drawbacks of desegregation for African Americans.

The interview includes Dick Gregory's memories of growing up in St. Louis, Missouri, his struggles with learning to read and protesting segregated track meets. He recalls attending Southern Illinois University on a track scholarship, joining the army and his early comedy performances. He discusses working at the Playboy Club in Chicago, Illinois and appearing on the Tonight Show with Jack Paar. He also discusses his opinions on racism, education, the civil rights movement, and religion.

The interview includes Robert Guillaume's memories of growing up in St. Louis, Missouri, serving in the army and attending Washington University. He recalls his early performances in musicals at the Karamu Theater in Cleveland, Ohio and on Broadway. He discusses his television roles on "Soap," "Benson" and "Sports Night," and his efforts to change how African Americans are portrayed in the media.

The interview includes Barbara Harris' memories of growing up in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, working in public relations and traveling through the segregated South for her job. She recalls her participation in the Episcopal Church and finding a community oriented parish and volunteering for several causes. She discusses her call to ministry, her process of ordination, and the opposition against her consecration as the first female bishop of the Episcopal Church.

The interview includes Jimmy Heath's memories of growing up in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and learning to play saxophone. He recalls playing in many jazz bands with famous musicians including John Coltrane, Dizzy Gillespie, Charlie Parker and his brothers Percy and Albert. He also discusses his drug addiction, becoming a composer and teaching jazz at several colleges.

Dorothy Height was interviewed on September 5, 1997; April 8 and 28, 1998; August 27, 2001; and November 13, 2001. The April 28, 1998 interview included Shirley Anderson. The interviews include Dorothy Height's memories of growing up in Pennsylvania and attending New York University. She discusses living in Harlem, becoming a social worker with the YWCA and meeting several leaders such as W.E.B. DuBois, Marcus Garvey and Eleanor Roosevelt. In the interview with Shirley Anderson, the two remember women's work in the civil rights movement and the Wednesdays in Mississippi group. In the 2001 interview she discusses the international civil rights movement and her work with Christian youth organizations.

The interview includes Oliver W. Hill's memories of growing up in Roanoke, Virginia, attending Howard University Law School and starting his law practice. He discusses several civil rights cases he argued with the NAACP Legal Defense and Education Fund related to equal pay for teachers, school busing and school segregation. He also discusses the Massive Resistance movement against school integration in Virginia.

The interview includes Geoffrey Holder's memories of growing up in Trinidad and learning art, music and dance. He recalls joining his brother Boscoe's dance company in Puerto Rico and moving to New York where he became a dancer for the Metropolitan Opera Ballet and met his wife, dancer Carmen De Lavallade. He also discusses directing "The Wiz" on Broadway and working with Josephine Baker.

The interview includes Benjamin Hooks' memories of growing up in Memphis, Tennessee, and attending LeMoyne College and DePaul University Law School. He discusses serving in the segregated army during World War II, starting his law practice and becoming a judge. He recalls his work as executive director of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) and with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). He also discusses his opinions on segregation and events of the civil rights movement.

The interview includes Cissy Houston's memories of growing up in Newark, New Jersey and singing with her sisters and at church. She recalls working at an RCA factory, forming the Drinkard Singers and becoming a background singer with her cousin Dionne Warwick. She discusses her two marriages, her children and singing with the Sweet Inspirations. She also discusses performing with her daughter, Whitney Houston.

The interview includes K. Leroy Irvis' memories of growing up in Albany, New York, working for the Urban League and teaching in Baltimore, Maryland, where he experienced segregation for the first time. He recalls his relationship with a white girlfriend and joining the army to train women working in airplane factories. He discusses working in a steel mill in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, attending law school and his election to the Pennsylvania State Legislature.

The interview includes Ella Jenkins' memories of growing up in Chicago, Illinois, visiting relatives in the South and learning to play music from different cultures. She recalls attending San Francisco State College, working as a program director for the YWCA and performing music for children. She discusses the discrimination in hotels and restaurants while on tour, making her first record and receiving many awards and honors for her music.

The interview includes John H. Johnson's memories of growing up in Arkansas and Chicago, Illinois, attending the University of Chicago and his early career in life insurance. He recalls starting the Negro Digest, convincing Eleanor Roosevelt to contribute an article and recruiting African American journalists. He discusses founding Ebony Magazine to showcase African American photography, the Ebony Fashion Fair and Fashion Fair Cosmetics.

The interview includes Katherine Goble Johnson's memories of growing up in West Virginia and attending West Virginia State University where she majored in mathematics. She recalls teaching elementary school, marrying and raising her children, and her career as a mathematician at the Langley Research Center for the National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics (NACA). She discusses the racism and sexism in her field and working on several space missions at NASA.

The interview includes Hazel Johnson-Brown's memories of growing up in Pennsylvania and the discrimination she faced from a local nursing school. She recalls moving to Harlem to attend nursing school, working at an emergency room and at a Veterans Administration hospital. She discusses joining the army, serving in Korea in the 1970s and her appointment as Brigadier General and Chief of the Army Nursing Corps. She also discusses earning her Ph.D. and teaching nursing in Washington, D.C.

The interview includes Quincy Jones' memories of growing up in Chicago, Illinois and Seattle, Washington and learning to play the piano and trumpet. He recalls playing music with Ray Charles as a teenager, arranging songs for Count Basie and other bandleaders, and producing his first hit song, "It's My Party." He discusses working with Michael Jackson, scoring music for television and movies, and producing his first film, "The Color Purple."

The interview includes Leontine Kelly's memories of growing up in Cincinnati, Ohio, her family's involvement in the Methodist church, meeting her husband, and becoming a teacher in Richmond, Virginia. She recalls the integration of public schools, her husband's death and her decision to become a minister. She discusses her opinions on women in the ministry, her faith, and her election as the first African American woman bishop in the nation.

The interview includes B. B. King's memories of growing up in Indianola, Mississippi, living on his own as a teenager and serving in the segregated army. He discusses discrimination in Mississippi, learning to play guitar and moving to Memphis, Tennessee. He discusses making his first record, playing concerts around the country and crossing over to a white audience.

The interview includes Coretta Scott King's memories of growing up in Marion, Alabama, attending Antioch College and meeting Martin Luther King, Jr. while at the New England Conservatory of Music. She discusses their marriage, move to Montgomery, Alabama, and their involvement in the civil rights movement. She also discusses starting the Martin Luther King, Jr. Center for Nonviolent Social Change and her involvement in peace and human rights organizations.

The interview includes Eartha Kitt's memories of growing up in South Carolina, surviving child abuse and rejection because of her light skin color, and moving to New York. She recalls joining the Katherine Dunham Dance School, performing in Paris and becoming a nightclub singer. She discusses her first album, protesting the Vietnam War at the White House and her role as Catwoman on the television show "Batman."

The interview includes Samuel "Billy" Kyles' memories of growing up in Mississippi and Chicago, Illinois. He discusses moving to Memphis to become the minister of the Monumental Baptist Church and his involvement in the civil rights movement. He recalls the Memphis Sanitation Strike and witnessing Martin Luther King, Jr.'s assassination in 1968.

The interview includes William Layton's memories of growing up in Virginia and attending Lincoln University and Fisk University. He recalls his careers as a social worker, director of the Urban League in Michigan, and at the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve in Washington, D.C. He discusses his interest in genealogy and collecting historical artifacts on the civil war and slavery.

The interview includes LaSalle Leffall's memories of growing up in Florida and attending Florida A & M College and Howard University Medical School. He recalls living in segregated Washington, D.C., meeting his wife, and the death of his mentor, Dr. Charles Drew. He discusses his decision to become a surgeon and his residency at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in New York. He also discusses his teaching career at Howard University, becoming the president of the American Cancer Society, and his work to bring attention to cancer rates among minorities.

The interview includes Elma Lewis' memories of growing up in Boston, Massachusetts, taking dance classes and attending Emerson College and Boston University. She recalls teaching dance, theater and visual arts, and founding the Elma Lewis School of Fine Arts and the National Center of Afro American Artists. She discusses community arts funding, programming for children and collaborations among Jews and African Americans.

