Oral History Interview with J. Michael Graves, 1985
Title:
Oral History Interview with J. Michael Graves, 1985
Date:
1985
Description:
Interview with J. Michael Graves by Edmund L. Drago, March 7, 1985, AMN 500.001.006 1985, in the Avery Normal Institute Oral History Project, of the Avery Research Center at the College of Charleston
In this interview, J. Michael Graves (1915-1996), a native of Charleston, graduated from the Avery Normal Institute in 1932. In this interview conducted by Edmund L. Drago, Graves discusses in detail his family history and genealogy. He recounts his upbringing in Charleston, his father’s position as a Pullman porter, and his parents’ focus on family pride, self-worth, and appreciation of culture. This uplift philosophy was evident in Graves’ academic as well as musical pursuits. The interview focuses on Graves attending Avery Normal Institute from 1926 to 1932, talking in detail about various Averyites, teachers, classes, and rhetorical and musical programs. Graves also refers to issues of exclusivity and skin color within Avery. The second part of the interview elaborates on Graves attending Fisk University, where he graduated in 1939 with a degree in Physics. Graves was a lifelong educator; after serving as a substitute teacher at various schools in the Lowcountry area, Graves then taught at Laing High School from 1939-1945, ultimately becoming Laing’s principal. The interview also covers Graves’ time in the military at the end of World War II. Further, Graves mentions inter- and intra-race relations in Charleston. He also recalls activities of the local branch of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) and the formation of a Junior NAACP at Avery, as well as involvement in sit-ins, equalizing teacher salaries, and the Hospital Workers’ Strike of 1969. The last part of the interview focuses on Graves returning to Avery as a teacher, particularly recounting the transition of Avery’s student body to Burke High School in 1954.
Personal or Corporate Subject:
Avery Normal Institute--Alumni and alumnae Avery Normal Institute--History Graves family Graves, J. Michael (James Michael), 1915-1996 Burke High School--History Fisk University--Alumni and alumnae Graves, James R. B., 1883-1969 Laing High School (Mount Pleasant, S.C.)--Employees Laing High School (Mount Pleasant, S.C.)--History National Association for the Advancement of Colored People. Charleston Branch (Charleston, S.C.)--History
Audio file available at the Avery Research Center for African American History and Culture
Internet Media Type:
application/pdf
Copyright Status Statement:
Digital resource copyright 2011, Avery Research Center at the College of Charleston Libraries. All rights reserved. For more information contact the Avery Research Center, College of Charleston, Charleston, SC 29424.
