James H. Lowry (Finding Aid)

James H. Lowry

1939 -

Favorite Color: Blue

Favorite Food: Fried Chicken

Favorite Time of Year: Fall

Favorite Vacation Spot: Puerto Vallarta, Mexico

Interview Length: 113 minutes

Interview Date(s): January 30, 2003

Interview Location(s): Chicago, Illinois

Abstract

James Lowry describes his family background, telling stories about his ancestry in Mississippi and Tennessee, and then explains how his parents ended up in Chicago, where he was born. Lowry describes his parents' personalities and describes their professional careers as postal workers. Lowry recalls his childhood Chicago neighborhood of Englewood, describing a close-knit community. He remembers attending A. O. Sexton Elementary school, and explains how the school prepared him to excel in both academics and athletics, which led to his enrollment at Francis W. Parker High School. Lowry discusses the adjustment he made while attending a previously all-white school. He explains how the Jewish students at the school helped him to adjust and considers the relationship between Jews and African Americans. James Lowry considers the strength of the Jewish community internationally, and says he hopes the African American community will one day have the same strength. Lowry then provides a detailed description of his experience at Francis W. Parker High School in Chicago, discussing the athletics, academics, and social life, and explaining how the high school impacted his development. Lowry then explains his college admissions process, in which he considered many liberal arts colleges in the Midwest, and finally decided to attend Grinnell College. Lowry describes his experience at Grinnell, where he starred in athletics and made a good academic record. He discusses the racial environment at Grinnell, which was largely welcoming, but marred by an incident sparked by interracial dating. Lowry then talks about his study abroad scholarship to Tanzania, which opened his eyes to African culture. James Lowry talks about how he made extra money while he was working in Tanzania. He then details some of his responsibilities with the Peace Corps. Then, Lowry explains how he left Tanzania after being recruited by Robert F. Kennedy. He discusses living and working abroad and talks about some life lessons he learned during that time. James Lowry recalls working in Bedford Stuyvesant and discusses its West Indian population. He then recalls being a television program host. Lowry remembers the forward-thinking spirit and political scene of the mid-1960s, mentioning political figures who worked with and influenced him. Next, James Lowry remembers Robert F. Kennedy and the Kennedy family. Lowry gives his beliefs on the importance of Americans being culturally exposed. He then describes the process in being hired by McKinsey & Company before talking specifically about some of his assignments. James Lowry explains the origin of his daughter's name. James Lowry explains how he founded his own consulting firm, James H. Lowry and Associates, and describes the company's growth and its important role in empowering minority business owners. He explains how Chicago politicians aided him and his company in increasing the role of minority-owned businesses in government contracts. Lowry then discusses the television show he produces and hosts, 'Minority Business Report,' which provides news and analysis geared toward minority business owners. Lowry shares his hopes and concerns for the African American community, saying that blacks need to embrace the differences within their own culture. He then discusses the state of black-owned businesses, saying that blacks must become more prominent in big business and create jobs for the community. Lowry then considers his legacy and reiterates his desire for increased tolerance in the black community. James Lowry hopes he will be remembered as a mentor who wanted all of his employees and associates to better themselves and succeed. Lowry then speaks briefly about his ambition to continue his success, and how he hopes his family will share in that success.

46 Stories (See Ordered Story Set)