Interview with Don Offutt, July 28, 1986

Interview Summary

Mr. Offutt recounts his family history, educational background and experiences, and the disadvantages experienced by African American students in segregated schools. He recalls the violence in Bowling Green, the "Shake-rag" and Kentucky Street sections in Bowling Green, the Mustang Inn, and the Tea Room. He talks about the black entertainers' "Chitlin Circuit", Roscoe "Cripple" King, and the Flamingo Club. Remarking on Judge Milligan and racism, he remembers establishing the first African American fraternity at Western Kentucky University, and differentiates between the social conditions at Kentucky State and those at Western Kentucky University. He recounts his employment experiences at the University of Kentucky in 1974, working for Congressman Larry Hopkins and for the Hunter Foundation. Mr. Offutt discusses the relationship between the African American community and the Republican party.

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. Offutt, Don Offutt, Don--Interviews

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.