The interview includes J. Bruce Llewellyn's memories of growing up in New York City, serving in the army and attending business and law school in New York. He recalls his position with the Small Business Administration, acquiring the Fedco supermarket chain and founding the organization 100 Black Men of America. He discusses running the Freedom National Bank, his appointment to the Overseas Private Investment Corporation and acquiring the Philadelphia Coca-Cola Bottling Company.

The interview includes Earl Lloyd's memories of growing up in Alexandria, Virginia, playing on his high school basketball team and attending West Virginia State University. He recalls being drafted by the Washington Capitols and becoming the first African American to play in the National Basketball Association. He discusses serving in army in the Korean War, becoming an NBA assistant coach and working for the Detroit School System.

The interview includes Joseph Lowery's memories of growing up in Huntsville, Alabama and Chicago, Illinois. He discusses becoming a pastor in Mobile, Alabama and founding the Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC) with Martin Luther King, Jr. and Fred Shuttlesworth. He recalls several events from the civil rights movement, including the Montgomery Bus Boycott, the passing of the Voting Rights Act and the March on Washington.

The interview includes Leatrice McKissack's memories of growing up in Missouri and Nashville, Tennessee and attending Fisk University. She recalls her teaching career, raising her daughters and taking over her husband's business, McKissack & McKissack, Architects & Engineers, Inc., after he became ill. She discusses racial discrimination against her firm, successful projects and working with her daughters at the firm.

The interview includes Adele McQueen's memories of growing up in Texas and Kansas and attending the Tuskegee Institute, where she helped care for George Washington Carver. She discusses her first teaching job at a boarding school in Alabama, directing the Tuskegee Nursery School and teaching in Liberia while her husband worked for USAID. She discusses her career at Howard University directing a preschool and teaching early child education courses, and starting the organization Housing Unlimited.

The interview includes James Meredith's memories of growing up in Kosciusko, Mississippi, serving in the air force and attending Jackson State University. He recalls his friendship with Medgar Evers, applying to the University of Mississippi and the resulting Supreme Court case that allowed him to attend. He discusses his opposition to the non-violence movement and working for Senator Jesse Helms.

The interview includes Norma Miller's memories of growing up in Harlem, New York, taking dance lessons and dancing the Lindy Hop at the Savoy Ballroom at age 12. She recalls dancing in competitions in New York, touring Europe and her friendship with dancer Frankie Manning. She discusses appearing in movies, the decline of swing dancing, and her later career as a comedienne with Redd Foxx.

The interview includes Arthur Mitchell's memories of growing up in Harlem, New York and attending the High School of Performing Arts where he studied tap and modern dance. He recalls the discrimination against African American dancers, joining Katherine Dunham's dance school and attending the School of American Ballet. He discusses being the first African American in the New York City Ballet, working with choreographer George Balanchine and founding the Dance Theatre of Harlem.

The interview includes Ella Mitchell's memories of growing up in South Carolina, attending Talladega College and Union Theological Seminary where she met her husband, Henry Mitchell. She recalls their move to California, her teaching career in early childhood education and her involvement in the civil rights movement. She discusses the opposition to women clergy in the Baptist Church, her ordination and career as a minister. She is also interviewed with her husband Henry about their marriage and life in the church.

The interview includes Parren Mitchell's memories of growing up in Baltimore and protesting segregated businesses with his brother Clarence. He recalls his army service in Italy during World War II and after attending Morgan State University, becoming the first African American graduate student at the University of Maryland. He discusses his election to U.S. Congress and sponsoring legislation to support African American businesses.

The interview includes James Moody's memories of growing up in New Jersey and joining the Air Force, where he learned to play saxophone. He recalls meeting Dizzy Gillespie while in the military and joining his band later in New York. He discusses living in Europe and the forming his own band when he returned to the United States. He also discusses meeting his wife, his opinions on music and advice for young people.

The interview includes Toni Morrison's memories of growing up in Ohio, attending Howard University and performing with the Howard University Players. She recalls her career at Random House, where she worked as a textbook editor and sought out African American writers. She discusses her writing process, the influence of African American history and slavery on her novels, teaching at Princeton University and the future of African American literature.

The interview includes Bob Moses' memories of growing up in Harlem, New York and attending Hamilton College and Harvard University. He discusses teaching math in New York and becoming involved in the civil rights movement and the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC). He recalls working with Amzie Moore on the Mississippi Freedom Project and founding the Mississippi Freedom Democratic Party.

The interview includes Constance Baker Motley's memories of growing up in Connecticut, her family history in Nevis, and attending New York University and Columbia Law School. She discusses her start at the NAACP Legal Defense and Educational Fund clerking for Thurgood Marshall, and her later work with the organization on civil rights cases related to school desegregation. She also discusses attending the March on Washington in 1963.

The interview includes Fayard Nicholas' memories of growing up in Philadelphia and watching his parents perform as musicians at the Stanton Theater. He recalls learning to tap dance, developing a show with his brother Harold and performing at New York City nightclubs. He discusses their career as the Nicholas Brothers and working with many famous actors and musicians in Hollywood musicals and Broadway shows.

The interview includes Gil Noble's memories of growing up in Harlem, New York, his participation in the civil rights movement, and his first jobs as a reporter on radio and television. He recalls covering the civil rights movement and urban riots, and starting his television program "Like It Is." He discusses African Americans in the media, reporting on issues in Africa and ethics in journalism.

The interview includes Buck O'Neil's memories of growing up in Florida and attending Edward Waters College. He recalls playing baseball for barnstorming teams and facing discrimination in hotels and restaurants. He discusses meeting his wife, serving in the navy during World War II and his career in the Negro Leagues with the Kansas City Monarchs. He also discusses his friendships with Jackie Robinson and Satchel Paige and starting the RBI program for inner-city youth.

The interview includes Odetta's memories of growing up in Birmingham, Alabama and Los Angeles, California, where she started to take voice lessons. She recalls performing in San Francisco, meeting other folk singers and dropping her last name. She discusses several albums and performances, and the importance of music to the civil rights movement.

The interview includes Gordon Parks' memories of growing up in Fort Scott, Kansas, which was the basis for his novel and film The Learning Tree. He discusses moving to St. Paul, Minnesota where he met his wife and worked as a waiter. He recalls buying a camera, getting his first photography job at a department store and working as a documentary photographer for the Farm Security Administration. He also discusses his work in fashion photography, Life Magazine and documenting poverty in Brazil.

The interview includes Frank Petersen's memories of growing up in Topeka, Kansas and serving in the Navy during the Korean War. He recalls the Naval Aviation Cadet Program, discrimination in the military, and joining the Marine Corps as a career officer. He discusses serving in the Vietnam War, recruiting minorities for the marines and becoming the first African American general in the Marine Corps.

The interview includes Sidney Poitier's memories of growing up in the Bahamas, dropping out of school as a child to work and moving to New York on his own. He recalls working as a dishwasher, serving in the army and his first unsuccessful auditions at the American Negro Theater. He discusses his success on Broadway, traveling to South Africa, and his more famous roles that broke down barriers in Hollywood for African Americans.

The interview includes Alvin Poussaint's memories of growing up in Harlem, New York, his childhood illness and going to Camp Wochica for the children of leftists. He recalls attending Columbia University and Cornell University Medical School, his brother's drug addiction and mental illness, his efforts to desegregate hospitals and working in a medical clinic for civil rights workers in Mississippi. He discusses the march to support James Meredith, rifts within the civil rights movement, and his work as a consultant for the Cosby Show.

The interview includes Ernesta Procope's memories of growing up in Brooklyn, New York, taking piano lessons and meeting her husband. She recalls her start as a real estate agent, starting her own insurance company, E.G. Bowman and lobbying for a state law that barred insurance companies from denying coverage to minorities. She discusses working with the New York Housing Authority, moving her business to Wall Street, and her opinions on affirmative action.

The interview includes Charles Rangel's memories of growing up in Harlem, New York and his first jobs. He recalls his army service in Korea and later attending college and law school in New York. He discusses becoming a U.S. Attorney and running against Adam Clayton Powell for U.S. Congress. He also discusses the changes in New York City, passing the Empowerment Zone Act and his opposition to the Iraq War.

