Series: Interview

Session I, January 3, 1974
Alternate Format: Listen to the interview

Employment of Blacks in Racine,
Scope and Content Note: Hiring policies of various foundries. Names of Blacks working at foundries.

Explanation of Jenkins's Lists of Black Residents of Racine
Scope and Content Note: See document, “Racine Black Population, c.1930.” How he prepared lists, help he received, what they include. Discussion includes comments on number of Blacks in Racine, circa 1930.

Degree of Contact Among Blacks Within Racine
Scope and Content Note: Why Jenkins had unusually wide range of acquaintances.

Story Illustrating Black Self-Image,

Anecdote About Jenkins's Uncle, Who Deserted Wife
Scope and Content Note: Fled when Jenkins recognized him at train station.

Jenkins's Early Family Life
Scope and Content Note: Activities with parents, uncle. More explanation of why he had a wide range of acquaintances.

Residential Patterns of Racine Blacks
Scope and Content Note: General areas where Blacks lived. Identifies other families who, like Jenkins's, lived outside of Black neighborhoods.

Anecdote About Racine Woman Who Owned Property in Gary
Scope and Content Note: Took horse and buggy trip there circa 1922.

More Explanation of Lists; Long-Time Racine Residents
Scope and Content Note: Families in Racine before 1900. See document, “Racine Black Population, circa 1900.” “Fifth generation” Black residents of Racine.

Black Family Patterns,
Scope and Content Note: Many single people--”rounders,” prostitutes, gamblers. Average family size small because of this.

Black Migration to Racine--Why, Where From
Scope and Content Note: Blacks from South usually stopped in Chicago before reaching Racine. Racine considered good place to come--jobs available.

Further Explanation of Lists
Scope and Content Note: See document, “Racine Black Population, c.1930.” Number of children in families on list.

Comments on Logan Davis, Only Black Resident of Racine to Fight in American Civil War
Note: Incomplete story; end of tape. See 1/29/74 interview; 1:1, 0:35.

Further Explanation of Lists
Scope and Content Note: See document, “Racine Black Population, c.1930.” Number of children in families on list.

Changes in Family Patterns Among Racine Blacks
Scope and Content Note: Many single people came in during 1920s; during early 1930s influx of both single and married people, by mid-1930s many getting married.

No Conflict Between Settled Blacks and Newcomers,

Social Groupings, Habits
Scope and Content Note: Some Blacks, known as the “Four Hundred,” strove to live virtuously, be a moral elite; others participated in gambling, “house parties.” Nearly all went to church.

Churches in the Black Community
Scope and Content Note: Served as gathering places. Were segregated. Most Blacks went to Baptist or A.M.E. church. Splinter groups developed later.

Explanation of Jenkins's Written Notes
Note: See document, “Early Notables.”

Sports in Racine, (Boxing, Baseball)
Scope and Content Note: Discussion of individual athletes. Baseball team known as the “Colored Athletics.”

Integration in Racine,
Scope and Content Note: Sports teams, restaurants, saloons integrated; most churches segregated. Felt no discrimination.

Use of Word “Nigger”

Changes in Racial Relations in Racine
Scope and Content Note: Degree of integration at various times; reasons for changes.

No Black Ownership of Bars, Restaurants,
Scope and Content Note: Blacks could not get license to operate a tavern.

Entertainment, Social Life in Racine,
Note: See document, “What's for Entertainment.”

Availability, Manufacture of Whiskey in Racine During Prohibition
Scope and Content Note: Description of illegal operations. Ineffectiveness of government regulation. Involvement of Italians.

Sports in Racine (Baseball)
Scope and Content Note: More discussion of individual athletes. Most Blacks were switch hitters. Blacks motivated by competition with each other; knew they could beat Whites.

Sports in Racine, (Baseball and Fast-Pitch Softball)
Scope and Content Note: More discussion of individual athletes, including Jenkins himself, and of city teams. Colored Athletics played against White teams.

Sponsorship, Support for Black Teams
Scope and Content Note: Sources of money for uniforms; semi-pro ball.

Playing Baseball Against Waupun Prison Team
Scope and Content Note: Visiting team received free meal. Guards would bet on prison team, give prisoners special privileges if they won.

Gambling At Ball Games
Scope and Content Note: Commonly done.

