doi:10.7916/d8-d2mq-me91Oral history interview with Robert Belton, 2000Belton, Robert, 1935-2012oral historiesmixed materialCivil rights movements--History--20th century.--United StatesLawyers--History--20th century.--Southern StatesRace discrimination--Law and legislation--United StatesAfrican Americans--Education (Higher)United States Race relations 20th centuryBelton, Robert, 1935-2012Congress of Racial Equality. New York (Harlem) ChapterNAACP Legal Defense and Educational FundVanderbilt University. Law SchoolBelton discusses his childhood; his large family; his parents' attitudes towards education; his experience in school; the encouragement he received from his high school teachers; and the various jobs he has held. He describes his time at the University of Connecticut and the trauma of being one of the only Black students on the campus. Belton characterizes his experience with religion; his decision to attend law school; and how he was influenced by growing up in a Southern Black community. He describes his introduction to activism, the demonstrations he participated in, and the formation of an NAACP chapter at the University of Connecticut. Other topics of discussion include: Belton's involvement with New York CORE; his work with the politically active Legal Defense Fund; his experience in jail; the impact of the landmark Supreme Court cases Brown v. Board of Education of Topeka and Griggs v. Duke Power Co.; and affirmative action. Additionally, Belton discusses CORE reunions and reflects on the outcomes of the civil rights movement. Belton concludes by talking about his wife and two kids, his decision to join Vanderbilt University's faculty, and his experience with race relations there