Ramona Hoage Edelin (Finding Aid)

Ramona Hoage Edelin

1945 -

Favorite Color: Purple

Favorite Food: Groundnut Stew

Favorite Time of Year: Spring

Favorite Vacation Spot: Jamaica

Interview Length: 195 minutes

Interview Date(s): July 14, 2003

Interview Location(s): Washington, D.C.

Abstract

Ramona Edelin provides commentary to the photographs documenting her life. She then talks about her parents' backgrounds and family histories. Ramona Edelin talks about her childhood and discusses values instilled in her and memories of Orangeburg, South Carolina. She remembers her grandparents and talks about their personalities and lessons she learned from them. Next, she speaks about her relationship with her mother. Ramona Edelin shares stories surrounding her birth and the untimely death of her father. She then recalls her religious upbringing and explains the influence church had on her. Edelin talks about her move from South Carolina to Atlanta and recalls her educational experiences there. Ramona Edelin talks about the origin of her name and then discusses the concept of lab schools. She recalls being one of the very few black students and describes how she dealt with being a minority during her childhood. Edelin speaks about racism she faced and her attempts to fit in at school in Carbondale, Illinois. Next, she discusses her move to Massachusetts and describes her high school experiences there, including her exposure to international affairs. Ramona Edelin explains how she decided to attend Fisk University. Then, she recalls experiences there and talks about professors who influenced her along the way. Edelin tells about her interest in W.E.B. DuBois, the topic of her studies at Fisk. Next, she details juggling marriage, motherhood and studying for her master's degree. She then talks about working for Dr. Martin Luther King while a college student and the gratification she received from her efforts. Next, she mentions others involved with Dr. King at that time. Ramona Edelin recalls stories of the terrible struggles black soldiers endured during the Vietnam War. Ramona Edelin recalls the writers workshop at Fisk University where she met and worked with John Oliver Killens. She then describes a lawsuit against her husband and how that affected her life and career. Edelin talks about the racist atmosphere in Boston during the 1970s and tells about her move from Boston to Washington, D.C. She then recalls her meeting with M. Carl Holman and her work with the National Urban Coalition. Edelin describes the purpose of the National Urban Coalition and its history. After speaking about the path her career has taken she reflects on the deaths of her mother and grandfather. Ramona Edelin talks about her activities with black leaders in Washington, D.C. Ramona Edelin discusses the National Urban Coalition and her tenure there as successor to NUC's founder and President M. Carl Holman. She then talks about her career path and details her focus on math and science education for African American children during the 1990s. Edelin talks about how she became involved with the Congressional Black Caucus and her appointment to run the CBC Foundation. She then details the purpose and activities of the foundation and her career move following her departure from CBCF in 2002. Lastly, Edelin talks about her personal involvement with coining the term 'African American'. Ramona Edelin talks about the cultural identity of African Americans and shares her thoughts about the outcome of integration. Edelin then discusses the recent Republican administrations in Washington and details their damaging effects on the African American community. She then talks about the importance of HBCUs and her long friendship with activist Stokely Carmichael. Ramona Edelin gives her views on single parenting and the importance of an extended family network. Lastly, she talks about what makes African Americans unique and details her family's long legacy in the Delta Sigma Theta sorority.

80 Stories (See Ordered Story Set)