Interview with Ruby Benberry, June 15, 1987

Interview Summary

The only item Mrs. Benberry's paternal grandfather could read was his Bible. A freed slave, Mr. Ragsdale used the name of his former owners. Widowed twice, Mrs. Benberry recalls other family histories and memories including slavery experiences, mixed racial heritage, religious upbringing, recreational activities, and parents educational background. She attended teachers college in Paducah and taught there prior to her first marriage to a railroad man. Mrs. Benberry discusses the role of the African American minister within the church; the respect accorded to the minister within the African American community; and, the evolution of the church in her lifetime.

She recounts her experiences living within a close knit, concerned integrated community and her relationships with her white neighbors; comments upon the lack of racial tension; and recalls her involvement with the homemaker and garden clubs in McCracken County. Mrs. Benberry remarks upon the quality of education received in segregated schools as opposed to todays' integrated models; and, bemoans the lack of emphasis placed upon education. She reminisces about the establishment of her beauty culture business in 1937 and the apprentices she has trained over the years. She worries about the loss of religious faith within the African American community and comments upon how this has impacted the culture; and delineates the problems facing African Americans today.

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 Benberry, Ruby Benberry, Ruby--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.