Interview with Nathan R. Sullivan, July 27, 1986

Interview Summary

A professor of sociology at the University of Kentucky, Dr. Sullivan grew up in Morganfield, Kentucky in a family of thirteen children. His mother, Grace Richards Sullivan, was the daughter of a former slave on the Richards plantation in Union County, Kentucky. He discusses his family history, his graduation from Morganfield Dunbar High School, and his career in the United States Air Force. Dr. Sullivan recounts the discrimination faced by African Americans in the Kentucky coal mines, the racism he encountered in the Air Force both at home and overseas, and returning home in 1966 to further discrimination in Union County, in the Whirlpool Corporation, and at the University of Kentucky. The establishment of ORGENA and the Black Student Union at the University of Kentucky is outlined as are Dr. Sullivans' memories of President John W. Oswald's administration at U.K. and its relationship with students, and the presence of supportive professors at the University.

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. Sullivan, Nathan R. Sullivan, Nathan R.--Interviews

Interview Rights

All rights to the interviews, including but not restricted to legal title, copyrights and literary property rights, have been transferred to the University of Kentucky Libraries.

Interview Usage

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