Bernard Kinsey (Finding Aid)

Bernard Kinsey

1943 -

Favorite Color: Blue

Favorite Food: Watermelon and Mango

Favorite Time of Year: Autumn

Favorite Vacation Spot: Kenya

Interview Length: 181 minutes

Interview Date(s): July 28, 2001

Interview Location(s): Pacific Palisades, California, Pacific Palisades, CA

Abstract

Bernard Kinsey talks about his parents's personalities and backgrounds. He explains the family tradition of attending Florida A&M University. He details his childhood and remembers growing up in West Palm Beach, Florida. Then, Kinsey discusses his early education and introduction to music. He recalls having his father as his elementary school principal and how that affected him. Bernard Kinsey talks about the various subjects he studied and then describes his childhood personality. Bernard Kinsey talks about growing up in segregated West Palm Beach, Florida. Then, he recalls various leadership roles he had during his youth. He explains what influence church had on him. Kinsey discusses going to Roosevelt Middle School and how leaving his father's school impacted his personality and attitude toward education. After mentioning the educational successes of his family members he discusses his gambling activities during high school. He then moves into discussion about being a member of the Florida A&M marching band and shares experiences from his college days. Bernard Kinsey talks about his admiration for Dr. William Foster Bernard Kinsey talks about meeting his wife and how they planned financially for their future. He details his transition from Florida A&M to his first job with an oil company. Working in South Central Los Angeles, Kinsey describes his hard-nosed work ethic and how it led to personal success at the Humble Oil and Refining Company. Next, he talks about a strike that he was a part of at Humble and how this led him away from the company into a new position with Xerox. He explains how he was able to obtain his MBA with the financial help of Xerox. Bernard Kinsey explains the origins and successes of Xerox's National Black Employees Association. Bernard Kinsey discusses Xerox's Black Employees Association and talks about how it influenced other minority groups to form like-minded organizations. Then, he explains resistance that the Association faced in their attempts to gain equal rights in the workplace and how they dealt with it. Kinsey lays out specific principles for success and professionalism. He mentions ways in which he would bring black Xerox employees through the ranks and create leaders. Next, he discusses his experiences in international business affairs before explaining why he left Xerox. Bernard Kinsey talks about how he became involved with Rebuild Los Angeles. Bernard Kinsey describes his transition from Xerox to Rebuild L.A. He speaks on the confidence he had in himself in taking the new job. Kinsey then explains a three-legged stool concept that Rebuild L.A. used that joined community, government and business in local decisions. Next, he gives examples of Rebuild L.A. strategies in action and explains their initial focus. Because of the organization's success other cities and countries looked to Kinsey for similar help in which he discusses. He comments on how he dealt with an array of race agendas and then states reasons why he left the Rebuild L.A. project. Bernard Kinsey briefly talks about communication strategies he's used in business and then moves to explain his duties at his consulting firm KBK Enterprises. He talks about his passion for collection African American art. Kinsey tells how he has remained an involved member of the Florida A&M board. He states his hopes and concerns for the blacks in corporate America. He expresses his feelings on the importance of family and then considers his legacy. Bernard Kinsey narrates photos that document his life. Bernard Kinsey narrates photos documenting his life.

99 Stories (See Ordered Story Set)