Scope and Contents

BLACK COMMUNITY PROJECT Hammons, first African American teacher hired in the Springfield, school system, discusses segregation and discrimination, her teaching career, teaching at Iles School, tutoring mentally handicapped children, and black teachers entering the school system. She also mentions Springfield neighborhoods and businesses, and teaching challenges during WWII.

2 tapes, 175 mins., 50 pp. Interview by Reverend N.L. McPherson, 1974 OPEN See collateral file

Scope and Contents BLACK COMMUNITY PROJECT Harris, lifelong resident and businessman of Springfield, recalls his experiences as a member of the African American community: social conditions, discrimination, segregation, and businesses. He recalls his own business ventures, including owning a restaurant, grocery store, garbage hauling, real estate, and the rental business. He discusses integrating the job market, 1937 Harris subdivision, Depression, and the 1908 race riot. He also discusses coal mining,...

Scope and Contents BLACK COMMUNITY PROJECT Leota Harris, resident of Springfield, since 1896, discusses her life experiences as an African American woman. She recalls her family background, conditions for African Americans, discrimination, businesses, Number 5 Engine House, her job with the Pullman Railroad Car Company, and employment at a beauty salon. She also discusses her aunt Kathryn Johnson who set up the Springfield Chapter of the NAACP and wrote Stealing a Nation, changes in domestic life, holiday...

Scope and Contents BLACK COMMUNITY PROJECT Hayden, Springfield resident and postal employee, discusses his experiences as a mail carrier in the Springfield community, segregation and discrimination, changes in Springfield and in the conditions for African Americans. He also discusses his experiences during WWI in France, serving in an all-black unit and recalls the influenza epidemic that struck the transport ship en route to Europe. He also mentions Springfield businesses, mob action and lynching in...

Scope and Contents BLACK COMMUNITY PROJECT Hopkins, long-time resident of Springfield, discusses her experiences as an African American. She recalls her family background and childhood on a farm near Mechanicsburg, Illinois, education, prejudice and discrimination, social conditions and employment opportunities for African Americans. She also discusses Springfield neighborhoods, businesses, local churches, employment as a bookkeeper, participation in the Mary Church Terrell Club and the YWCA's Phyllis...

Scope and Contents BLACK COMMUNITY PROJECT Hubbard, lifelong Sangamon County resident, discusses his experiences as an African American in the first half of the 20th century. He recalls farm life, childhood activities, home gardening, homemade foods, construction work, local coal mines, effects of the Depression, home remedies, and holiday celebrations. He also discusses the ministry, Springfield in the 1940's, conditions of African Americans, discrimination, businesses owned by African Americans, the 1908...

Scope and Contents BLACK COMMUNITY PROJECT Liggins, Illinois state employee 1904-48, recalls working for James A. Rose, Secretary of State (1897-1912) and for Governor Henry Horner. Also recalls Springfield in the early 1900's: St. Paul's African Methodist Evangelical Church, discrimination in taverns, African American doctors, the 1908 race riot, and his marriage in 1910. 1 tape, 90 mins., 24 pp. Interview by Reverend Negil L. McPherson, 1974 RESTRICTED: May not be used on radio. Transcript...

Scope and Contents

BLACK COMMUNITY PROJECT Lockhart, firefighter, recalls working in the Springfield Fire Department: race discrimination, neighborhoods, churches, and the black community in Springfield; Depression; and employment and politics in the black community. Also discusses work in coal mines and as Springfield Golden Gloves boxing coach.

1 tape, 90 mins., 52 pp. Interview by Reverend Negil L. McPherson, 1974 OPEN See collateral file

Scope and Contents

BLACK COMMUNITY PROJECT Mann discusses discrimination in Springfield, race riot of 1908, the Depression's effects on the African American community, and the reactions of local and state officials to black efforts to improve their economic and social status. Also recalls his work for the Illinois Department of Public Welfare, the NAACP, Urban League, and Public Aid Commission.

2 tapes, 180 mins., 35 pp. Interview by Reverend Negil L. McPherson, 1974 OPEN See collateral file

Scope and Contents

BLACK COMMUNITY PROJECT Alice Martin recalls rural Illinois life in the early 20th century: growing up near Rochester; Springfield race riot of 1908; racial discrimination, prejudices, and segregation; her involvement in women's organizations; and her travels.

2 tapes, 180 mins., 55 pp. Interview by Reverend Negil L. McPherson, 1974 OPEN See collateral file