Story of Ball Player From Racine Who Was Sentenced to Waupun Prison, Played Ball There

More on Semi-Pro Ball, Other Summer Athletics,

Russell Oswald, New York Prison Superintendent at Time of Attica
Note: On tape, incorrectly identified as Oswald Cullen.

Scope and Content Note: Jenkins had good relationship with “Ozzie” when he was director of parks in Racine. Surprised by his actions at Attica.

Athletics as a Route to Prominence in the Community; Black Leadership in
Scope and Content Note: Whites came to certain Blacks to find out what was happening in community; no leaders with strong base of support in Black community.

Mayors of Bronzeville; Problems of Discrimination
Scope and Content Note: “Mayor of Bronzeville” informally elected Black leader--response to problems of discrimination which grew during the 1930s. Discussion of Racine Black leaders; lack of educated Blacks.

Migration of Blacks to Racine,
Scope and Content Note: Origins of migrants, including Jenkins's family; reasons for migration to Racine.

Recruiting Blacks as Strikebreakers
Scope and Content Note: Recruited in South to work in North. Experiences of Jenkins's father.

Racial Relations in Beloit
Scope and Content Note: Relations embittered by early practices of recruiting Blacks as strikebreakers. Jenkins tells of being refused service in Beloit Rexall restaurant, circa 1935.

Discrimination in Janesville
Scope and Content Note: Particularly bad because many Southern Whites recruited to work in Janesville.

More on Recruiting Blacks as Strikebreakers in Beloit,
Scope and Content Note: Brought up from South in boxcars like cattle.

Comparison of Racial Relations in Beloit and Racine
Scope and Content Note: Much more conflict in Beloit; not bad in Racine until late 1930s.

Black Sports Teams
Scope and Content Note: See document, “Early Notables.” Sources of support for baseball and basketball teams. Basketball team also known as “Colored Athletics.” Basketball players more educated than others.

Educational Experiences of Racine Blacks
Scope and Content Note: In Jenkins's generation few completed high school.

Sports in the High Schools
Scope and Content Note: Discussion of Blacks who played at Racine high schools, including Jenkins.

More Discussion of Colored Athletics Basketball Team
Scope and Content Note: Transportation, ways of raising money (”house parties”).

More Discussion of How Jenkins Got to Know So Many People
Scope and Content Note: House near railroad, social center; Jenkins often out around the town.

Started Driving Car at Age Twelve
Scope and Content Note: Lied about age to get driver's license.

More on Basketball, Raising Money for Teams
Scope and Content Note: Competition among team members. Comparison of Racine team to Savoy Five, the team which became the Harlem Globetrotters. More on how Racine team raised money by having dances and parties and passing the hat at games.

Low-Status Occupations of Blacks; Distinctions Among Types of Workers
Scope and Content Note: During 1930s no Black professionals; Blacks did industrial or menial labor. Foundry workers made money but were not social and moral elite of Black community. Gamblers and prostitutes also made money, were patronized by foundry workers.

Gambling and Prostitution
Scope and Content Note: Racine considered good city for hustling because Blacks generally had steady employment, money. Jenkins's experiences in gambling during 1940s; description of games, size of stakes; publicized by word of mouth. Anecdote about a raid.

Use of Word “Nigger”
Scope and Content Note: Could be used in joking way by White who had grown up in Black community.

More on Gambling, Prostitution, Drinking,
Scope and Content Note: See document, “What's for Entertainment.” Clientele for Black prostitutes mainly White. “House rent parties,” popular type of activity, usually included gambling and prostitution as well as drinking.

Use of Drugs in Black Community
Scope and Content Note: Hard drugs not used in Racine until 1970s; social pressure against it in Black community. Much pot smoking in Milwaukee during 1930s--description of “hole-in-the-wall” nightclubs popular with musicians.

More on Gambling, Prostitution, Drinking
Scope and Content Note: Youngsters could go to house parties but not drink whiskey or gamble. Jenkins drank beer from age ten, but not whiskey. Generosity and genuineness of hookers. Many gamblers and prostitutes remained in Racine, often went into other occupations and became respected citizens.

Numbers Games; Other Forms of Gambling
Scope and Content Note: Numbers never established for any length of time in Racine--Blacks had enough money to play games with higher stakes.

Explanation of How “Georgia Skin” Card Game Is Played
Scope and Content Note: Anecdotes about size of stakes, ways to cheat.

Dice--Anecdotes About Good Players

Police and Gambling
Scope and Content Note: Police knew about gambling but did not make raids unless parties got too disorderly. No graft involved.

