doi:10.7916/d8-jx52-xj90Oral history interview with Jean Thompson, 1999Thompson, Jean C. (Jean Catherine), 1942-oral historiesmixed materialCivil rights movements--History--20th century.--United StatesCivil rights demonstrations--LousianaCivil rights workers--History--20th century.--United StatesUnited States Race relations 20th centuryThompson, Jean C. (Jean Catherine), 1942-Congress of Racial EqualityNational Association for the Advancement of Colored PeopleIn 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 faced 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