The interview includes Della Reese's memories of growing up in Detroit, Michigan, and singing at the choir in her church and with the Meditation Singers. She recalls her mother's death, leaving her abusive first husband and her first major singing tour with Nat King Cole and Erskine Hawkins. She discusses adopting her niece, her acting career and becoming an ordained minister.

The interview includes Lloyd Richards' memories of growing up in Toronto, Canada and Detroit, Michigan where he attended Wayne State University and began to act in plays. He recalls serving as a Tuskegee Airman during World War II and moving to New York to take acting classes and start his theater career. He discusses meeting his wife Barbara and his friendship with Sidney Poitier. He also discusses becoming the first African American to direct a Broadway play, Lorraine Hansberry's "A Raisin in the Sun," and his work with playwright August Wilson.

The interview includes Faith Ringgold's memories of growing up in Harlem, New York, attending the City College of New York and becoming an art teacher. She recalls quitting her teaching job to become a professional artist and the racism and sexism in the art world. She discusses her artwork with quilting, raising her daughters and writing the children's book, "Tar Beach."

The interview includes Amelia Boynton Robinson's memories of growing up in Georgia and attending the Tuskegee Institute. She discusses working in Alabama for the U.S. Department of Agriculture with sharecroppers, which led to her involvement in the civil rights movement. She recalls working for the Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC) in Selma, Alabama and being attacked at the Selma to Montgomery Rights March. She also discusses her memories of other civil rights leaders and her work with the Schiller Institute. Robinson was also interviewed separately by a National Visionary Leadership Fellow.

The interview includes Rachel Robinson's memories of growing up in Los Angeles and attending UCLA, where she met her husband, Jackie Robinson. She recalls his baseball career in the Negro Leagues and his recruitment to be the first African American to play in the Major Leagues. She discusses her career as a psychiatric nurse, starting a development company for low income housing and the Jackie Robinson Foundation.

The interview includes Dovey Roundtree's memories of growing up in Charlotte, North Carolina, and attending Spelman College and Howard University Law School. She discusses meeting Mary McLeod Bethune, who encouraged her to join the Women's Army Auxilary Corp during World War II. She recalls opening her law practice and winning the Sarah Keys v. Carolina Coach Company case and the Ray Crump murder trial in Washington, D.C.

The interview includes Bill Russell's memories of growing up in Louisiana and Oakland, California, where he played basketball in high school. He recalls attending the University of San Francisco on a basketball scholarship. He discusses playing for the Boston Celtics, the influence of his coaches, and his relationship with his daughter.

The interview includes Betye Saar's memories of growing up in Los Angeles, taking art classes and attending the University of California, Los Angeles. She recalls raising her children, attending graduate school for printmaking and creating her most famous piece, "The Liberation of Aunt Jemima." She discusses the influence of mysticism on her work, teaching art at several universities and her daughters' art careers.

The interview includes Sonia Sanchez's memories of growing up in Birmingham, Alabama and Harlem, New York. She recalls attending Hunter College, studying African American literature from the Schomburg Library and joining the civil rights movement. She discusses teaching her first class on African American women, writing poems and starting the first Black Studies program in the nation at San Francisco State University.

The interview includes Fred Shuttleworth's memories of his childhood in Alabama, marriage to his wife Ruby, and education at Selma University and Alabama State University. He discusses his early career, becoming pastor of Bethel Church in Birmingham, Alabama, and his participation in the civil rights movement through his church in the 1950s. He recalls his confrontations with Bull Conner, the Ku Klux Klan, the bombing of his house and several lawsuits. He also discusses his relationship with Martin Luther King, Jr. and his opinions on religion, racial discrimination, and politics.

The interview includes Barbara Sizemore's memories of growing up in Terre Haute, Indiana and Evanston, Illinois where she attended Northwestern University and faced racial discrimination. She recalls her early career teaching in segregated schools on Chicago's south side and becoming superintendent of the District of Columbia Public Schools. She discusses the problems she faced in this position and her firing in 1975. She also discusses her opinions on school testing and teaching African American history.

The interview includes Norma Sklarek's memories of growing up in New York City, attending Hunter High School and her parents' encouragement to pursue the sciences. She recalls earning her architecture degree at Columbia University, facing discrimination in her first jobs and her marriage to architect Rolf Sklarek. She discusses several buildings she designed, including the Los Angeles Airport terminal, and being appointed a fellow at the American Institute of Architects.

The interview includes Percy Sutton's memories of growing up in Texas and attending several colleges before joining the army air force as a Tuskegee Airman. He discusses moving to New York City, attending Brooklyn Law School and becoming the President of the New York branch of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People. He recalls working as Malcom X's attorney and meeting many civil rights leaders. He also discusses his involvement in New York City politics and his later work with radio and television stations.

The interview includes Billy Taylor's memories of growing up in North Carolina and Washington, D.C., learning to play the piano from his uncle and attending Virginia State University. He recalls moving to New York to play jazz in nightclubs, the influence of pianist Art Tatum, and becoming house pianist at the club Birdland. He discusses his work in radio and television, earning his doctorate in music at the University of Massachusetts and working as the director of jazz at the Kennedy Center.

The interview includes Gardner Taylor's memories of growing up in Louisiana, the influence of his father, a minister, and his decision to become a minister after surviving a car accident. He recalls preaching at the Concord Baptist Church in Brooklyn, New York, his connections with other ministers during the civil rights movement and founding the Progressive National Baptist Convention. He also discusses AIDS in the African American community, sexism, and his relationship with his wife.

The interview includes Clark Terry's memories of growing up in St. Louis, Missouri, learning to play the trumpet and serving in the Navy. He recalls playing jazz with many famous musicians, including Count Basie and Duke Ellington and leading his own band. He discusses learning to read music, performing around the world for the State Department and teaching jazz at William Paterson University.

The interview includes C. DeLores Tucker's memories of growing up in Pennsylvania, attending Temple University and meeting her husband. She recalls joining the Kennedy campaign, her civil rights activism and supporting Pennsylvania Governor Milton Shapp, who appointed her Secretary of State. She also discusses creating the College for Teens program and her efforts against misogyny in rap music.

The interview includes C. T. Vivian's memories of growing up in Missouri and Illinois and attending American Baptist Theological Seminary. He discusses his involvement in several civil rights organizations in Nashville, Tennessee, including the Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC). He also recalls organizing the Freedom Rides in 1961 and being arrested in Selma, Alabama.

The interview includes William Waddell's memories of growing up in Virginia, attending an industrial school in Manassas and working at the Homestead Hotel. He recalls running in track meets, attending Lincoln University and the University of Pennsylvania Veterinary School. He discusses founding the veterinary school at Tuskegee Institute, serving in the Army in North Africa during World War II, and opening a veterinary practice in Morgantown, West Virginia.

The interview includes Wyatt T. Walkers's memories of growing up in New Jersey and attending Virginia Union University. He discusses ministering his first church in Petersburg, Virginia, and becoming involved in the civil rights movement. He recalls meeting Martin Luther King, Jr., who asked him to be on the board of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC) and being arrested with him in Birmingham, Alabama. He also discusses his work with the anti-apartheid movement in South Africa.

The interview includes Bud Ward's memories of growing up in Worcester, Massachusetts, serving in the Navy during World War II and attending the Cornell University School of Hotel Administration. He recalls managing African American-owned hotels in Florida and starting his own company and consulting for diversity issues. He discusses his career as a vice president at Marriott, changing hiring and promotion practices and starting his own software company after retirement.

The interview includes Walter Washington's memories of growing up in Jamestown, New York and attending Howard University. He recalls segregation in Washington, D.C. and picketing drug stores that refused to serve African Americans. He discusses his appointment as Mayor-Commissioner by President Lyndon Johnson, Lady Bird Johnson's beautification programs and the 1968 riots in Washington, D.C.

The interview includes Clifton Wharton's memories of growing up in Boston, Massachusetts, traveling around the world with his diplomat father, and attending Harvard University. He recalls joining the air force, working for the Rockefeller Foundation and becoming president of Michigan State University. With his wife Dolores, the two discuss how they met, their marriage, and moving to Chicago while Clifton attended the University of Chicago for his PhD in economics. They remember living in Asia, raising their children, the student demonstrations at Michigan State University, and Dolores' work on many corporate boards.