Comments of Willie Mann

Sammy Hicks; Vice and Wealth
Scope and Content Note: Owned several houses of prostitution, made quick money during 1930s, had important Whites as clients, but made foolish mistakes and had to leave town.

Wealth and Status in the Black Community; Black Doctors, Lawyers, Politicians
Scope and Content Note: No Black had much money to give in support of community causes in 1930s. First Black doctor, first Black lawyer came in late 1960s. No Black ownership of business or election to public office until 1960s. Names of Blacks who held political office. Until 1960s no Black held high-status position in Racine; foundry workers best paid.

Union Activities, [UAW]
Note: Incomplete story; end of tape

Scope and Content Note: How Jenkins got involved. Tried to protect Black rights in immediate post-war period when tight conditions threatened their jobs at the foundry where Jenkins worked and when management and workers were abusing the rights of Black workers recently brought in from Caribbean. Took a leading role in a sit-down strike and then gained power by helping eventually victorious faction in struggle for union leadership at his foundry.

Union Activities,
Scope and Content Note: More on how Jenkins became involved. Inspired by contacts with union men from Detroit who told him of struggle there. Somewhat difficult to get union activity started in foundries because workers treated rather well. Jenkins's union committee work.

Black Voting, Racine
Scope and Content Note: In immediate post-war period Jenkins, through union committee position, set up registration program for Blacks. Before Blacks did not bother to vote, although there was no overt attempt to prevent them from doing so.

Jenkins's Union Activities,
Scope and Content Note: Jenkins eventually held high offices in local UAW at Belle City Malleable and on local regional councils. Encouraged Blacks at other Racine factories to become involved in union activities.

UAW Foundry Council
Scope and Content Note: Jenkins eventually became president of regional council. Tried to encourage other Black to get on the council, although some abused their positions. Gives examples of Black union leaders who disgraced their position.

Union Movement--Entrenched Power
Scope and Content Note: Leaders protect each other, as police do. Lose touch with membership, as politicians do.

“Store-Front Niggers”
Scope and Content Note: Blacks have gained some status positions in Racine, but do not really exercise power or have a chance to learn administrative skills. South Side Development Corporation example--doing good work but essentially under White control. Blacks with good positions remain quiet for fear of losing their jobs.

S.C. Johnson Company--Sam Johnson
Scope and Content Note: Company has done a great deal for the community, although has not given Blacks leadership training. Sam Johnson is straightforward, direct.

Black Leadership in Present Racine
Scope and Content Note: What little leadership there is is mainly in hands of men who are relative newcomers to Racine.

Conflicts Within Black Community, Militancy
Scope and Content Note: Thinks moderate approach, as exhibited by lawyer and regent Ed Hales, proper for Racine, although “raised fist” might be right for other places such as Chicago. Critical of assumption of White leaders that Black leaders such as Jenkins can accurately report on the feelings of the entire Black community on a given issue.

Black Occupational Opportunities,
Scope and Content Note: Most Blacks laborers, domestics but two did become foremen in 1920s, one at tannery, one at foundry.

Black Ministers
Scope and Content Note: Story of Rev. Bass, a “White folk's nigger” whom Jenkins helped run out of town in 1950s. Other problems with ministers who put their own interests ahead of those of community.

Comments on Using Newspapers for Research

Little Violence in Black Community Prior to
Scope and Content Note: See document, “Misc. Notes on Racine.” Only four murders during 1920s and 1930s (enumerates). One suicide during that period and one since. No violence between Blacks and Whites prior to 1940 except fist fights between individuals. No guns or knives as later.

Ku Klux Klan
Scope and Content Note: Active in Racine during 1920s. Marched through city. Hung Black doll in Jenkins family cherry tree. Had large meetings, cross burnings, but no confrontations.

Conflict, Fighting in Racine of
Scope and Content Note: No widespread ethnic or racial conflicts. Some gang fights using fists and bricks, with allegiances determined by neighborhood of residence rather than ethnic background.

Discrimination Against Blacks,
Scope and Content Note: No ethnic group worse than any other although Italians happened to own taverns, therefore they more often discriminated.

Stealing by Blacks,
Scope and Content Note: Only two kids arrested for stealing during this period, only one served time. This began to change, along with other things, in 1940s.

