Rev. James Luther Bevel (Finding Aid)

Rev. James Luther Bevel

1936 - 2008

Favorite Color: Black

Favorite Food: Avocado

Favorite Time of Year: Spring

Interview Length: 139 minutes

Interview Date(s): January 14, 2003

Interview Location(s): Chicago, Illinois

Abstract

Minister and activist James Bevel discusses his family's ethnic origins, sharing his family's unique philosophy regarding ancestry and genealogy. Bevel then describes his parents, crediting both for influencing his religion, education, and philosophy. Bevel also describes his hometown of Itta Bena, Mississippi, a segregated rural town. Minister and activist James Bevel continues to describe his childhood environment in Itta Bena, Mississippi. Topics include his schooling, his recreations, and the social climate of the town. Bevel then explains how he moved to Cleveland, Ohio with his mother, and describes his education there. Bevel then discusses his decision to enlist in the Navy, explains how his changing philosophy caused him to leave early. Minister and activist James Bevel briefly discusses his activites before joining the ministry, including why he left the U.S. Navy and his musical career. Bevel then explains why he chose to enroll at the American Baptist Theological Seminary, and describes the lessons he learned there. Bevel describes the organization and strategies of the student-led movement for civil rights in Nashville, which came into being while he was attending seminary. Minister and activist James Bevel details his involvement in the Civl Rights Movement. Bevel begins his discussion in Nashville, where he helped to desegregate department stores and movie theaters, and was a founding member of the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC). Bevel then speaks of his participation in the Freedom Rides in Alabama and Mississippi, and explains the philosophy behind his and SNCC's actions. Minister and activist James Bevel details his involvement in the Civil Rights Movement during the 1960s. Bevel discusses further his participation in SNCC, and explains why he supported the creation of the Council of Federated Organizations (COFO), the goal of which was to promote voting rights in the South. Bevel also talks about the assassination of Medgar Evers, and the challenges he and SNCC faced when bringing their battle into a national politcal arena.

43 Stories (See Ordered Story Set)