Interview with Granville King, Jr., January 24, 1985

Interview Summary

Granville King was born on October 4, 1930 in Russellville, Kentucky. He attended the city high school for blacks in Russellville, and received his diploma in 1948. King enrolled in Kentucky State College that Fall, where he received his Bachelor of Science in Agriculture. In 1952, he began attending the University of Kentucky where he completed a master's degree in 1957. King began working in 1956 in both Todd and Christian counties as an Assistant Agricultural Agent in Negro Work. He recalls the strong black participation in the agricultural program in Christian County, and working with the 4-H Clubs in Christian County. He states that there was a strong black homemakers program in the county. King recalls the integration of extension work in 1967. He describes community meetings and addressing the needs of the people.

King later became an Area Extension Specialist in 4-H in the Louisville area. He describes the difference between the urban and the rural 4-H program, and states that it is much harder to work in an urban rather than a rural community. He talks about the funding of 4-H through nutrition programs, and talks about the development of a nutrition project. He describes the organization of wood working programs, and mentions the Emergency Employment Act (EEA) training program for unemployed, disadvantaged people. King states that when he arrived in Louisville, the county had a traditional 4-H county program, and he explains that he was not too excited about the expansion of 4-H into the urban community. King states that he found a tremendous amount of support in the community, and explains that the urban 4-H Council has become equal with the traditional council.

King talks about Kentucky's system of area councils. He describes the roles that volunteer leaders can play that paid staff leaders can not. He talks about the support he has received from the University of Kentucky College of Agriculture. He states that the opportunities for in-service training are outstanding and that there is constant improvement in research and new knowledge. He talks about people at the University of Kentucky who have worked with him. He mentions satisfying experiences including helping farmers get social security benefits, and helping young people attend 4-H camp and seeing them grow into accomplished professionals. He mentions a few disappointments throughout his career, and also talks about his family.

Interview Keyword

Kentucky's Cooperative Extension Service

Interview LC Subject

King, Granville, Jr., 1930- King, Granville, Jr., 1930- --Interviews University of Kentucky University of Kentucky--History University of Kentucky. Cooperative Extension Service Agriculture

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Interview Usage

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