Interview with Larry Green, July 13, 2022

Partial Transcript: Ok-uh- today is July the 13th 2022

Segment Synopsis: Green is introduced and thanked for the interview. Background on the project is also discussed.

Keywords: Roosevelt Green Sr.

Partial Transcript: Ok, Mr. Green tell me your earliest memories

Segment Synopsis: Green explains that most of the teachers in his elementary school were women without advanced degrees. He mentions how, during that time, the teachers were forced to teach evolution and often participated in corporal punishment. Green describes why corporal punishment was ineffective, highlighting the lack of counseling in schools. He emphasizes that the three male teachers kept the school disciplined.

Keywords: Dr. Walter Allen, Sr.; Vernon Payne; West Broad Street School

Partial Transcript: Ok, so now we have- we're about to leave West Broad School

Segment Synopsis: Green recalls having more male teachers in his middle school. He explains why it was inspiring for him, and especially with students from single-parent households, to see so many educated Black men. He recalls not attending church and it having little impact on his life. Green also reflects on the atmosphere of the school when white teachers were hired. He mentions the pressure that Black administrators faced when conflicts arose between the Black students and white teachers.

Keywords: Burney-Harris-Lyons Middle School; Howard B. Stroud; Integration; Lyon Junior High

Partial Transcript: Ok, well what we're going to do we're going to get through high school

Segment Synopsis: Green describes the racial conflict and protests that occurred at his high school immediately after integration. He details the way white teachers were treated and highlights the different reactions to the integration of Black and white students. Green also recalls armed police officers at the school and the excessive use of force against the students who misbehaved.

Keywords: Black Panther Party; Burney Harris School; Cedar Shoals High School; Clara Brownlee Gay; Clarke Central; Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.; Malcolm X; Nation of Islam

Partial Transcript: Now you mentioned that you led a couple of-um- marches

Segment Synopsis: Green recalls leading a student walkout in high school. He attributes his outspokenness to the other students' willingness to follow him. He explains that leadership makes people targets, and claims that he may have been watched as well. Green also emphasizes the difference in treatment towards those who were just angry and those who actually wanted change.

Keywords: Civil rights demonstrations; Kennesaw State University

Partial Transcript: Ok, Larry before you move on you started talking about an uncle

Segment Synopsis: Green recalls the story of his Uncle who defied the orders of white men and later became the target of Klansmen. He assumes that this may have been the reason behind his death. He mentions wanting to visit his cousin while her mind is still well. He also talks about his inquisitive nature and how he would always question Christianity and the church.

Keywords: Klu Klux Klan

Partial Transcript: The climate outside of the school, when the school day was over, what was the racial climate?

Segment Synopsis: Green details the racial tension that existed outside of his high school. He describes his experience of first seeing a Klansmen, emphasizing that he was not afraid at the time. He also talks about his brother's participation in civil rights demonstrations and Dr. King's opposition to the Vietnam War. Green mentions the draft and talks about how he did not want to sign up because he was against going to war.

Keywords: Christianity; Civil rights demonstrations; Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.; Harvard; Klu Klux Klan; Lynching; Morehouse College; Prinston; Selective service; The Varsity; Vietnam; Yale

Partial Transcript: Now, let's talk about after you finished school

Segment Synopsis: Green explains that many of his teachers at Athens Technical College were not able to teach students properly. He attributes this to the teachers' lack of motivation and understanding of the material. He recalls trying to motivate students at a tutorial program, but was later dismissed from the program for doing so.

Keywords: Athens Technical College; Devry University; University of Georgia

Partial Transcript: ...from Athens Tech you didn't give up, you went to DeVry. Talk about that.

Segment Synopsis: Green asserts that the teachers at DeVry were better qualified and equipped to teach their students than at his previous school. Green also discusses the issues that he has had with teachers in the past, emphasizing the fact that many of them were trying to indoctrinate rather than educate. He also describes how going against authority makes a person a target and relates this to education.

Keywords: Bill Cosby; Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.; Georgia Tech; Malcolm X; NBC; Spellman University

Partial Transcript: When you go to school, you're also getting other people's ideals, and knowledge, and concepts.

Segment Synopsis: Green discusses the disconnect between the Black students and the teachers because many of these teachers were only disciplinary. He explains that the teachers and administrators that left an impact on him were Black male teachers. Green shares some anecdotes about these teachers.

Keywords: Dr. Walter Allen Sr.; Howard B. Stroud; Sheats Barber Shop; University of Georgia

Partial Transcript: …what was interesting to us when we were high school- I'll never forget- there was organization called Free Masons...

Segment Synopsis: Green talks about Free Masons and the influence that groups like the Nation of Islam had on him throughout his childhood. Green also emphasizes the significance of reading for Black people and condemns white coaches for only pushing sports onto Black boys. He further explains that this is the reason why so many Black athletes lack reading and math skills.

Keywords: Herschell Walker; Morehouse; Nation of Islam

Partial Transcript: Well, in the Athens area you know we have, i remember-uh- two Black police officers we had in the beginning-um-the were very, very bad characters

Segment Synopsis: Green details his experience of almost being hit by a police car when he was a child. He then discusses how Black police officers used excessive force on other members of the Black community. Green explains that these officers had to use excessive force because they were Black. Green also talks about stereotypes about Black men and the mindset that they must have attended jail. He also mentions his changing attitudes toward police officers.

Keywords: Al Sharpton; Detroit, Michigan; Donald Moon; Reverend Archibald Killian

Partial Transcript: Did you look in the mirror this morning?

Segment Synopsis: Green shares that he often asks people what they would say to their younger self. He explains that he does this to the significance of self-talk and self image. Green then states that he would advise a child not to make their entire identity their occupation. He also advises them to continue along their journey and own a business.