Oral history interview with Jean Thompson, 1999

Biographical Note

Jean C. Thompson, born in 1942, is one of eight children born to Cora Mae and John Henry Thompson of Lake Providence, Louisiana. Both parents were from farming families, and her parents moved to New Orleans when they were no longer able to support the family by sharecropping. Her parents were politically active and registered to vote as soon as they relocated; they encouraged their children to do the same. Thompson's mother worked at a garment factory, where she attempted to unionize workers, and at Charity Hospital, where she became a shop steward. Her father was a laborer and stevedore. After fifteen years of service, he lost his job with Allen Brothers, because he allowed his daughters to attend Louisiana State University's New Orleans campus. Thompson became involved with the Congress of Racial Equality (CORE) after her involvement with the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP). She has worked as a social worker, job coach, and vocational instructor

Scope and Contents

In 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

Subjects

• Civil rights demonstrations--Lousiana--New Orleans.
• Civil rights movements--United States--History--20th century.
• Civil rights workers--United States--History--20th century.
• Congress of Racial Equality.
• Interviews.
• Michaels, Sheila, 1939-2017, interviewer.
• National Association for the Advancement of Colored People.
• Oral histories.
• Thompson, Jean C. (Jean Catherine), 1942---Interviews.
• United States--Race relations--History--20th century.