Katherine Jones (Finding Aid)

Katherine Jones

1937 -

Favorite Color: Purple or red

Favorite Food: Lobster

Favorite Time of Year: Summer

Favorite Vacation Spot: Any country in Africa

Interview Length: 115 minutes

Interview Date(s): October 14, 2004

Interview Location(s): Newton Center, Massachusetts

Abstract

Educator, civil rights activist, and historian Katherine Jones gives a detailed description of her family background and genealogy. Jones discusses her mother's side of the family, originally from Jamaica, and talks about how she can trace her father's family, from Upstate New York, back to the 1700s. Jones explains how her genealogic research has been publicized in different arenas so as to educate people about black families in Upstate New York and the North before the Civil War. Jones also describes her mother's and father's personalities. Educator, civil rights activist, and historian Katherine Jones vividly describes her childhood neighborhood in Harlem, focusing on the black community in her building, 409 Edgecombe Avenue, the home to many of the city's black elite and professionals. Jones also describes her schooling, which started at the all-black Modern School, which she attended for four years. Jones discusses her transfer to the Ethical Culture Fieldston School, a predominantly white private school, describing the adjustments she made in a white environment. Jones also explains her decision to atttend Mount Holyoke College in Massachusetts. Educator, civil rights activist, and historian Katherine Jones describes her experiences at Mount Holyoke College and explains how her studies in sociology and economics led her to begin her career of public service as a teacher in East Boston. Jones then details her involvement in the educational system of Newton, Massachusetts, where she helped found the Metropolitan Council of Educational Opportunities (METCO). Jones describes the growth of the program and explains how it helped children from inner-city Boston receive a superior educational experience. Educator, civil rights activist, and historian Katherine Jones continues to detail her efforts to improve education in the Greater Boston area. Jones discusses serving on the school committees of both Newton and Cambridge, Massachusetts, explaining the changes in curriculum and hiring practices she helped to effect. Jones also discusses her doctoral work at Harvard University, and the difficulties in raising eight children while pursuing all her professional and educational goals. Jones then reflects on her career and discusses her interest in black history and genealogy.

33 Stories (See Ordered Story Set)