The interview includes L. Douglas Wilder's memories of growing up in Richmond, Virginia, attending Virginia Union University and joining the navy during the Korean War. He recalls attending Howard University Law School, becoming a lawyer in Richmond and his successful run for the Virginia State Senate. He discusses campaigning for Governor of Virginia and becoming the first elected African American governor in the United States. He also discusses his accomplishments in office and founding the National Slavery Museum.

The interview includes Charles V. Willie's memories of growing up in Dallas, Texas, attending Morehouse College and earning his Ph.D. at Syracuse University. He recalls his positions as a professor and vice president of student affairs at Syracuse, researching mental health, and becoming a professor of education at Harvard University. He discusses his support of women priests in the Episcopal Church, researching the African American family and assisting school districts with desegregation plans.

The interview includes John Woodruff's memories of growing up in Pennsylvania, running track in high school and attending the University of Pittsburgh. He recalls traveling to Berlin for the 1936 Olympics and winning the 800 meter race, and later facing discrimination at races in the United States. He discusses attending New York University for a graduate degree in sociology, serving in the segregated army during World War II and Korea and his career as a social worker.

The interview includes Samuel Yette's memories of growing up in Tennessee and attending Tennessee State University, where he founded the student newspaper. He recalls serving in the air force and attending the Indiana University Journalism School. He discusses reporting for the Afro-American, Ebony, Life Magazine and Newsweek, where he faced discrimination. He also discusses being fired from Newsweek for writing his book "The Choice" and teaching at Howard University.

The interview includes Andrew Young's memories of growing up in New Orleans, Louisiana and attending Howard University. He discusses his religious conversion, his involvement in the civil rights movement and working for Martin Luther King, Jr. He also recalls visiting Africa as the United Nations Ambassador and his memories of Dorothy Height.

The interview includes Clara Adams' memories of growing up in Baltimore, Maryland, attending Morgan State University and Iowa State University, where she held a fellowship at the Ames Laboratory. She recalls facing discrimination in Iowa and the civil rights movement. She remembers her career as a research chemist, becoming the first female faculty member in the chemistry department at Morgan State University and the changes at the university while she was vice president of academic affairs.

The interview includes Sarah Lee Anderson's memories of growing up in Georgia, attending Clark College and working as a domestic when her children were young. She recalls going back to school, becoming a special education teacher and being the president of her local PTA. She also discusses her faith, teaching Sunday school, attending Bible College in North Carolina and becoming an ordained minister.

The interview includes Amiri Baraka's memories of growing up in Newark, New Jersey, attending Howard University and serving in the air force, where he was discharged and accused of being a communist. He recalls moving to New York, writing poetry with the Beat Poets and visiting Cuba. He also discusses his involvement in the civil rights and Black nationalist movements and the Million Man March.

The interview includes Rudolph Belisle's memories of growing up in New Orleans, attending Alabama A & M University and his first jobs. He recalls his involvement in local politics and reforming Orleans Parish Prison, where he was a warden. He discusses opening his bar and nightclub, jazz performances in New Orleans, and how integration ultimately hurt African American-owned businesses.

The interview includes Keter Betts' memories of playing bass for Dinah Washington and Ella Fitzgerald and teaching and performing in Washington, D.C. He discusses his opinions on jazz, writing music and playing drums as a child.

The interview includes Adolpho Birch's memories of growing up in Washington, D.C. and attending Lincoln University and Howard University Law School. He recalls joining the navy, opening his own law practice in Nashville, Tennessee and representing civil rights protesters. He discusses becoming a district attorney, teaching law at several universities in Nashville and serving as the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court in Tennessee.

The interview includes Van S. Bird's memories of attending seminary at Northwestern University, marrying his wife and founding a parish in Baltimore, Maryland. He recalls earning his PhD in sociology at Temple University and teaching at LaSalle University. He also discusses studying at the Canterbury Cathedral in England and starting a church in the Virgin Islands.

The interview includes Lillie Bowman's memories of growing up in Nashville and attending Tennessee State University and the University of Chicago. She recalls the integration of public schools, preparing African American students for college and becoming a guidance counselor. She also discusses her faith and offers advice to young African Americans.

The interview includes Pecolia Boyles' memories of growing up in Mississippi, segregation and the Great Depression. She recalls moving to Milwaukee, Wisconsin, the civil rights movement and witnessing riots. She discusses her work caring for the elderly and for children.

The interview includes J. Robert Bradley's memories of growing up in Memphis, Tennessee, attending the Baptist Church and singing in the choir. He recalls his voice teacher, Thomas Shelby, learning to sing in many different languages and to perform opera. He discusses his faith, performing around the world and becoming the director of music for the National Baptist Convention.

The interview includes William Brantley's memories of growing up in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and becoming a principal and assistant superintendent of West Chester, Pennsylvania schools. He recalls school desegregation, the civil rights movement and raising his children. He also discusses his opinions on education and the No Child Left Behind Act.

The interview includes Jerome Brooks' memories of growing up in Port Arthur, Texas, facing discrimination in his first jobs and attending Prairie View A & M University. He recalls moving to Detroit, Michigan, working in auto plants and moving to Memphis, Tennessee, where he started a business. He discusses moving back to Port Arthur where he worked as a superintendent of the post office, started a real estate and construction business, and integrated the local Boy Scouts as a scoutmaster.

The interview includes Eleanor DeLoache Brown's memories of growing up in Texas and attending Prairie View A & M University, where she majored in home economics. She recalls teaching at several universities before marrying and having children, and returning to school for elementary school teacher certification in Ohio. She discusses her career as a guidance counselor, her teaching methods, and volunteer work with Jack and Jill of America, Inc. and the League of Women Voters.

The interview includes Arthur Burnett's memories of growing up in Virginia and attending Howard University. He recalls his rejection from the University of Virginia Law School because of his race, and his decision to attend New York University Law School. He discusses his army service and his career as a prosecutor at the U.S. Department of Justice, and as an Assistant U.S. Attorney and Superior Court Judge of the District of Columbia.

The interview includes Calvin Burnett's memories of growing up in Davenport, Iowa and serving in the army. He recalls attending St. Louis University where he played basketball and earned his Ph.D. in psychology. He discusses his heroes, his family and his accomplishments as president of Coppin State University.

The interview includes Margaret Burroughs' memories of growing up in Louisiana and Chicago, Illinois and attending Illinois Normal College. She recalls her career as an art teacher, her rejection of white beauty standards, and living in Mexico on a sabbatical. She discusses founding the South Side Community Art Center and DuSable Museum of African-American History, the FBI investigation of her political activities, writing poetry, and her friendship with Gwendolyn Brooks.

The interview includes Vada Butcher's memories of growing up in St. Louis, Missouri, learning to play the piano and attending Fisk University and Chicago Music College. She discusses studying music in Europe, her career as a professor of ethnomusicology and African American spirituals, and teaching at Howard University. She also recalls the civil rights movement and segregation in Washington, D.C.

The interview includes Earl Caldwell's memories of growing up in Pennsylvania and his early career at local newspapers. He recalls covering the civil rights movement for the New York Times and being the only reporter at the scene when Martin Luther King, Jr. was assassinated. He also discusses reporting on the Black Panther Party and the resulting Supreme Court case United States v. Caldwell, which set precedent for reporters' rights.

The interview includes James Camphor's memories of growing up in Maryland and attending Coppin State University. He recalls the segregation in Maryland, becoming a teacher and working with boys in the Cheltenham Juvenile Justice Facility. He also discusses his faith and his opinions on politics.

The interview includes Ernestine Carreathers' memories of growing up in Texas and attending Wiley College and Southeastern Oklahoma State University. She recalls meeting her husband, having children and opening a bookstore for African American writers in Prairie View, Texas. She discusses her teaching career, school desegregation, the civil rights movement and her involvement at church.

The interview includes Julia Carson's memories of her childhood, her mentor Andy Jacobs and her election to the Indiana House of Representatives. She recalls her efforts to pass minimum wage laws, end the legal classification of children as "illegitmate," and serving as a trustee for the Center Township, a welfare agency, and assisting victims of domestic violence. She also discusses her work as a U.S. Representative, her advocacy of women's rights and civil rights, and her health problems.

