Kent Amos (Finding Aid)

Kent Amos

1944 -

Favorite Color: Brown

Favorite Food: Pie and Ice Cream

Favorite Time of Year: Christmas

Favorite Vacation Spot: Cayman Islands

Interview Length: 161 minutes

Interview Date(s): June 9, 2003

Interview Location(s): Residence of Kent Amos, Washington, D.C.

Abstract

Business and civic leader Kent Amos shares his maternal and paternal family history along with memories of his mother and father. He describes his childhood in Washington, D.C. during and after World War II with discussions of streetcars, segregated basement movie theaters, segregated professional sports teams and his childhood neighborhood. He also discusses his educational experiences. Finally, he discusses his ideas about religion and church. Business and civic leader Kent Amos describes his educational experience, what he was like as a student and the extracurricular activities in which he was involved. He also reflects on the popular dances and music when he was growing up as well as the emergence of television in the 1950s. He discusses growing up in the political environment in Washington, D.C. and how this affected his career aspirations. In addition, Amos discusses dropping out of college and entering into the United States Armed Forces, subsequently serving in the Vietnam War. Finally, he discusses the benefits of the military experience and the race relations he experienced while serving. Business and civic leader Kent Amos explains that he graduated from Delaware State University and, subsequently, returned to Vietnam. He also discusses his career with the Xerox Corporation, rising from an entry-level employee to a vice president in 1977. Furthermore, he describes his instrumental role in the formation of the Xerox Corporation's National Black Employees Association. Finally, he mentions receiving the NAACP Image Aware and the dangers of placing his son in a Washington, D.C. public school. Business and civic leader Kent Amos discusses the difficulties he faced in choosing a public school for his son in Washington, D.C. He also describes how he "affectionately adopted" eighty-seven youths to give them a better chance at life. He discusses the importance of values and his continued dependence on his faith. Additionally, he reflects on the influence of his parents and mentors on his life. Finally, Amos discusses some of the tragedies of his adopted children and, specifically, the need to reform the structures that contribute to social dysfunction. Business and civic leader Kent Amos discusses the power of people collectively organizing for social change. He explains the philosophies of value systems and diversity at his school, the Community Academy Public Charter Schools in Washington, D.C. He also shares his hopes and concerns for the black community and his legacy. Finally, Amos shares a multitude of personal photographs. Business and civic leader Kent Amos shares more of personal photographs.

102 Stories (See Ordered Story Set)