Oral history interview with Val Coleman, 1999

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Name: Coleman, Val (Interviewee); Michaels, Sheila, 1939-2017 (Interviewer)
Title: Oral history interview with Val Coleman, 1999
Other Titles: Reminiscences of Val Coleman, 1999; Oral history of Val Coleman, 1999
Abstract: Coleman begins by explaining his sister's involvement with the Congress of Racial Equality (CORE) and the origins of his own involvement. He discusses his membership with the Fellowship of Reconciliation (FOR) and the relationships he formed with Jim (James L.) Farmer and Abraham Johannes (A.J.) Muste. Coleman shares details of Farmer's autobiography, "Lay Bare the Heart," and describes personal in teractions with and admiration for Farmer. Coleman discusses his work as a press agent at United Artists, his growing devotion to CORE, and his resignation from United Artists to become Marvin Rich's assistant. He chronicles his professional and activist experiences, including: his promotion to Assistant Community Relations Director of CORE; his participation in organizing the Woolworth boycotts; his negotiations with Warner Bros. Entertainment against segregation; and his collaboration with SEIU 1199. Coleman addresses broader themes and trends within the movement, such as: the influence of Gandhism, the differences in experience between African immigrants and Black Americans, the experiences of women in the movement, the transition from integration to Black Power, and the subsequent exodus of whites from the movement. Coleman describes the FOR's Journey of Reconciliation of 1947 and the Freedom Rides of 1961. He recalls a 1960 meeting with Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. to discuss a possible merger between CORE and the Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC). Coleman also discusses: the shift in CORE's leadership, including his impressions of Roy Innis; the movement's end; how the American public reacts to social movements; the limited focus of the civil rights movement; and American racial inequality at the time of the interview
Collection Name: Sheila Michaels civil rights organization oral history collection
Subjects: Civil rights movements--History--20th century.--United States; Civil rights demonstrations--United States; United States Race relations 20th century; Coleman, Val; Farmer, James, 1920-1999; Congress of Racial Equality
Format: oral histories
Genre: Interviews
Date: 1999

Physical Description: 61 pages
Note (Biographical): Val Coleman was an active member of the Congress of Racial Equality (CORE) in New York and the national CORE organization from 1960 until 1968. Coleman's sister was an early member of the organization, and Coleman got involved as he became dissatisfie d with his work as a press agent for United Artists films. Coleman quickly became the Assistant Community Relations Director of CORE and later became Press Secretary. Coleman was instrumental in the planning of many CORE demonstrations, including the Freedom Rides. Following his involvement in the movement, Coleman became the Director of Public Information at the New York City Housing Authority, a position he held for over two decades. Coleman also taught Urban Planning as an adjunct professor at Columbia University, and has written numerous books and plays, including "Beverly and Marigold," an anthology of short stories
Note: Interviewed by Sheila Michaels on January 6, 1999
Note (Provenance): Sheila Michaels, Gift circa 1998-2005
Language: English
Library Location: Columbia Center for Oral History, Columbia University
Catalog Record: 11603539
Persistent URL: https://dx.doi.org/10.7916/d8-1twy-vn35
Related URLs: Available digital content for this interview.