Oral History Interview with Richard Bowman, July 8, 1998. Interview K-0513. Southern Oral History Program Collection (#4007).
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Abstract
Richard Bowman grew up in Asheville, North Carolina, attended Tuskegee College, served in the army overseas in Germany, and lived in Los Angeles, California, for forty years before returning to Asheville. He discusses important events in his life, including his experience in segregated schools and his efforts to improve Asheville schools following his retirement. He also recalls his early stance against segregated libraries and buses in Asheville. He faced racism in the army and at the Department of Motor Vehicles in Los Angeles. Bowman explains his views on race relations in California by comparing the riots in 1965 with the riots in 1992. Bowman is glad for improvements like school integration in Asheville, but he volunteers his efforts in order to ensure that integration serves black students well.
Excerpts
Bowman's parents worked service jobs to support the family
Catholic school provided a quality, unbiased education to black youth
Segregation apparent to Bowman when he could not obtain needed library books
Bowman attended Tuskegee College by working and receiving financial support from family
School integration controversies in Asheville made little practical difference to black students
Black students in Asheville did not display skin color or class bias
Bowman faced some discrimination during military service
Bowman and his brother defied segregation on a bus as children
Black colleges credited for their caring atmosphere
School integration process took longer than Bowman expected
Black high school gives former students the skills to address inequality in Asheville
Job counselor in Los Angeles refused to help discriminatory employers
1992 riots in Los Angeles seemed more threatening than those in 1965
Bowman's young son absorbed other's prejudices during the 1965 riot
Bowman argues that integrated schools provide better preparation for careers and society
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Subjects
School integration--North Carolina
North Carolina--Race relations
African Americans--North Carolina
African Americans--Education--North Carolina
Asheville (N.C.)--Social life and customs
Education--North Carolina--History--20th century
Segregation in education--North Carolina
Asheville (N.C.)--Race relations
High schools--North Carolina--Buncombe County
Stephens-Lee High School (Asheville, N.C.)
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