The interview includes Robert Churchwell's memories of growing up in Tennessee, serving in the army during World War II, and attending Fisk University. He recalls meeting his wife, starting his own magazine and being recruited by the Nashville Banner to cover the local African American community. He discusses facing discrimination at the newspaper, covering school desegregation and the civil rights movement and his struggle with depression.

The interview includes Mildred Clarke's memoires of growing up in Brooklyn, New York, attending Hunter College and Howard University Medical School. She recalls interning at several hospitals for her training in gynecology and obstetrics and her memories of the civil rights movement and John F. Kennedy's assassination. She also discusses her volunteer work with several Christian organizations and her involvement at Calvert Baptist Church.

The interview includes Margaret Washington Clifford's memories of growing up in Tuskegee, Alabama, attending the Tuskegee Institute and marrying her husband, a Tuskegee Airman. She recalls moving to California, teaching at a junior high and becoming a guidance counselor and vice principal. She discusses her teaching methods, the influence of her grandfather, Booker T. Washington, and her candy business.

The interview includes Clinton McCord's memories of growing up in Nashville, Tennessee, playing baseball, and serving in the navy during World War II. He recalls attending Tennessee State University and playing baseball in the Negro Leagues for the Nashville Cubs and Baltimore Elite Giants. He discusses playing for several integrated minor league teams, the influence of baseball on the civil rights movement and the racism that still exists in sports.

The interview includes Eugenia Collier's memories of growing up in Baltimore, Maryland and attending Howard University and Columbia University. She recalls raising her family while still a student, working for the Department of Public Welfare, writing her short story "Marigolds" and earning her Ph.D. She discusses the history of African American literature, teaching at several universities and her advice to young African Americans.

The interview includes Frances Cress Welsing's memories of growing up in Chicago, Illinois and attending Antioch College and Howard Medical School. She recalls her career as a psychiatrist, being denied tenure because of her racial theories, and meeting Malcolm X. She discusses her theories of white supremacy, racism, and white genetic annihilation.

The interview includes Flora Crittenden's memories of growing up in Brooklyn, New York and Newport News, Virginia and attending Virginia State College. She recalls teaching high school in Virginia, her teaching philosophy and school integration. She discusses working for Congressman Bobby Scott, her election to the Newport News City Council and the Virginia House of Delegates.

The interview includes Wendell Davis' memories of growing up in Texas, attending Prairie View A & M University and serving in the air force during the Korean War. He recalls his career as an elementary school principal, becoming a professor and coach at Prairie View and guiding the golf team to several championships. He also discusses his career with the Texas Education Agency and raising his family.

The interview includes Gerald Deas' memories of growing up in Brooklyn, New York, racist images in popular culture, serving in the army during the Korean War and attending medical school. He recalls his career as a family doctor in Queens, New York, making house calls and his service to the community. He also discusses his church involvement, writing poetry and his radio show, "House Call."

The interview includes Georgia Dickens' memories of growing up in Atlanta, Georgia and attending Spelman College. She recalls her elementary school teaching career, serving on the boards of the Children's Theatre Guild and the High Museum of Art. She also discusses her faith, her relationships with her students and the importance of volunteering.

The interview includes Betty Jean Dobson's memories of growing up in Ohio, working as a beautician and attending Queens College and Fordham University for her master's degree. She recalls her career as the communications director of Harlem Hospital, promoting public health in New York and her firing over sexual harassment. She also discusses her memories of the civil rights movement and founding the organization Committee to Eliminate Media Offensive to African People.

The interview includes Shirley Douglas' memories of growing up in Washington, D.C. and Virginia, and facing segregation on public transportation. She recalls her career at the Department of Labor and racial discrimination in the workplace. She discusses her family, involvement at church and her opinions on the care of seniors.

The interview includes Elizabeth Edmonds' memories of growing up in Baltimore, Maryland, her first jobs and attending Loyola College. She recalls facing discrimination at her first teaching position, her career as a principal who reformed several schools and earning her Ph.D. at the University of Maryland. She discusses attending the March on Washington, women in the civil rights movement and the drawbacks of integration.

The interview includes Vivian Ellis' memories of growing up in Wilmington, Delaware, playing several sports and meeting Jesse Owens. She recalls attending business school, moving to New York to pursue her career as a secretary and working for the deputy mayor of New York City. She also discusses discrimination on buses, the civil rights movement and her retirement years in Florida.

The interview includes Jeanne Hudgens' memories of growing up in North Carolina, attending North Carolina Central University and Columbia University for her master's degree. She recalls teaching high school, her career at the University of Bridgeport, and working for several organizations related to education and child care. She discusses her work as head of education for the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) and directing the Greensboro, North Carolina Head Start program.

The interview includes Clay Evans' memories of growing up in Tennessee, the influence of church, and moving to Chicago, Illinois. He recalls founding the Fellowship Missionary Baptist Church, participating in the civil rights movement with Operation Push, and his friendships with Martin Luther King, Jr. and Jesse Jackson. He also discusses his faith and African American leadership.

The interview includes Bernice Fiest's memories of growing up in Tyler, Texas, attending Texas College and her first job teaching in school in West Texas. She recalls traveling on segregated buses, teaching in Houston, Texas and earning her master's degree at Prairie View A&M College. She discusses desegregation of schools, the elementary school that was named after her, and her involvement at church. A co-worker and student of Fiest's are also interviewed.

The interview includes Henry Foster's memories of growing up in Pine Bluff, Arkansas and attending Morehouse College and the University of Arkansas Medical School. He recalls the integration of Little Rock High School, meeting his wife, his career as a doctor and his nomination for U. S. Surgeon General. He also offers advice to young African Americans.

The interview includes Norman C. Francis' memories of growing up in Lafayette, Louisiana, attending Xavier University. He recalls becoming the first African American to attend Loyola University Law School and his friendships with Moon Landrieu and other future leaders of New Orleans. He discusses serving in the army during the Korean War, his participation in the civil rights movement as a lawyer, and becoming the first lay president of Xavier University.

The interview includes Lafayette Frederick's memories of growing up in Missouri and attending Tuskegee Institute, where he studied botany and agriculture. He recalls serving in the navy at the end of World War II, earning his Ph.D. in botany at Washington State University and starting his teaching career at Southern University.

The interview includes Jesse Gooding's memories of growing up in Louisiana, serving in the segregated military and attending Wilberforce University, where he majored in chemistry. He recalls job discrimination and his career at Wright Patterson Air Force Base. He discusses joining the Congress of Racial Equality (CORE), protesting job discrimination in Dayton, Ohio and leading the Dayton branch of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP).

The interview includes Marcus Gunter's memories of growing up in Nashville, Tennessee, attending Tuskegee Institute and playing saxophone with the Melody Barons. He recalls performing music while serving in the army during World War II, and teaching music at Pearl High School in Nashville. He discusses directing the Pearl marching band, taking over his family's funeral home business and supporting historically black colleges and universities.

The interview includes Arnett Bodenhamer's memories of growing up in Nashville, Tennessee, and serving in the army during the Korean and Vietnam Wars. He recalls the segregation and discrimination in Nashville, starting his business and joining the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People.

The interview includes Robert Hanna's memories of growing up in Pennsylvania, joining the Boy Scouts and attending Lincoln University. He recalls serving in the army with the Chemical Corps, attending medical school at Howard University and meeting his wife. He discusses his internship at a hospital, practicing medicine in West Chester, Pennsylvania and facing discrimination from white patients.

William Hargraves was interviewed in 2004 for the National Visionary Leadership Project by Dominique Clemons, a National Visionary Heritage Fellow, West Chester University.

The interview includes Charles Harris' memories of growing up in Alabama and attending Morehouse College, the University of Pennsylvania and the University of Wisconsin, where he earned his Ph.D. in political science. He recalls facing discrimination and segregation in the South, his teaching career at Howard University and the student protests there in the 1960s.

The interview includes Raymond Haysbert's memories of growing up in Cincinnati, Ohio, attending Wilberforce University and serving in the army air force in Italy during World War II. He recalls working in a bookstore, teaching business courses and joining Henry Parks to start the Parks Sausage Company in Baltimore, Maryland. He discusses running a small business, discrimination against black businesses and the growth of Parks Sausage into a multi-million dollar company.