Black Leadership--More on Mayor of Bronzeville; George Bray
Scope and Content Note: Tradition of mayor continued into 1940s. Achievements of George Bray, once Mayor of Bronzeville.

The “Hi-Lites”--Social Club,
Scope and Content Note: Description of club's annual social bash, a big event in Black community. Ties with the Four Hundred.

Jenkins's Achievements
Scope and Content Note: First to get integrated local union to take NAACP membership; president of Racine County AF of L-CIO Council; instigated establishment of Racine County blood bank.

Discussion of Clippings Album Kept by Mrs. Jenkins

Democrats's Decision to Put Up William Proxmire for Senate Seat in

Jenkins's Impressions of Gaylord Nelson, Proxmire
Scope and Content Note: Nelson less aggressive, but has “magnetic” personality.

School for Workers, Madison
Scope and Content Note: Jenkins attended for eight years during 1950s. Learned time-study techniques and received other training useful for union work.

UAW Educational Programs
Scope and Content Note: Racine took lead, had program before Detroit. Hugh Reichert brought in to teach, added to quality of city's labor movement.

Racine Labor Movement; Strikes at Case
Scope and Content Note: Racine developed effective labor movement, perhaps because of lessons learned from many strikes. Jenkins's involvement in Case strike.

Racial Attitudes of Unions; Jenkins's Union Activities
Scope and Content Note: Jenkins encountered some racial antagonism from union members, especially craft unions. Intra-union disputes. Anecdote about setting up discount prescription drug arrangement for union members. Unions formerly hindrance to Black advancement, began opening up with coming of industrial unions in 1930s and due to wartime prosperity. More on blood bank.

Decline of Union Power in Racine
Scope and Content Note: In recent years unions have taken less interest than previously in local politics, have less power. Union power at height in 1940s--had fourteen of eighteen aldermen; in 1974 had only three.

Discussion of Practical Details of the Interview

De Luca Murder ; Inter-Racial Tension
Note: For a fuller discussion of this incident see memo of 10/15/73 on interviewer's phone conversation with Jenkins, and related documents.

Scope and Content Note: White murdered by two Blacks. Angry White mob threatened to burn down house in Black community where alleged murderers had boarded. Threats of violence, but none occurred. Unique incident--nothing similar in Racine history.

More Discussion of Details of Interview

Comments on Jenkins's Son, a Graduate Student

End of Interview

Session II, January 29, 1974
Alternate Format: Listen to the interview

Discussion of Details of Interview

Mrs. John Stewart, Perhaps Wealthiest Black Woman in Racine
Scope and Content Note: Daughter of Logan Davis, Black Civil War veteran. Had money in stocks, land. Got some from father. Both she and her husband worked and were frugal. Racine's “Davis Addition” named after Logan Davis, who owned property there.

Lake Ivanhoe
Scope and Content Note: Black community, resort area in Walworth County. Original residents from Kenosha, Racine, then some came from Chicago.

Discussion of Mr. Holland, Who Had Farm Near Lake Ivanhoe
Scope and Content Note: Black farmer who became well-to-do tire and implement dealer.

More on Lake Ivanhoe
Scope and Content Note: Pavillion used by Blacks from Kenosha, Racine, nearby areas for dancing. This may be how the area got to be known.

Brief Mention of Wisconsin's First Black Cop
Note: For correction of the information given in this segment of the tape, see interviewer's memo of 2/1/74 on phone conversation with Jenkins.

Scope and Content Note: From Kenosha.

More on Lake Ivanhoe
Scope and Content Note: Jenkins's memories of going there during 1920s. Retired railroad porters might have been among early permanent residents.

Wealth in Black Community
Scope and Content Note: In first third of century porters, post office employees, shoe shine and clean-up people seemed best able to make and accumulate modest wealth. Foundry workers in general had larger families, did not save money.

Brief Comments on West Racine
Scope and Content Note: Circa 1920s taboo to Blacks; known as “Kringleville”; Jenkins now lives there.

More on Wealth and Work in Black Community
Scope and Content Note: Domestic workers often received gifts from White employers. Anecdote about Jenkins's father-in-law who invented effective soap for janitorial work but never patented it.

More on Lake Ivanhoe
Scope and Content Note: Names people who had places there.

Mention of First Black Teacher in Kenosha
Scope and Content Note: Fair-skinned; perhaps thought to be White.

Lake Ivanhoe
Scope and Content Note: People did not start living there year round until 1950s.

