Interview with Alphonso Jackson, August 11, 1986

Interview Summary

A Navy veteran of World War Two, Mr. Jackson reminisces about his grandparents who were former slaves, the Jackson-Dunn family reunion of 1928, and his parents. His father was a sharecropper. His mother was Amanda West Jackson. He recalls his education at Bracktown Elementary, Dunbar and Douglas High Schools, as well as teacher Margaret Stewart and his extracurricular activities. The relationships between neighbors within the community, the role of the church and the changes which have taken place, African American ministers as societal leaders, and the importance of religion to African American citizens are all commented upon by Mr. Jackson. He discusses his employment at the University of Kentucky as a custodian and the fair treatment he received. Mr. Jackson talks about his reaction to the civil rights movement and his lack of participation, his opposition to the Black Coalition, his opinion regarding Reverend Jesse Jackson, and the influence John F. Kennedy had on his life.

Interview Keyword

African Americans African Americans in Lexington Lexington, Kentucky Race relations

Interview LC Subject

African American families African Americans--Civil rights--Kentucky African Americans--Education--Kentucky--Lexington African Americans--Kentucky--Lexington--Economic conditions African Americans--Race identity. African Americans--Religion African Americans. Jackson, Alphonso Jackson, Alphonso--Interviews

Interview Rights

All rights to the interviews, including but not restricted to legal title, copyrights and literary property rights, have been transferred to the University of Kentucky Libraries.

Interview Usage

Interviews may be reproduced with permission from Louie B. Nunn Center for Oral History, Special Collections, University of Kentucky Libraries.