Interview with Dermontti Dawson, July 26, 2006

Interview Summary

Dermontti Dawson attended the University of Kentucky from 1983-1987. He talks about his family background, and growing up in Lexington, Kentucky. He talks about his early education, and his close-knit relationship with his family. He talks about his decision to attend UK because he was offered scholarships, and discusses life at UK for student athletes. He says he had a positive experience at UK, but that it can be challenging for African American students because of the lack of diversity, especially for those not from Lexington. He tells a story about getting caught skipping a class, and talks about being drafted into the NFL where he played for the Pittsburgh Steelers until his retirement.

Interview Keyword

African American Alumni African American families College athletes College environment College football players College students, Black Discrimination in higher education Lexington (Ky.)--Race relations. Minorities in higher education National Football League. Universities and colleges--Alumni and alumnae. University of Kentucky Alumni

Interview LC Subject

African American college graduates--Kentucky African American college students--Social conditions African Americans--Education (Higher) African Americans--Education--Kentucky--Lexington College sports. Dawson, Dermontti Dawson, Dermontti--Interviews University of Kentucky University of Kentucky--History

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.