Edmonds, Rev. Dr. Edwin, 2004 February 16

Part of Collection

Call Number: RU 1055, Series Accession 2008-A-001

Scope and Contents

The Reverend Doctor Edwin Edmonds arrived in New Haven in 1959 to serve as Pastor for the Dixwell United Church of Christ and quickly became involved in African American political activities. Edmonds came to New Haven from Greensboro, North Carolina, where he had been a Professor of Sociology at Bennett College and President of the local branch of the NAACP. He took on a number of racial issues through his church and through the NAACP. Edmonds recounts his efforts to integrate New Haven's schools and the discrimination he faced in the attempt to find affordable housing and his wife's difficulties finding a job as a teacher. He states that the local trade unions and the White Citizens' Council, a coalition of businessmen, both tried to restrict African American access to jobs and job training. Edmonds appealed to Mayor Richard Lee to put pressure on these groups. This led to the establishment training programs for African Americans who wanted to learn a trade and efforts by Lee to integrate the New Haven police force. Edmonds also cofounded the group Community Progress Incorporated, which was created to organize citizens into local advisory groups who could make recommendations for community development initiatives and to lobby cooperatively for civic improvements and fixes for neighborhood problems. Edmonds also talks about the creation of Head Start in New Haven.

Interviewer: Hammond, Sarah

Length (min): 75

Dates

2004 February 16

Conditions Governing Access

As a preservation measure, original materials may not be used. Digital access copies must be provided for use. Contact Manuscripts and Archives at mssa.assist@yale.edu to request access