Glegg Watson (Finding Aid)

Glegg Watson

1944 -

Favorite Color: Burgundy

Favorite Food: Rice and peas

Favorite Time of Year: Autumn

Favorite Vacation Spot: Jamaica

Interview Length: 126 minutes

Interview Date(s): March 10, 2001

Interview Location(s): New York, New York

Abstract

Businessman and author Glegg Watson describes his family background and his childhood growing up in Jamaica. He shares memories of his father, who died when he was only four years old, and describes the impact the death had on his life. He describes the close relationship he had with his mother, and relates some of his fondest memories and favorite activities from his childhood. Watson also explains his desire to come to American and study at Howard University, prompted by a visit from Queen Elizabeth II. Businessman and author Glegg Watson describes his time at Howard University, detailing the activist politics that inundated the campus during the turbulent 1960s. Watson recounts his own involvement in the political movement, which included accepting a job at the 'Washington Post' so he could ensure fair and accurate coverage of the Civil Rights Movement. Watson then describes his experience at graduate school, explaining how racial discrimination led him to leave school and take a job in consulting. Businessman and author Glegg Watson describes his work in corporate America, both at Booz Allen Hamilton, a consulting firm, and his two-decade stint at Xerox Corporation. Watson details his ascent at Xerox, pointing out the various obstacles in his path. Watson also discusses the impact of his book, 'Black Life In Corporate America', which became a bestseller and has been influential in determining public perception of black business executives. Watson also talks about how the book affected his status within the Xerox Corporation. Businessman and author Glegg Watson has a detailed discussion about the state of blacks in corporate America. He addresses topics such as underrepresentation of minorities on executive boards, and the impact of the hip-hop generation on black business. Watson then discusses his West Indian heritage and shares his own ethnic identity and racial pride. Businessman and author Glegg Watson discusses the present state of historically black colleges and universities, and makes suggestions concerning their future, particularly commenting on administrative roles. Watson stresses the value of a historically black education for African Americans, citing his own experience as he considers his legacy.

36 Stories (See Ordered Story Set)