Interview with William H. Childress, July 25, 1986

Interview Summary

The son of Fisk University graduates, Mr. Childress also graduated from Fisk in 1934 with a degree in economics. He recalls former professors at the University and Charles S. Johnson, the first African American president of Fisk. After working for the Democratic party during the 1937 election, Childress accepted a position in Louisville with the juvenile court as a probation officer. He discusses his time spent at Fisk University, his employment as a probation officer, and comments on the conditions faced by African Americans in Louisville and Lexington. Recounting his service from 1960-1962 as the representative for the 42nd District to the Kentucky General Assembly, Mr. Childress talks about Governor Bert T. Combs, Mary Helen Byck and the Kentucky Human Rights Commission. He speaks of his marriage to Joanna Offut, the bombing of Zirl Palmer's drugstore, the establishment of the Louisville Defender and it's civil rights coverage, the role of African American ministers within the community, and the lack of African American leadership in Lexington.

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--Religion Childress, William H. Childress, William H.--Interviews African Americans African Americans--Race identity

Interview Rights

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Interview Usage

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