The interview includes Marion Henry's memories of growing up in Dallas, Texas, serving in the air force and attending Southern University. He recalls segregation in education, earning his Ph.D. from Syracuse University and his teaching career at Prairie View A & M University, where he became director of teacher certification.

The interview includes Jessie Lee Highsmith's memories of growing up in North Carolina, working as a domestic in Connecticut and volunteering at her children's school. She recalls tutoring adults for a Title I program, volunteering at her church and raising her family. She also discusses serving on the local Housing Authority Board and the Legal Service Board.

The interview includes Asa Hilliard's memories of growing up in Texas and Denver, Colorado, serving in the Peace Corps in Liberia and working for the United States Agency for International Development. He recalls his teaching career at San Francisco State University and Georgia State University, and his work in forensic psychology. He discusses his opinions on standardized testing for African American children, teaching methods and race issues in education.

The interview includes Charlotte Holloman's memories of growing up in Washington, D.C. and attending Howard University and Columbia University for her degrees in music. She recalls learning opera at the Berkshire Music Center, marrying her husband and the death of her sister. She discusses performing at colleges before receiving a grant to study and perform opera in Europe and her long career as a voice teacher.

The interview includes Ola Hudson's memories of growing up in Nashville, Tennessee and attending Tennessee State University. She recalls teaching home economics, the effects of integration in public schools, and working as a diversity educator in the Nashville Public Schools. She also discusses starting a program for pregnant teenagers to finish high school and volunteering at her church.

The interview includes William Jackson's memories of growing up in Alexandria, Virginia, attending North Carolina A & T University, and playing football for a Canadian team. He recalls serving in the army during the Korean War, teaching history and coaching football at several historically black colleges and universities and working for the Department of Health and Human Services. He discusses his opinions on the civil rights movements and the education of African Americans.

The interview includes Esther Cooper Jackson's memories of growing up in Arlington, Virginia, attending Dunbar High School and studying sociology at Oberlin College and Fisk University. She recalls her work with the Southern Negro Youth Congress, founding the journal Freedomways and attending the March on Washington. She discusses women in the civil rights movement, the African American press and her support of the anti-war movement.

The interview includes Harry Johns' memories of growing up in Ohio and attending Wilberforce University and serving in the segregated army in France and Germany during World War II. He recalls earning a master's degree in accounting at Columbia University, job discrimination in accounting firms, and his career as comptroller and Vice President of Financial Affairs at Central State University. He discusses becoming the first African American member of the local Rotary Club, volunteering and serving on the boards of many organizations.

The interview includes Tobe Johnson's memories of growing up in Birmingham, Alabama, attending Morehouse College and serving in the air force during the Korean War. He recalls earning his Ph.D. in political science at Columbia University and teaching at Morehouse College. He recalls segregation on buses, funding for historically black colleges and serving on the boards of several organizations.

The interview includes Howard Jones' memories of growing up in, Ohio, meeting his wife, Wanda, and attending Nyack College. He recalls his early career as a minister at several churches in New York and Ohio, serving as a missionary in Africa where he started a church radio program. He recalls working with the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association, his wife's writings, and starting the Soldiers for Christ organization.

The interview includes Julia Gibson Jordan's memories of growing up in Waxahachie, Texas, attending Wiley College and becoming a teacher in Dallas, Texas. She recalls earning her master's degree at the University of Denver, becoming a guidance counselor and working with troubled students. She discusses watching the parade for John F. Kennedy when he was assassinated, the civil rights movement in Dallas, and writing a biography of Frederica Chase Dodd, founder of the Delta Sigma Theta sorority.

The interview includes Del Jupiter's memories of growing up in Pensacola, Florida, attending Spelman College and becoming a librarian. She recalls researching and writing about her family history and her interest in photography. She discusses assisting her husband, a minister, at church and traveling after her retirement.

The interview includes Delores Kendrick's memories of growing up in Washington, D.C., attending Georgetown University and her first job teaching junior high English. She recalls teaching at the alternative high school School Without Walls and the Phillips Exeter Academy, and publishing her first book of poetry. She discusses the influence of her favorite poets, her writing process and her appointment as Poet Laureate of Washington, D.C.

The interview includes Matthew Kennedy's memories of growing up in Americus, Georgia, learning to play the piano and attending the Julliard School and Fisk University. He recalls meeting his wife, also a pianist, serving in the army during World War II and teaching piano at Fisk University. He discusses becoming the director of the Fisk Jubilee Singers, traveling around the world on tour, and the civil rights movement in Nashville, Tennessee.

The interview includes Charles Kimbrough's memories of growing up in rural Tennessee and his army service in Korea. He recalls attending Tennessee State A & I College, veterinary school at Tuskegee University and becoming the first licensed African American veterinarian in Tennessee. He also discusses his involvement in local branches of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) in Tennessee and Illinois and the role of religion in the civil rights movement.

The interview includes Melvin King's memories of growing up in Boston, Massachusetts, attending Clafin College and working as a teacher. He recalls joining many civil rights, community and youth organizations, school busing and desegregation in Boston, and serving as a state representative in Massachusetts. He discusses his unsuccessful run for mayor of Boston, advocating for the homeless and affordable housing, and protesting against urban renewal projects that displaced lower income residents.

The interview includes Frankie Ledbetter's memories of growing up in Texas, attending Bishop College and teaching in public schools in Prairie View, Texas. She recalls her career as a professor at Prairie View A & M University and her appointment as a municipal court judge. She discusses her opinions on race and the criminal justice system and the education of African Americans.

The interview includes Thomas Logan's memories of growing up in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, attending Lincoln University and the Philadelphia Divinity School and his first position as a minister. He recalls his career at Calvary Monumental Church, the influence of his father-in-law and his involvement in the civil rights movement. He discusses the history of the black church, his membership in Alpha Phi Alpha and his friendship with activist Delores Tucker.

The interview includes Thaddeus Lott's memories of growing up in Acres Homes, Texas, attending Texas Southern University and becoming a teacher. He recalls his career as a principal at Wesley Elementary School in Houston, Texas, where he dramatically improved test scores for minority children. He discusses his opinions on teaching methods, educational reform and the difficulties of school integration.

The interview includes Leo Lucas' memories of growing up in Georgia, attending Florida A&M University and becoming a teacher. He recalls teaching in the Dayton, Ohio public schools and joining the board of education. He discusses the problems with desegregating public schools, starting his accounting firm and founding the National Caucus of Black School Board Members and the Dayton Minority Enterprises Small Business Investment Corporation.

The interview includes Barbara Mann's memories of growing up in Washington, D.C., attending Howard University and becoming a teacher in Nashville, Tennessee. She recalls her career as a guidance counselor at Fisk University and Tennessee State University and serving on the Nashville School Board. She discusses the importance of historically black college and universities and the desegregation of Nashville schools.

The interview includes Edward Martin's memories of growing up in South Carolina, attending Fisk University and earning his Ph.D. in biology at the University of Iowa. He recalls his career as a professor and dean at Prairie View A & M University and serving on the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board's Office of Civil Rights. He discusses his family and changes in higher education and funding for historically black colleges and universities.

The interview includes Gladys Mayo's memories of growing up in North Carolina, moving to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and working as a cook. She recalls opening her own restaurant called Granny's Place, starting a community garden and opening a mini-mall for small minority-owned businesses. She discusses her volunteer work with women in prison, raising foster children and starting a food pantry.

The interview includes Mary McEwan's memories of growing up in Alabama and Nashville, Tennessee, attending Tennessee State University and marrying her husband. She recalls starting her catering business and barbeque restaurant, and cooking at several universities in Nashville. She discusses writing poetry and cookbooks, her involvement at the Spruce Street Baptist Church and volunteering with the Bethlehem Center.

The interview includes Sara McKissick's memories of growing up in Atlanta, Georgia, attending Clark University and moving to Chicago, Illinois. She recalls learning gospel music at church and performing with the Lucy Smith Singers and the Caravans. She discusses her friendship with Roberta Martin, the influence of other gospel singers on her work and the future of gospel music.

