History Interview

Interviewer: Jordan Escobar

Abstract: Gladys Rivera, a Puerto Rican woman growing up in Miami during the 1960s describes her experiences with African Americans in her environment, and her encounters with the movements pushed by them. She also makes mention of MLK, and feels that he made a difference in the end. She remembers how they marched, what it was like to see them push for what they wanted, and how these events could’ve been dangerous. She may not remember the details, but this is how she remembers that era.

However, keep in mind she is old. The answers she give are not always 100% related to the asked question. But she is not lying, this is her account of what happened.

Research: During the conversation my grandmother mentions Martin Luther King Jr., and the marches inspired by him. Martin Luther King is most famous for his speech “I Have A Dream”. This speech was given during the Washington March that he organized, where thousands of African Americans marched on Washington DC for a peaceful protest. Martin Luther King Jr. followed a strict doctrine of non-violence. Gladys remembers the “I Have a Dream” speech, and how after all these years, she’s seen with her own eyes that the movement did make a difference.

JE: What kind of environment did you grow up in? How were African Americans a part of your life.

GR It was a lot different. People got together. People got along very good. But today everyone is more to themselves

JE Now, did you ever see African Americans being treated unfairly?

GR Not really, I see that everyone was being treated fine.

JE: Do you remember seeing marches for movements? Can you describe them?

GR I saw marches for Martin Luther King, and rights. Blacks and hispanics.

JE You saw them march together?

GR Yes. Together.

JE What would you say was the goal of the marches?

GR They were trying to get people to get together.

JE: Was it a success?

GR: Not really but they tried.

JE: Compared to today, was integration worse back then?

GR: They didn’t care how African Americans did. Now people care, what they say matters.

JE: Do you think they were alone (African Americans)?

GR: No, a lot of people were together

JE: Do you think they handled the situation well (blacks and whites)?

GR: Black people didn’t get anywhere before. Whites didn’t listen to blacks, but now they do.

JE: At anytime did you think it got dangerous?

GR: Yes, they had violent encounters using weapons.

JE: How long did it take before integration sunk in?

GR: Things really changed in the early 2000s. Things have changed a lot. Everyone is treated the same now

JE: How did whites treat blacks on the street?

GR: They treated them like they were nothing; badly. Now they are treated right

JE: Do you think there’s a problem today with racism?

GR: No, not for the most part.

JE: How did African Americans interact with you? (interviewee is of hispanic descent)

GR: Fine, normally. They treated me with kindness. They treated whites with the same respect.