Series: Raymond Wright
Scope and Content Note: Family background in Mississippi; early experiences in Beloit; Turtle Creek; school experiences; experience at Fairbanks-Morse as first black foreman; Rumer-Collins incident, circa 1951; Dee Gilliam's election as first black president of Steelworkers Local 1533; parents' reaction to Beloit; civil rights efforts of Rev. Oliver Gibson in early 1960s.

Session I, 1976 April 2
Alternate Format: Audio recording of interview with Raymond Wright, April 2, 1976 available online.

Introduction

Family background in Mississippi--Richard and Catherine White Wright--reasons for leaving Mississippi, self-improvement and education for children--father's emphasis on manners

Coming to Beloit in 1917--the influence of recruiters--“Dad owed no one” in Mississippi--story about arrival in Chicago--father Wright came to Beloit earlier, rent for family

Early experiences in Beloit--recollections of Athletic Avenue--youthful encounter with the KKK passing through Beloit--“on the hill” as out of bounds for black children

Family gardens

Living near the railroad tracks--helping to meet family needs from the railroad

Playing on the railroad tracks

Further comments on play--playing with white children--the Wright's new home--fond recollection of the Hillcrest district

Recollections of Turtle Greek--fishing, the stoneroller

Recollections of Strong Elementary School--the “portable” for slow learners--large playground--Mr. Carr, the janitor

Further comments on Strong School--Mrs. Glenn, the principal--no recollection of discrimination at Strong School

Raymond Wright as first black student at Todd School--sixth grade at Todd after move to new home--positive experiences

Session II, 1976 June 2
Alternate Format: Audio recording of interview with Raymond Wright, June 2, 1976 available online.

Introduction

Experiences as Fairbank-Morse's first black foreman--job as crane operator--F-M better than other area companies in opening opportunities for blacks--comments on Rumer-Collins incident, circa 1951

Election of Dee Gilliam as first black president of Steelworkers Local 1533

Ray Wright's decision to stay in Beloit--father happy with move to Beloit--father's feeling for Mississippi--family travels in the South--reaction to segregation

Mother's reaction to Beloit--mother as family decision-maker

Fears, not being accepted by other people

Comments about Reverend W.E.W. Brown--Reverend Hermie Zimmerman of 2d Methodist

Further comments concerning Rev. Zimmerman

Mr. Wright's term as NAACP president

Civil rights efforts in the early 1960s--Reverend Oliver Gibson

Ray Wright as a Republican, now an independent