Interview with Georgia Keith, October 17, 2022

Interview Summary

Georgia Keith discusses the arc of her adult life in Over-the-Rhine as a long-time resident and active community member. She talks about moving from Noonan, Georgia to Cincinnati in 1964 as part of the ‘Great Migration’ of African Americans to midwestern industrial cities. Her life story touches on her work life, forming and raising a family with her husband Milton, her involvement in creating a labor union at Harrison House, the ‘riots’ of 1968, and more. Georgia discusses her housing experiences that include getting baskets of food from Tedesco produce when she lived over their store in Findlay Market, renting from the Denharts, being evicted without cause, and finally finding permanent housing on Republic Street with the Race Street Tenants Organizing Committee (ReSTOC). She reflects on the bonds of community that were formed on her block, as well as some intraracial tensions with neighbors earlier on Race Street. The interview closes with some thoughts and on the impacts of recent gentrification, including social marginalization as new residents move in and public spaces becomes more managed.

Interview Keyword

buddy gray Race riots Findlay Market Gentrification Cincinnati (Ohio) Great Migration Norm Denhart Porter Middle School ReSTOC Harrison House Redevelopment Sixth District School Segregation Tom Steinmetz Walnut Hills High School Washington Park School Noonan (Ga.) Over-the-Rhine Chickwood Apartments Racism Union organizing Colorism

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