Paul Adams (Finding Aid)

Paul Adams

1940 -

Favorite Color: Blue

Favorite Food: Pork Chops

Favorite Time of Year: Spring and Summer

Favorite Vacation Spot: Las Vegas

Interview Length: 162 minutes

Interview Date(s): March 11, 2003

Interview Location(s): 29 South Central Park, Chicago, IL

Abstract

Educator Paul Adams discusses his attempts at finding out more about his family background. He discusses memories of his mother and his father. Adams remembers his segregated childhood neighborhood in Mongomery, Alabama as being full of role models and mentors. Adams describes himself as a child and reflects on his commitment to the Civil Rights Movement as a teenager. Finally, Adams discusses why he does not attend church. Educator Paul Adams discusses his experience of the Montgomery Bus Boycott in 1955. Additionally, Adams remembers his first impressions of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Futhermore, Adams discusses his and the overall youth commitment to the Civil Rights Movement. He also tells of being kicked out of Alabama State University for participating in a demonstration. Finally, Adams discusses how the death of Emmitt Till and the use of television were critical in the marked beginnings of the Civil Rights Movement. Educator Paul Adams details his relocation to Chicago in 1962. Adams remembers his last interaction with Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and discusses the moment he found out about his assassination. Adams also details his participation in the 1965 March from Selma to Montgomery, Alabama. Finally, Adams provides a brief history of Providence-St. Mel School in Chicago, Illinois and his eventual appointment as principal. Educator Paul Adams discusses how he transformed Providence-St. Mel into an independent school in 1978. Adams also attributes the academic success of Providence-St. Mel to their teachers' commitment to the students, to its structured environment, to students' early exposure to travel, and its accelerated educational paradigm. Finally, Adams discusses how his being Protestant does not conflict with his mission to educate students at a Catholic school. Educator Paul Adams discusses his personal philosophy of education which includes the teaching of values and classes on Dr. Martin Luther King's holiday. Adams discusses Providence-St. Mel's use of teachers and students as role models for success. He also discusses how politicians should be held accountable for their schools' academic performance. Additionally, he explains that the educational system has failed to educate youth by focusing on incarceration instead of dealing with behavioral and illiteracy problems. Finally, Adams explains that it is hard work for a school to work as well as Providence-St. Mel but emphasizes that any school can do it. Educator Paul Adams discusses the athletic performance, the racial makeup, the accelerated curriculum and the disciplinary rules of Providence-St. Mel. Adams explains the need for increased fundraising for Providence-St. Mel for the sakes of teachers' compensation and student tuition assistance. He also discusses his legacy and how he wants to be remembred. Finally, Adams shares a multitude of photographs.

91 Stories (See Ordered Story Set)