Interview with James Perkins, August 16, 1978

Interview Summary

Captain of the Lexington Police Department, James Perkins graduated from Dunbar High School and Western Kentucky Industrial College, and has attended both Eastern Kentucky University and the University of Louisville. He joined the department in 1952, served a year as an undercover agent for the Federal Government in the 1960's, and also served with the Kentucky State Police. Captain Perkins discusses racial prejudice in the police department and within the community during the early 1950's, his opposition to violence, and the effects of the civil rights movement in Lexington in the 1960's. Other topics mentioned include the weak attempts to recruit African American police officers, and the problems associated with the Douglas Park area.

Interview Keyword

African Americans African Americans in Lexington born 1925 in Woodford County Captain in the Lexington Kentucky Kentucky Police Department 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--Religion Perkins, James Perkins, James--Interviews African Americans African Americans--Race identity

Interview Rights

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Interview Usage

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