Interview with John Berry, September 10, 2010

Partial Transcript: Okay, so I'm just going to introduce this tape. Uh, today is the, um tenth of September, 2010.

Segment Synopsis: Berry describes attending the Lincoln Institute in Simpsonville, Kentucky and growing up in the "Slabtown" area of Williamsburg.

Keywords: Boarding schools; Slabtown; Whitley County (Ky.)

Subjects: Blacks--Segregation; Lincoln Institute (Simpsonville, Ky.); Williamsburg (Ky.)

Partial Transcript: So you came, um, from your, you had your freshman year at the Lincoln Institute in Simpsonville and then, of course, in 1954, the rules changed, so to speak.

Segment Synopsis: Berry discusses Miller's role in the desegregation of Williamsburg schools and the approach Miller took to have the desegregation approved. Berry talks about the ease of integration.

Keywords: Superintendents; Williamsburg High School

Subjects: Blacks--Segregation; School integration.; Segregation in education--Kentucky

Partial Transcript: So you were the first, you were the first group of kids to come in, black kids to come in, in that year, in 1954, is that correct?

Segment Synopsis: Berry talks about the high school being integrated before the elementary school. He discusses other black students and the first day not being especially frightening or memorable. Berry discusses the impact the school integration had on his life. He describes his inferior education at Lincoln Institute and being aware of the superior education white students received.

Keywords: Education; Lincoln Institute (Simpsonville, Ky.); Racial integration; School

Subjects: School integration.; Segregation in education--Kentucky

Partial Transcript: Tell me about the significance of Jack Miller in your life as you graduated from high school here.

Segment Synopsis: Berry talks about Miller contacting Berea College and arranging for Berry to attend. Berry describes traveling to Berea and enrolling in classes and applying for admission at the same time. He speaks about the impact of this experience and his desire to also make a positive impact on others. He describes what might have happened to him had Miller not helped him attend college.

Keywords: College; Education

Subjects: Berea College; Minorities in higher education

Partial Transcript: Tell me about you career. Tell me about Berea College and then your career. I know you came from Ann Arbor today, so.

Segment Synopsis: Berry talks about being able to attend Berea without paying tuition. He speaks about Berea's history and job recruiters that came to the college. He describes where he worked after college. He expresses his admiration and gratitude to Miller. The interview is concluded.

Keywords: Careers; Educaion; Impact; Influences

Subjects: Berea College; Minorities in higher education