Etta Moten Barnett (Finding Aid)

Etta Moten Barnett

1901 - 2004

Interview Length: 110 minutes

Interview Date(s): December 15, 1999

Interview Location(s): Residence of Etta Moten Barnett, Chicago, Illinois, Residence of Etta Moten Barnett

Abstract

Etta Moten Barnett talks about the discovery of her musical talent at a young age, and her father's origins, college education and his travels as an A.M.E. minister. Barnett details memories of visiting her paternal grandparents in Texas, one of which emigrated from Ireland. She then recalls choosing her current home on the South Side of Chicago, and how she wanted the house filled with family, as she remembered her grandparents' home in Texas as a child. Etta Moten Barnett recalls her early music education at Paul Quinn College, where they maintained a secondary school for children. Barnett then talks about her experiences as a member of the Jackson Jubilee Singers in the 1920s and the types of songs they sang, from the popular to songs from Africa. She then reflects on the bad impression the United States had about Africa back then. Lastly, she recounts her failed first marriage and her decision to attend college at the University of Kansas on her friend's advice. Etta Moten Barnett recalls the decision to have her three children raised by her parents while she attended University of Kansas in the 1930s. She then talks about the cooperation she got in college and everyone's desire to see her succeed. Barnett details refusing a local teaching job in order to move to New York and try her hand at acting. She then recalls her brief acting debut while working with author/playwright Zora Neale Hurston. Etta Moten Barnett then talks about her courtship with Claude Barnett and how he squired her home after her acting engagements in Chicago. Barnett then recalls her friendship with Langston Hughes and W.E.B. DuBois, many of whom she met through Claude's affiliation with the Associated Negro Press. She then talks about her singing career and after her success and marriage to Claude, finally being able to bring her children home to Chicago. Lastly, Etta Moten Barnett talks about Claude's management of her career and fondly recalls their thirty-three year marriage. Etta Moten Barnett talks about her husband, Claude Barnett and their trips to Africa on behalf of the Associated Negro Press. She then gives her view on why she feels arts are important for the spiritualness of the society. Etta Moten Barnett reflects on the Civil Rights Movement from the past and fears modern society is becoming less human. She then speaks briefly on the importance of black history and her own legacy. She then refuses to sing, despite being gently coaxed by the interviewer. Lastly, Etta Moten Barnett and her daughter, Sue Ish, describe photographs from her personal life and from her long theatrical career. Etta Moten Barnett's daughter, Sue Brooks Ish, talks about the early years of being raised by her grandparents while her mother was getting a college education and pursuing a career. She then speaks fondly of her mother's ability to stay connected to her family through her frequent letter writing. Sue Ish then recalls her mother's encounter with racism while touring with the travelling company of 'Porgy and Bess.' She late recounts stories of her great-grandmother's personality and her personal memories of her grandmother. Sue Ish then talks about her mother's talent as a singer and her ability to always find work. She then recalls her biological father, his absenteeism and flashy behavior in comparison to her step-father Claude's stable and family-oriented ways. Sue then talks about her mother's role in the entertainment world and her travels to Africa with Claude Barnett. Sue Ish then gives her views on the timely demise of the Associated Negro Press after her step-father died. Lastly, Sue talks abo

52 Stories (See Ordered Story Set)