The interview includes Stanley McMullen's memories of attending the Tuskegee Institute, working with a farm training program, and becoming a high school teacher in Gloucester, Virginia. He recalls teaching vocational courses, sponsoring the Future Farmers of America club, and the integration of public schools. He discusses serving on Gloucester's Equalization Board and Planning Commission and as president of the Middle Peninsula Relief Society.

The interview includes Bennie McRae's memories of growing up in Alabama, experiencing discrimination and segregation, and attending the Tuskegee Institute. He recalls serving in the Air Force during the Korean War, the Montgomery Bus Boycott, and his career with the Federal Aviation Administration. He discusses his interest in African American history and genealogy and starting his website "Lest We Forget" about African Americans who served in the military.

The interview includes Samuel Mitchell's memories of growing up in Edgefield, South Carolina, moving to Washington, D.C. and working as a crane operator. He recalls joining the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP), attending the Washington Baptist Seminary after his retirement and becoming a minister. He discusses his work at the Rising Sun Baptist Church and working with young people.

The interview includes Henry Mitchell's memories of growing up in Columbus, Ohio, attending Ohio State University and his decision to become a minister. He recalls attending Union Seminary where he met his wife, Reverend Ella Mitchell, and serving as chaplain at North Carolina Central University. He discusses his work as a district missionary in California, raising his children, and starting many Christian youth programs.

The interview includes LaVerne Jackson Moore's memories of growing up in Cincinnati, Ohio, attending the University of Cincinnati and her first job as a physical education teacher at St. Paul's Polytechnic Institute in Virginia. She recalls meeting her husband, earning her master's degree at Boston University and teaching physical education at Florida A & M University. She also discusses raising her daughter and traveling to Africa.

The interview includes Samuel Myers' memories of growing up in Baltimore, Maryland, attending Morgan State University and serving in the army during World War II. He recalls earning his graduate degrees in economics at Boston University and Harvard University. He recalls working as an economist for the State Department, teaching at Morgan State University and becoming president of Bowie State University. He discusses the university's integration, increasing funding and expanding business education programs.

The interview includes Barbara Oldwine's memories of growing up in Binghamton, New York, attending Fisk University and marrying her husband. She recalls moving to Washington, D.C., working at the Pentagon and moving back to Binghamton. She discusses her career at Medicaid, volunteering for the Girl Scouts and the YWCA and her community radio show.

The interview includes Anyim Palmer's memories of growing up in Texas, serving in the army during World War II and working at the shipyards in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He recalls moving to Los Angeles, California, attending Los Angeles City College and his conversion to Islam. He discusses founding the Marcus Garvey School and his opinions on educating African American children.

Essie Kathryn Payne was interviewed in 2004 for the National Visionary Leadership Project by Reniesha Williams, a National Visionary Heritage Fellow, Central State University, in Ohio.

The interview includes Margaret Peters' memories of growing up in Dayton, Ohio, attending the University of Dayton and becoming a teacher. She recalls her efforts to include black history in the Dayton school district's social studies curriculum, her work at the Aviation Heritage Foundation and writing books on African American history. She discusses Dayton's African American history, her volunteer work and her love of poetry.

The interview includes Frances Pratt's memories of growing up in South Carolina, attending Barber-Scotia College and becoming a Seventh Day Adventist. She recalls moving to Nyack, New York, attending nursing school and working at the Nyack Hospital for 46 years. She discusses joining the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP), becoming president of its Nyack branch and volunteering at her church.

The interview includes Bernard Proctor's memories of growing up in Pennsylvania and attending Wilberforce University where he played baseball and football. He recalls serving in the army air force during World War II and flying missions in North Africa and Italy. He discusses returning to Wilberforce to coach, attending Ohio State University for graduate school and teaching industrial arts at several historically black colleges and universities.

The interview includes Norman Rates' memories of growing up in Kentucky, his participation in church and attending Kentucky State College. He recalls attending seminary at Lincoln University and Oberlin Divinity School and becoming the minister of Sisters Chapel at Spelman College. He recalls the changes at Spelman College in the 1960s, teaching classes on women and the Bible, and visiting Africa.

The interview includes Robert Rivers' memories of growing up in Harlem, New York, serving in the air force and attending Fordham University. He recalls supporting the Schomburg Library, working many odd jobs and meeting his wife. He discusses his career as a police officer in New York, becoming a detective in the street crime unit and his faith.

The interview includes Willieboyd Saddler's memories of growing up in Georgia and attending Fort Valley State College. She discusses her early career in finance and insurance and meeting her husband. She recalls meeting Martin Luther King, Jr., her work as an accountant for the Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC) and several events of the civil rights movement.

The interview includes Blanche Scott's memories of growing up in Jamaica, moving to England and New York and becoming a nursing assistant. She recalls the death of her husband, raising her children and her work serving the homeless. She discusses her faith and offers advice to young African Americans.

The interview includes Jessie Carney Smith's memories of growing up in North Carolina and attending North Carolina A & T University. She recalls moving to Nashville, Tennessee, working at Fisk University and earning her master's and Ph.D. in library science. She discusses her career as a librarian and professor, writing books on African American history, literature and genealogy and her involvement with United Methodist Women.

Charles Snyder was interviewed for the National Visionary Leadership Project, by Elizabeth Craig, a National Visionary Heritage Fellow, Central State University.

The interview includes Edward Temple's memories of growing up in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, playing sports and attending Tennessee State University where he ran track. He recalls meeting his wife, coaching the Tennessee State University women's track team and urging the university to award scholarships for women athletes. He discusses segregation in sports, coaching the women's Olympic track team and the results of Title IX to increase funding for women's sports.

The interview includes Delores Tillman's memories of growing up in Baltimore, Maryland, working as an elevator operator and raising her family. She recalls the riots of 1968, her career as a nursing assistant at St. Agnes Hospital and facing discrimination from supervisors. She discusses her work in hospice home care and her involvement with the Faith Tabernacle Church.

The interview includes Billye Von Blasingame's memories of growing up in Alabama, attending Spelman College and becoming a teacher. She recalls moving to California, her struggles to find a job as a teacher, and becoming a guidance counselor. She discusses her involvement in the civil rights movement and the Mississippi freedom rides.

Frances Walker-Slocum was interviewed on November 2, 2002 for the National Visionary Leadership Project by Heather Griffin, a National Visionary Heritage Fellow, Oberlin College, in Oberlin, Ohio.

The interview includes DeLois Wilkinson's memories of growing up in Arkansas, attending LeMoyne College and Northwestern University, and becoming a physical therapist. She recalls joining the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP), working with disabled children and the integration of Nashville, Tennessee public schools. She discusses serving on the Nashville school board, her opinions on the education of African American children and her memories of civil rights protests in Nashville.

The interview includes Frances Williams' memories of growing up in Pennsylvania, attending West Chester University and raising her daughter. She recalls teaching in West Chester, Pennsylvania and Wilmington, Delaware, earning her master's degree at Villanova University and becoming a guidance counselor. She discusses desegregation of public schools, attending an institute for teachers of disadvantaged children and her advice for young African Americans.

The interview includes Grant Williams' memories of growing up in Virginia, working as a housepainter and serving in the army air force during World War II. He recalls training at Tuskegee Airfield, serving in Italy and becoming a sergeant. He discusses serving in the Korean and Vietnam Wars and receiving two bronze stars for his service.

The interview includes McDonald Williams' memories of growing up in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and attending University of Pittsburgh, and Jamye Williams' memories of growing up in Kentucky and attending Wilberforce University. They recall meeting, their marriage, and attending Ohio State University where they both earned PhD's. They discuss teaching at Tennessee State University, joining the civil rights movement in Nashville, Tennessee, and their involvement in the AME Church.

The interview includes Ruth Williams' memories of growing up in Harlem, New York, taking dance classes and performing in the broadway show "Porgy and Bess" in London at age 7. She recalls being the first African American student to graduate from Cathedral High School, attending Hunter College and working as a teacher. She discusses working as a radio operator in the Signal Corps during World War II and opening the Ruth Williams Dance Studio, which has been in operation for over 60 years.

Floyd N. Williams was interviewed on November 8, 2003 for the National Visionary Leadership Project by Krislynn, a National Visionary Heritage Fellow, Spelman College, in Houston, Texas.