First District Improvement Association,
Scope and Content Note: Political club to work for Black rights, modeled on Lynchburg Improvement Association. Promoted by Jenkins with help and encouragement of others including activist White lawyer with experience in civil rights activities in South.

Need for People to Lend Stature to Black Community
Scope and Content Note: Needed people for kids to look up to; no Black had much status in the larger community. to remedy this Jenkins would greet and give support to Black professionals who who decided to move into Racine. When Jenkins was in high school he hoped to be a postman because this seemed to be the best opportunity for Blacks. Jenkins explains how he got locked into foundry work.

Difficulties of Being on Relief During
Scope and Content Note: Experience of Jenkins's family.

Radical Activity in Racine--Communists, Industrial Unions
Scope and Content Note: Racine known as “Little Moscow” during 1930s because of communist influence. Communists had some success in Black community. White communist leaders tried to have Blacks pose as leaders. Organizers mainly from outside of Racine. Communists did help poor people meet their needs. CIO tried to organize Belle City Foundry, where Jenkins worked, in the 1930s. Jenkins and others in his shop joined AF of L molder's union, partly because of communist influence in CIO; switched into UAW later after it was “cleaned up.” Communist influence remained strong in Racine until late 1930's, appeared again later. Communist efforts during Civil Rights movement of 1950s. Discussion of other, Racine communists, one of whom went to Russia in mid-1930s and became disillusioned.

Postal Clerk as Man of High Status in Black Community,
Scope and Content Note: Postmen were among the few Blacks who had money, steady income during Depression.

Communist Influence in Racine; Grievances During
Scope and Content Note: Communists made headway in times of economic hardship. Their success aided by obvious inequities of existing system--county board members who were farmers let food rot in their fields while people went hungry. Also had success among Blacks bitter about discrimination. Further comments on hardships of the Depression.

Black Social Life, Communist Socializing with Blacks
Scope and Content Note: Few places to go; communists won support from Blacks by including them in their social activities. Anecdote about one Racine communist, a Dane, who invited Blacks over, let them dance with his daughters.

Changing Patterns of Racial Discrimination
Scope and Content Note: Trailer camps segregated, as were most taverns by late 1940s, early 1950s. Could go anywhere in 1920s. Discrimination began getting bad in 1930s, very bad by 1940s, stayed bad through 1950s until improved in 1960s.

Keeping Busy as Damper on Black Political Activity; Black Political Allegiances
Scope and Content Note: Communist influence less during 1940s because of pressures of war. Generally Racine Blacks have had little time for political activity because they have been busy working--unlike Chicago where many are off work, concentrated in large apartments. in Racine, Blacks more scattered. Had one voter registration drive during 1950s while many Blacks were concentrated in trailer camps. No overt attempts to stop Blacks from voting, but in Racine they have been generally inactive politically. Members of the Four Hundred were often Republican; Blacks in unionized industries more likely to be Democratic.

S.C. Johnson Company Hiring Policies
Scope and Content Note: During pre-Civil Rights era hired Blacks only for janitorial work.

Black Political Allegiances
Scope and Content Note: Varied somewhat with occupation.

Black Political Allegiances, continued
Scope and Content Note: General shift of Black support from Republicans to Democrats during Roosevelt era. Democrats only party to try to get out the Black vote, beginning with Jenkins's efforts in late 1940s. Description of various voter registration efforts.

First District Improvement Association--Black Political Involvement
Scope and Content Note: Democrats had often lost First District Congressional race by small margins. Jenkins felt if he could organize Black vote would make a difference in this race and in local elections. Tried to organize improvement association for this purpose. Many enthusiastic about idea but organization never “got off its feet.” Did not get enough political workers to do the organizing, especially in Kenosha, Beloit.

Vel Phillips, Black Democratic National Committee-Woman
Scope and Content Note: First District Improvement Association helped campaign for her. She turned out to be a disappointment after elected. Would not mingle with people, recognize political allies enough.

Lack of Effective Organizations in Racine Black Community

Struggle to Get Union Representative on United Fund Staff
Scope and Content Note: Succeeded while Jenkins was president of county AF of L-CIO.

AF of L-CIO Merger; Union Politics, Disputes
Scope and Content Note: “Shot-gun marriage.” Squabbles on local level over politics, money. Carpenters particularly hostile to Jenkins leadership, they were mainly Republican. Discussion of individuals involved in Racine union politics. Details of Jenkins's election as president of local. Role of ethnic background, type of union, political views in union members' attitudes toward Jenkins's leadership.

