Interview with Viola J. Greene, June 1, 1978

Interview Summary

A teacher in the Lexington school system for nearly 42 years, Ms. Greene graduated from Dunbar High School in 1928, West Virginia State College in 1932, and received her Master's Degree in 1948 from Columbia University. She began her teaching career at Grover Washington Elementary, transferring to Dunbar in 1934 where she taught mathematics until 1939. She left the profession until 1952 when she returned to Lexington Douglas (1952-1963) and Lexington Lafayette and taught until 1974.
Greene discusses the impact segregation had upon the salary scales of African American teachers during the 1930's, the differences between black and white schools of the period, the scholastic achievements of her students and the role of teachers in African American schools. She recounts the reaction of white administrators to the guidance program she started at Dunbar, and the attitudes of white teachers to African American students during integration. The resistance of the African American community to segregation in Fayette County including the attitude of African American teachers to the civil rights movement of the 1960's and the teacher selection process for school integration is recalled.

Interview Keyword

African Americans African Americans in Lexington and New York City Dunbar High School (1934-1939) Lexington Lexington, Kentucky Louisville 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. Greene, Viola J. Greene, Viola J.--Interviews

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Interview Usage

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