James Forman (Finding Aid)

James Forman

1928 - 2005

Favorite Color: Blue

Favorite Food: Shrimp

Favorite Time of Year: Spring and Summer

Favorite Vacation Spot: Puerto Rico

Interview Length: 112 minutes

Interview Date(s): April 26, 2001

Interview Location(s): Washington, D.C.

Abstract

James Forman talks about his parents' backgrounds and his stepfather's Native American ancestry. Forman then recalls being confronted with racial discrimination as a young boy, and his early desire to become socially conscious. He then details his Catholic school experiences in Chicago where he was discriminated against because he was a Protestant. Lastly, Forman describes the neighborhood of his youth that was violent and racially divided. James Forman recalls his years at Englewood High School in Chicago and his desire to attend college. Forman then talks about his enlistment in the U.S. Air Force in order to pay for college. He then details his admittance to a mental institution against his will while a student at the University of Southern California. Upon returning to Chicago, Forman fondly recalls his activities and experiences at the Roosevelt University. Lastly, Forman describes a racial confrontation with a professor while attending graduate school at Boston University. James Forman describes his relationship with his and mentor, St. Clair Drake. Forman discusses the forces that influenced his involvement with the Civil Rights Movement. Lastly, Forman details his activities with the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC). James Forman talks extensively about the power struggle that occurred within the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC), and his removal from the organization. Forman then discusses the progress made towards racial equality after the Civil Rights Movement of the 1960s. He comments on what it takes to organize a movement, and lastly, Forman ponders what his legacy might be.

32 Stories (See Ordered Story Set)