Building Trades Unions, Other Unions Hostile to Blacks
Scope and Content Note: Stories about several Blacks who could not get into building trades unions.

Jenkins's Experiences, Background
Scope and Content Note: Refused employment at machine shops because of race. Did various types of skilled work with father, as was common in South; father could not get in trades unions in Racine due to race. He was strong union man, however, due to mining experience in West Virginia. Father a “rounder,” worked on railroads and had many other jobs. Anecdote about father.

Incidents of Racial Prejudice During Jenkins's School Years
Scope and Content Note: Lost interest in scholarship to Ripon after assistant high school coach told him he would have to “stay in his place.” Many parents protested after high school football team elected Jenkins captain. Jenkins willing to defer but coach insisted he stand up for his rights, which he did. Could not eat with team in Beloit.

Anecdotes About Use of Word “Nigger”
Scope and Content Note: Fans at Janesville would say “get that nigger.” Jenkins would respond by roughing up opposing players. But Jenkins would say the same himself when playing against Blacks.

Racial Attitudes in Kenosha
Scope and Content Note: Bad, though not as bad as Beloit. Could get served at restaurant when passing through with a group in Kenosha, but not when alone or on a regular basis. Major employers did hire Blacks; small Black population.

Comments on Harold Mason, Black Journalist, PR Man
Scope and Content Note: From Kenosha. Started in television, now working for Milwaukee Journal. Had to lie about experience to get good jobs. Man-about-town; Jenkins's source of information on conditions in Kenosha.

More on Racial Attitudes in Kenosha, Racine; Employment in Racine
Scope and Content Note: Racine one of best cities. Names foundries in Racine--generally places where Blacks were likely to get work. Case began hiring large numbers of Blacks in 1940s because of war. Other jobs opened up for Blacks during 1940s.

Employment for Black Women in Racine
Scope and Content Note: Prior to war only jobs in housework, foundries. War opened some clerking jobs. First Black registered nurses in 1940s(one) and 1950s.

Impact of World War II on Black Community; Trailer Camps
Scope and Content Note: War opened up some jobs. Blacks organized to protect rights in fight over trailer camps(incomplete story).

Prejudice in the Unions; “The Janesville Ring”
Scope and Content Note: Only one Black working at Racine's Young Radiator Company during 1940s; due in part to union bias. Account of Jenkins's investigation of union discrimination in Chevrolet plant at Janesville. Sent by UAW central office. Found Janesville had a “ring” made up of newspaper, church, business people and the city's one Black resident; they worked to keep Blacks out of city.

More on Discrimination in Janesville,
Scope and Content Note: Continuation of story about how Blacks were kept out of Janesville. One of only Black families in Janesville--Davises--lived in White neighborhood, respected, active in White church. Protected their position by helping keep out other Blacks. How one other Black family got into Janesville. Examples of how Janesville papers tried to discredit Blacks. Blacks could patronize hotels, start businesses, even get haircut in White barbershop in Janesville, but could not live there. More on “Janesville Ring.” Earlier attempt to deal with problem through UAW; regional director's unwillingness to cooperate.

Adverse Effect of Jenkins's Independence on His Union Career
Scope and Content Note: Frankness during Janesville investigation might have hurt chances to get staff position. Also displeased union leadership by setting up discount programs for union members with King Optical Company, whose products union previously had boycotted. While on Foundry Council annoyed other leaders by complaining about irresponsible behavior, use of union funds by Black council leaders. Jenkins forced out of local union leadership position by central office.

Jenkins's Union Activities and Foundry Work
Scope and Content Note: Never had union staff position--always had to work at foundry as well as doing union work. Did many different jobs at foundry.

Foundry Safety Problems; Time-Studies; Grievances
Scope and Content Note: Changes in working conditions at Belle City Foundry where Jenkins worked for thirty years. Health hazards. Unions played major role in getting better conditions. Description of approach to safety problems. How time-studies were done at Jenkins's foundry. Jenkins's experience as time-study steward. Account of one time-study grievance and the way it was resolved (story completed on next side).

Foundry Work; Time-Studies; Grievances, continued
Scope and Content Note: End of time-study grievance story. Jenkins's relationship, as a union representative, with management. Anecdote about one grievance settlement for a worker's back pay.

