Interview with Ann B. Black, March 12, 1987

Interview Summary

A graduate of Kentucky State and the first person in her family to attend college, Ms. Black advanced her education further with course work at Indiana University (the first integrated school she attended). She began her career in Hardinsburg, Kentucky in a three room school where she taught music and English; followed by a stint at the Lincoln Institute in Louisville and positions at Southern Junior High, Lexington Junior High and Dunbar. Ms. Black examines the differences between segregated and integrated schools in quality of education received, facilities and supplies, and teacher involvement with the students.

She recalls her teaching experiences at Southern where she was accepted by an influential principal, and discusses the resentment felt by African American teachers forced to leave their home schools after integration. She reviews the impact of integration upon the students, harassed by white teachers unfamiliar with African Americans; and, the attempted censorship of African American oriented teaching materials and curricula. Despite incidences of racism, she had good relationships with her colleagues, some of whom became life long friends.

Ms. Black reminisces about her family life; growing up in a close knit, caring neighborhood where children were taught respect; and, the time constraints which prevent neighbors from interacting with each other as much as they would like. She discusses the changes she has witnessed in the African American churches, both within the congregation and among ministerial leadership. Ms. Black recounts her experiences with the civil rights movement in Lexington; comments upon the apathetic attitude of the African American community and how this has limited progress; and, bemoans the lack of suitable housing, loss of African American professionals, and the decline of Deweese Street.

Interview Keyword

African American churches--Kentucky African American neighborhoods Civil rights movements--United States Family histories. Racism--Kentucky--Lexington School integration--Kentucky

Interview LC Subject

African Americans--Education African Americans--Segregation African Americans--Social conditions Black, Ann B. Black, Ann B.--Interviews Hardinsburg (Ky.) Race discrimination Race Relations--Kentucky Rural schools--Kentucky Teachers--Kentucky Teaching

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.