Interview with Frederick W. "Rick" Bell, April 25, 2019

Interview Summary

Rick Bell mentions his parents' roles in his household and the influence they had on him to enhance his work in journalism. He explains how his high school experiences helped him acknowledge what profession he would go into and how his involvement gave him the skills needed for his role at the University of Kentucky. He discusses political parties and influential U.S. presidents. He talks about the influence of the Vietnam War on photography and photojournalism. He explains why he chose to attend the University of Kentucky. He discusses the culture of Lexington at the time, including LGBTQ issues, mental health, and "hippie" culture. He discusses the culture at the University of Kentucky, including Greek life, rules and regulations, and hangouts on campus. He talks about the Kentucky Kernel, the official newspaper of the University of Kentucky.

Interview Keyword

Homosexuality--Social aspects. Mental health Photographers Journalists Political parties. Kentucky Kernel Newspapers Photography Photographs Kent State Shootings, Kent, Ohio, 1970

Interview LC Subject

Journalism University of Kentucky College students--Attitudes. Universities and colleges. Vietnam War, 1961-1975 Vietnam War, 1961-1975--Public opinion Vietnam War, 1961-1975--Protest movements Anti-war demonstrations College environment College students--Conduct of life. College students--Social conditions Vietnam War, 1961-1975--Press coverage. Greek letter societies. College campuses. College publications College student newspapers and periodicals Universities and colleges--Periodicals.

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.