Jenkins's Experiences in Union Politics
Scope and Content Note: Lost one election in local union due to racist campaign against him. in response refused to do time-study work for union, but relented out of concern for workers.

Account of Settlement of Time-Study Grievances
Scope and Content Note: Settlement of dispute over time rate for welding; other smaller grievances. Attempt of management to get around contract provisions.

Discrimination in Janesville, Other Towns
Scope and Content Note: Jenkins does not know of any affirmative response to his report on discrimination at Janesville Chevrolet plant. Further explanation of peculiarities of discrimination in Janesville. in ways seemed like southern towns which had sign at entrance, “Nigger Read and Run.” Yet Blacks could do things there they could not do in other cities--run business, get haircut, eat in restaurant. But had to be out of town at night, could not live in Janesville or, unless they had their own business, work there.

Getting a Haircut
Scope and Content Note: Racine had two Black barbers, one with shop, one with chair in basement. Many Racine Blacks went to Milwaukee for hair straightening. Uncertain if even now White barbers would give Black a haircut in Racine. Janesville strange exception to this.

Discrimination in Madison
Scope and Content Note: Blacks could go almost anywhere in Madison, but most lived in community off Washington Avenue.

Black Residential Patterns in Racine,
Scope and Content Note: Changes in extent of area where Blacks lived. Contacts among Blacks in different Racine communities. No strong organizational ties.

Statewide Contacts Among Blacks Through Church, Social Organizations
Scope and Content Note: Some contact through NAACP and church meetings, segregated chapters of social organizations such as Elks, Masons (Jenkins is in the predominantly White Scottish Rite Masons, most Blacks in Prince Hall).

Black Muslims
Scope and Content Note: Came into Racine circa 1960. Anecdote about Jenkins's first encounter with a Muslim. Jenkins attended several of their meetings. Description of meeting. Did not preach violence, but rhetoric encouraged hatred of Whites.

Comments on Racine Armenian Population
Scope and Content Note: Lived near Jenkins; hostile to Turks.

Discussion of Armenian Friend of Jenkins

Jenkins's Problems in Trying to Buy a House in Racine
Scope and Content Note: Turned down at many places because he was Black. Armenian friend offered to help him.

More on Armenian Friend
Scope and Content Note: Jovial, non-aggressive person, but extremely hostile to Turks.

Black Muslims
Scope and Content Note: Criticized for preaching hatred but are not as extreme as Armenians. Comment on Frazier-Ali fight. Jenkins decided not to join Muslims. They got most of their membership from younger people. Encouraged high standards of behavior. Members always dressed neatly, did not smoke or drink. Ali's conversion attracted many new members to sect. Many older people would not join because of their Christian beliefs.

Discussion of Miscellaneous Questions
Scope and Content Note: U.W. athlete, Gooch Jenkins, Blue's nephew. Suggestions as to sources for further study of Racine Black history.

Transportation in Racine; Black Ownership of Automobiles
Scope and Content Note: Names of some Blacks who owned cars during 1920s. Discussion of means of transportation within Racine, between cities.

Reaction to Joe McCarthy
Scope and Content Note: Some Blacks disliked him, most did not have strong reaction.

Reaction to Civil Rights Movement
Scope and Content Note: Less interest in Racine than in many other communities.

Discussion of 1967(?) Racine Riot
Scope and Content Note: Analysis of causes. Poorly handled by authorities. Actually minor incident, but mayor closed town down for the day.

Attitudes Toward Martin Luther King; Discussion of Racine's Black Ministers
Scope and Content Note: Racine had conservative Black population, liked King's approach. Blacks needed minister to get them together although Racine had some bad experiences with self important Black ministers.

Communists in Unions; Communist Influence in Racine
Scope and Content Note: Never got a permanent hold in Racine. Served the needed function of stimulating reforms, then lost what control they had.

Relations of Blacks with Various Ethnic Groups
Scope and Content Note: During early period [circa 1910?] conflicts between Blacks and Irish. Later, Blacks had some conflicts with Polish because they lived near each other. Danes rather isolated from Blacks by residence, but often the businesses which they owned would not hire Blacks. Jews were the most sympathetic. Owned junkyards, hired Blacks. Joke about relations of Jews and Blacks. Jenkins's father worked for Danes, had good relation with them. Generally little ethnic conflict. Similar in this way to Minneapolis.

End of Interview