Roberta Hughes Wright was interviewed in 2003 for the National Visionary Leadership Project by Adrienne Smith, a National Visionary Heritage Fellow, Prairie View A & M University, in Troy, Michigan.

The interview includes Harvey Ziegler's memories of growing up in Damascus, Maryland and serving in the army in Europe during World War II. He recalls starting his own local veterans' association after facing discrimination from the American Legion and starting his trucking business. He discusses his career as a mechanic at the Atomic Energy Commission, filing complaints on racial discrimination in the workplace and his work as youth director for the Damascus National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP).

The interviews include the memories of John Melvin Alexander, Kinney Ivis Booker, Joe Ira Burns, Otis G. Clark and Genevieve E. Jackson, who were children during the 1921 Tulsa Riot They recall growing up in the African American neighborhood Greenwood, race relations in Tulsa, and the Ku Klux Klan in Oklahoma. They discuss the bombing and burning of Greenwood, fleeing Tulsa and the rebuilding of the neighborhood. James O. Goodwin, attorney for Tulsa Riot victims in the 2003 court case Alexander, et al., v. Oklahoma, et al., is interviewed about the case.

The interview includes Lucy Allen's memories of growing up in Vinita, Oklahoma, and her family's African American and Cherokee heritage. She recalls her parents' property disputes and being denied Cherokee citizenship based on her color. She discusses the lawsuit she successfully won to gain citizenship and the rejection of her application for a Certificate of Degree of Indian Blood.

The interview includes Ron Dellums' memories of growing up in Oakland, California, joining the marines and attending San Francisco State University and the University of California at Berkeley. He recalls his career as a psychiatric social worker, his involvement in the civil rights and anti-war movements and his election to the Berkeley city council. He discusses serving in the U.S. House of Representatives, founding the Congressional Black Caucus, and his commitment to peace and human rights. He also discusses his election as mayor of Oakland.

The interview includes Dolores Robinson's memories of growing up in Pennsylvania, attending West Chester University and working as an elementary school teacher. She recalls her marriage to television writer Matt Robinson, hosting a children's television show in Philadelphia and moving to California where she became a Hollywood agent, manager and producer. She discusses working with her clients, racism in the entertainment industry and raising her children.

The interview includes Wesley Brown's memories of growing up in Washington, D.C., attending Dunbar High School and Howard University. He recalls his appointment to the Naval Academy, his career with the Navy Civil Engineering Corps and earning the rank of lieutenant commander. He discusses working as an engineer at Howard University and the history of discrimination in the military and science.

The interview includes Mamie "Peanut" Johnson's memories of growing up in South Carolina and Washington, D.C., playing baseball with boys and her rejection from an all-white women's team. She recalls becoming one of three women to play in the Negro Leagues as a pitcher with the Indianapolis Clowns and her friendships with players Buck O'Neal and Satchel Paige. She also discusses raising her son and her later career as a nurse.

The interview includes Diahann Carroll's memories of growing up in New York, attending the High School of Music and Art, working as a model and singing on the Arthur Godfrey Radio Show. She recalls performing in Broadway musicals and plays and moving to Los Angeles to star in the television show "Julia." She discusses her movie career, the opportunities available for African American actors, and her nomination for an academy award for "Claudine."

The interview includes Julius Chambers' memories of growing up in Mt. Gilead, North Carolina, attending North Carolina Central University, and protesting discrimination on buses. He recalls attending the University of North Carolina Law School, becoming the first African American editor of the Law Review, and interning for the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) Legal Defense Fund. He discusses starting his own law firm in North Carolina, facing bomb threats for working on civil rights cases, and becoming president of the Legal Defense Fund and Chancellor of North Carolina State University.

The interview includes Marva Collins' memories of growing up in Alabama, attending Clark College and teaching in Alabama. She recalls moving to Chicago, Illinois and teaching in public schools, where she began to use the Socratic Method with her students. She discusses problems with public schools and starting her own private school, the Westside Preparatory School, and a teacher training program.

The interview includes James Comer's memories of growing up in East Chicago, Indiana and attending Indiana University and Howard University Medical School. He recalls his career as a child psychiatrist and professor at Yale University's Child Study Center and researching the achievement gap among African Americans and whites in public schools. He discusses implementing new school reform programs in New Haven, Connecticut and other issues with improving education for minorities.

The interview includes Chuck Brown's memories of growing up in Virginia and Washington, D.C., learning to play the piano, and working many odd jobs. He recalls learning to play guitar and earning his high school diploma in prison, starting his band The Soul Searchers and developing the genre of Go-Go. He discusses the Washington, D.C. music scene, the influence of gospel on his music, and the success of his single "Bustin' Loose."

The interview includes Roger Wilkins' memories of growing up in Kansas City, Missouri and Grand Rapids, Michigan and assisting his uncle Roy Wilkins during the civil rights movement. He recalls attending the University of Michigan for college and law school, working for the Agency for International Development and becoming Assistant Attorney General under President Johnson. He discusses working at the Ford Foundation, becoming a reporter at the Washington Post and the New York Times, and his support of the gay rights movement.

The interview includes John Conyers' memories of growing up in Detroit, his father's involvement in the United Auto Workers union, his military service in Korea, and his education at Wayne State University. He discusses his involvement in the civil rights movement, including meeting Martin Luther King, Jr. He also discusses his election to congress and many events during his long career, including his work on the Voting Rights Act of 1965, founding the Black Congressional Caucus and the Nixon impeachment.

The interview includes Vivian Ayers Allen's memories of growing up in Chester, South Carolina and attending the Brainerd Institute, a former Presbyterian freedmen school, and Bennett College. She recalls marrying and divorcing her husband, her start at writing poetry, and raising her children. She discusses living in Mexico, starting community arts programs in Houston, Texas and Chester, South Carolina, and buying the Brainerd Institute with her daughters, Debbie Allen and Phylicia Rashad.

The interview includes Earl Barthé's memories of growing up in New Orleans, Louisiana, his family's plaster business and his Uncle Peter's success at integrating the Plasterer's Union. He recalls his work on many historic buildings, churches and houses in New Orleans, including the Superdome, Luling Mansion and Xavier University. He discusses his involvement in the labor movement, local politics and the civil rights movement and his exhibition at the Smithsonian Institution.

Simeon Booker was interviewed by Cheryl S. Clarke on October 29, 2009 for the National Visionary Leadership Project in Washington, D.C.

The interview includes Leo Branton's memories of growing up in Pine Bluff, Arkansas, attending Tennessee State University and serving in the army during World War II. He recalls attending law school at Northwestern University, moving to Los Angeles, California and staring his own criminal defense law practice. He discusses his Hollywood clients and his well known cases defending the Black Panthers and Angela Davis.

The interview includes Mary Christian's memories of growing up in Hampton, Virginia, teaching at Hampton public schools and encouraging her students' involvement in the civil rights movement. She recalls the desegregation of public schools, serving on the school board and earning her Ph. D. She discusses her career teaching at Hampton University, her involvement in local politics and her election to the Virginia House of Delegates.

The interview includes Moses Cobb's memories of growing up in Athens, Georgia, moving to Baltimore, Maryland and working as an airport janitor. He recalls his career as a skycap with American Airlines and serving in the army. He discusses his involvement at his church and offers advice for young African Americans.

The interview includes Vernon Coffey's memories of growing up in Kansas City, Kansas, working as a train waiter and joining in the army. He recalls attending Officer Candidate School, serving in the Korean War, and becoming a paratrooper. He discusses the Vietnam War, serving as an army aid to the President, and his work as a corporate executive for General Mills and several other companies.

The interview includes Maria Cole's memories of growing up in Massachusetts and attending the Palmer Memorial Institute founded by her aunt, Charlotte Hawkins Brown. She recalls singing as a child and starting her career as a jazz vocalist as a teenager performing with Duke Ellington. She discusses meeting Nat King Cole, their marriage and facing discrimination in housing, the entertainment world and public accommodations.

The interview includes Calvin Coleman's memories of growing up in Spotsylvania, Virginia and serving in the army during World War II in Italy. He recalls moving to Washington, D.C. and his career as a mechanic, bus driver and trainer for the Capital Transit Company. He discusses the 1968 riots, becoming a deacon at the Florida Avenue Baptist Church and raising his family.