Interview with Fletcher Hillian, Utensie Hillian, June 4, 1984

Interview Summary

Fletcher (1895-1992) and Utensie (1902-2006) Hillian participated in the Great Migration by moving to Philadelphia in 1925 from Cheraw and Due West, South Carolina, respectively. They moved north for better living conditions, social conditions, and most importantly, better educational opportunities for their daughter. Over the course of their lives, they integrated themselves into the Philadelphia culture and were able to raise a family in the home that they owned. Fletcher worked as a janitor for North American Insurance before going to the Navy Yard in World War II, and then to Gimbels for 17 years. He took welding in night school, but could never find a job using that skill. Of her 10 siblings in South Carolina, six followed Utensie to Philadelphia and stayed with the Hillians until they could get out on their own. Mrs. Hillian worked many years for the Red Cross.

Interview Keyword

Voting. African Americans--Civil rights African Americans--Southern States. World War, 1914-1918

Interview LC Subject

African Americans--Housing. African Americans--Conduct of life. African Americans--Education. African Americans--Pennsylvania--Philadelphia. African Americans--Social conditions. African Americans--Economic conditions. African Americans--Employment. Race discrimination. United States--Race relations.

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.