Edmund B. Gaither (Finding Aid)

Edmund B. Gaither

1944 -

Favorite Color: Blue

Favorite Food: Chicken

Favorite Time of Year: Summer

Favorite Vacation Spot: A warm place

Interview Length: 182 minutes

Interview Date(s): February 12, 2001

Interview Location(s): National Center of Afro-American Artists, Boston, Massachusetts

Abstract

Edmund Gaither talks about his father's family origins in Great Falls, South Carolina and admits that his father experienced a better education than he. He then shares a story about his father helping build the local AME church in the community and his pride in having such a role model. Gaither then discusses his racial origins and the fact that there is a white component to his family from Maryland to whom his family may be related. Lastly, Gaither talks about the attitudes among blacks and whites in Great Falls, and shares stories about moments of intolerance as well as acceptance. Edmund Gaither talks about his mother's origins from Starr, South Carolina. He then discusses his ancestors' strong attitudes about education and the women choosing teaching as their careers. Gaither then shares a story about his youngest sister, and talks extensively about the patterns of naming of children in the South. Edmund Gaither then describes his personality as a young boy, his lively imagination and his penchant for art rather than sports. Lastly, Gaither recalls his formal schooling and shares stories of how his mischievousness got him into trouble. Edmund Gaither details the education system where he grew up, in Great Falls, South Carolina in the 1950s. Gaither then talks about his educational experiences and his penchant for oratory. He then shares a story about traveling to Janesville, Wisconsin while in high school and boarding with a white family. Edmund Gaither talks about the educational obstacles he had to conquer while attending a segregated school, yet discusses with pride the supplemental lessons in black history he received. Gaither then details the systematic disenfranchisement of his parents and others who were denied teaching jobs if they were reported to be racially subversive. Lastly, Gaither talks about his father's union-organizing activities and the unethical business practices of the J. P. Stevens Company, the local textile mill. Edmund Gaither talks about his parents' nurturing qualities and details his family members' musical abilities. He then discusses his vast collection of congregational music and his observations on its uniqueness. Gaither then returns to talking about his experiences while traveling to Janesville, Wisconsin for his local student government. Edmund Gaither details how he arrived at the decision to attend Morehouse College in the 1960s. Lastly, Gaither details his experiences at Morehouse and extols the virtues of the people and educational advantages there. Edmund Gaither recalls his first real exposure to the fine arts during his college years at Morehouse College in Atlanta. He talks at length about the other colleges he visited nearby, and the African American artists' works that are represented there. Gaither then talks about his post-collegiate transition out of the South and into Boston, and details the politics of the museum scene there and his professional relationship with Elma Lewis, founder of the National Center of Afro-American Artists. Lastly, Gaither talks about the African American art exhibition that set the groundwork for his future career path. Edmund Gaither talks about the establishment of the National Center of Afro-American Artists and the difficulties he experienced with finding the building that exists as their current site. Gaither then discusses the professional organizations for African American museums in which he is an active participant. He then details his career successes and the assistance the National Center receives from the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston. Lastly, Gaither explains the National Center's dependency on other local institutions for support. Edmund Gaither discusses the future of the black museums in relation to the overall African American community. He then gives his views on African Americans and the need for them to support black-run institutions. Lastly, Gaither reflects on his legacy in relation to his years and dedication to his museum work.

38 Stories (See Ordered Story Set)