Interview with Steve Honore, May 30, 2021

Interview Summary

Steve Honore graduated from Capital University in physics and mathematics. Influenced by the book “The Ugly American” and a trip to Cuba through Operation Friendship in 1959, JFK’s call for a Peace Corps resonated with Steve. While at Ohio State he participated in a study group on the Peace Corps and was invited to the White House to meet with Vice President Johnson to share ideas about the creation of the Peace Corps. Steve was one of the first 27 invitees to join. His Pre-Service Training for Colombia was mostly academic with some physical conditioning at Rutgers University. Steve was assigned to the Federation of Coffee Growers in Antioquia, Colombia. CARE administered the program. Steve was moved to Buenaventura, a racially black region, and traveled by boat to visit his jungle village work sites. He discussed how being African American influenced his service. He learned a people-centered approach to solve problems.

Interview Keyword

Colombia (Country of service) June 1961 – June 1963 (Dates of services) Rural Community Development Sector Anti-war Capital Univeristy Physics Mathematics Cuba Operation Friendship Ugly American book JFK Ohio State White House Vice President Johnson early invitee Rutgers University Pre-Service Training academic physical conditioning Antioquia agriculture extensionist Federation of Coffee Growers CARE Accion Comunal Buenaventura qualito open air huts diversity African American Medellin Cali Cartegena FAO

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 only be reproduced with permission from Louie B. Nunn Center for Oral History, University of Kentucky Libraries.