Oral history interview with Jean Thompson, 1999

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Name: Thompson, Jean C. (Jean Catherine), 1942- (Interviewee); Michaels, Sheila, 1939-2017 (Interviewer)
Title: Oral history interview with Jean Thompson, 1999
Other Titles: Reminiscences of Jean Thompson, 1999; Oral history of Jean Thompson, 1999
Abstract: In this interview with Sheila Michaels, Jean Thompson discusses growing up in New Orleans, Louisiana; her family life and relationships; her involvement with the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) and the Congress of Racial Equality (CORE); her participation in the Freedom Rides and Freedom Highways projects; her marriage, career, and children; and the strictures fac ed as a Black person in New Orleans. Thompson discusses her family history, and the lessons imparted by her parents. She recounts her reasons for becoming involved with CORE after being a junior member of the NAACP. She relays events related to the Freedom Rides and Freedom Highways projects in the summers of 1961 and 1962; the picketing of Woolworth's, Kress', and McCrory's stores by New Orleans' CORE; as well as the support that New Orleans CORE chapter received from St. James Methodist Church. She also discusses the problems that arose from CORE activists' lack of understanding of local customs and traditions. She recounts the natural development of her career in social services. Finally, Thompson recalls her pursuit of her Licensed Practical Nursing (LPN) certificate
Collection Name: Sheila Michaels civil rights organization oral history collection
Subjects: Civil rights movements--History--20th century.--United States; Civil rights demonstrations--Lousiana; Civil rights workers--History--20th century.--United States; United States Race relations 20th century; Thompson, Jean C. (Jean Catherine), 1942-; Congress of Racial Equality; National Association for the Advancement of Colored People
Format: oral histories
Genre: Interviews
Date: 1999

Physical Description: 234 pages
Note (Biographical): Jean C. Thompson, born in 1942, is one of eight children born to Cora Mae and John Henry Thompson of Lake Providence, Louisiana. Both parents were from farming families, and her parents moved to New Orleans when they were no longer able to support the family by sharecropping. Her parents were politically active and registered to vote as soon as they relocated; they encouraged their children to do the same. Thompson's mother worked at a garment factory, where she attempted to unionize workers, and at Charity Hospital, where she became a shop steward. Her father was a laborer and stevedore. After fifteen years of service, he lost his job with Allen Brothers, because he allowed his daughters to attend Louisiana State University's New Orleans campus. Thompson became involved with the Congress of Racial Equality (CORE) after her involvement with the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP). She has worked as a social worker, job coach, and vocational instructor
Note: Interviewed by Sheila Michaels on November 26, November 27, and November 28, 1999
Note (Provenance): Sheila Michaels, Gift circa 1999-2005
Language: English
Library Location: Columbia Center for Oral History, Columbia University
Browse Location’s Digital Content
Catalog Record: 11604559
Also In: Oral History Archives at Columbia; Time-Based Media; Time-Based Media
Persistent URL: https://dx.doi.org/10.7916/d8-jx52-xj90
Related URLs: Available digital content for this interview.