Timuel Black (Finding Aid)

Timuel Black

1918 -

Favorite Color: Brown

Favorite Food: Meat; Bran, Rye or Corn Bread

Favorite Time of Year: Spring and Fall in Chicago

Favorite Vacation Spot: Conferences

Interview Length: 206 minutes

Interview Date(s): June 19, 2000

Interview Location(s): 4906 S. Drexel, Chicago, Illinois

Abstract

Timuel Black remembers returning from World War II and becoming interested in local politics. He mentions important players and gives some initial background information. Black reveals that during this time he first realized that the best way to create social change was to start on the local political level. Social problems that were hurting African Americans at this time, such as restrictive housing covenants and unfair employment, fueled Black and others to create the Progressive Party. Black talks about African American Illinois state legislators and their successes in dealing with the people on a grassroots level. He talks about the political atmosphere on Chicago's South Side and tells how Edgar G. Brown positively conveyed messages to the locals. Black then discusses how the second Great Migration affected Chicago politics by creating a voting culture. Black tells of African American political pioneer Oscar DePriest. Timuel Black names, and explains the roles of, some state legislators of the time. He provides information on Oscar DePriest, Charles Skyles and Bill Robinson. He then describes how the 'Democratic Machine,' which had its start after the 1936 mayoral election, had come into full effect by the mid-1950s with Richard J. Daley coming into office. He then recalls some of the goings-on surrounding Chicago politics in the 1960s and the troubles that came about. Black then talks about Harold Washington's rebellious tendencies inside of the machine and how he paved his way to becoming the city's first black mayor. He tells how the political infighting weakened the strength of the black vote. Black describes how he then helped to strengthen the black vote and the strategy used to get Harold Washington elected. Timuel Black discusses the bleak possibility of returning to a time similar to the one Chicago experienced under the leadership of Harold Washington. He tells how black legislators are not currently working together as they have in the past. This issue, as well as the deterioration of the city's 'Black Belt,' are some of the examples Black gives that support his reasoning that the city needs to change its ways. He also speaks about other minority groups in the city and the troubles they are having advancing in local politics. Black then details his hopes and fears for the black community. Timuel Black discusses his parents' background and how the family ended up in Chicago, Illinois. He also tells of his ancestors' origins and their lives in slavery and speaks about stories that have been passed down through the family's generations about their history. Black describes why family sizes started to become smaller and how children's potential was viewed. He then goes into depth about both his mother's and father's personalities, giving details about their lives and beliefs. Black tells of the traits he acquired from each of his parents. Then, Black discusses himself as a child and tells of his inquisitive attitude. Tim Black then talks about his mother's attitude towards education. After being drafted and fighting in World War II, Timuel Black tells of coming back home and attending college and about some of the inspiring people he met during this time before his involvement in the Civil Rights Movement pulled him away from his doctoral work at the University of Chicago. He tells of racism he encountered in the Army, corruption among the officers, and how he dealt with it as well as how his attitude changed upon arrival back in the United States. He talks about his positive experience at the University of Chicago and his relationship with Dr. William Allison Davis. Timuel Black explains how education was an important part of his childhood. He talks about friends of his during his elementary and high school days who became successful later in life. Black tells of some mischief he found himself in when he became involved with a tough crowd of kids. Black remembers forging his mother's signature in order to transfer from Englewood High School to Wendell Phillips High School where he made a friend who would later become known as Nat King Cole. He goes in dpeth about his personality as a high school student and tells of some hard times he faced as well as some exciting moments. Black recalls experiences he and his friends had in a local poolroom, recounting his memory of celebrities who would drop in. Black lists a number of the musicians he met during his late teens. He then details his years upon graduating from high school. Timuel Black speaks about his experiences working for Metropolitan Burial Society and Jackson Funeral System. Timuel Black talks about the Civil Rights Movement and the success that it had. He goes into details with his personal beliefs on what has been accomplished and what remains to be done. He then describes his early involvement with politics and reveals that he never chose to become a political player, but was persuaded by others based on his natural ability as a leader. Black then tells how his work as an activist helped him through his teaching career. He mentions instances where he helped his students fight for their beliefs in the schools where he taught and in one instance he was forced to leave his position because of his choice to speak out. Black then reveals how he'd like to be remembered and touches upon what his legacy might be. Finally, Black is asked about what his parents would think of him if they could see him now. A selection of photographs is narrated by Timuel Black and includes the likes of his friends, family and colleagues.

55 Stories (See Ordered Story Set)