Thomas C. Fleming (Finding Aid)

Thomas C. Fleming

1907 - 2006

Favorite Color: Grey and Blue

Favorite Food: Food

Favorite Time of Year: Fall, Spring and Summer

Favorite Vacation Spot: Never taken one

Interview Length: 171 minutes

Interview Date(s): March 29, 2002

Interview Location(s): San Francisco, California

Abstract

Thomas Fleming describes his family background, and details his early life in Jacksonville, Florida and Harlem, New York. Fleming recalls his unique journey from Jacksonville to Harlem as a seven-year-old stowaway. Fleming vividly recalls his time in New York, explaining how his time there influences his life even today. Thomas Fleming recalls his time growing up in Chico, California, describing a multicultural community in which he made friends across racial lines. Fleming describes his high school years and recounts his time working for a steamboat company and the Southern Pacific Railroad. Fleming also describes the music scene in San Francisco during the 1930s, and explains his decision to attend college back at Chico State College. Thomas Fleming discusses his early career in journalism, explaining how he first became interested in the profession through reading various newspapers and studying political science. He describes his short stints working for papers such as 'The Spokesman' and the 'Oakland Tribune'. Fleming remembers that very few blacks were journalists in the San Francisco Bay Area, and relates some racial conflicts. Fleming also discusses the impact of black newspapers with nation-wide distribution, like the 'Chicago Defender' and the 'Pittsburgh Courier'. Thomas Fleming describes some early jobs he had as a journalist, including regular appearances on a local radio show. He then tells the story of how he was the founding editor of the 'Reporter', and how he formed a partnership with Carlton Goodlett to merge with the 'Sun'. Fleming discusses the success of the 'Sun-Reporter' and explains how his partnership with Goodlett helped the paper reach new heights. Thomas Fleming considers the state of race relations and civil rights in America, voicing his opinions regarding many African Americans of great influence, including members of the Bush Administration, and past leaders like Martin Luther King, W. E. B. DuBois, and Paul Robeson. Fleming also evaluates the efforts of the Civil Rights Movement and the Black Panther Party during the 1960s, and shares his views on the situations faced by many African nations today. Thomas Fleming shares his thoughts and views on a number of topics, including the black press, contemporary black leaders like Jesse Jackson, Al Sharpton and Louis Farrakhan, race, religion, and the future of humanity. Fleming also considers his legacy and speaks about the strength of black people.

57 Stories (See Ordered Story Set)