Oral History: Robert E. Sigler (William Sigler)

Abstract

While Interviewing Robert he explains his broad experience with his experience of Racism. He had left some things out that were pretty explicit and he didn’t feel comfortable saying. Yet he said I could share and he said that his white friends would chase african americans  out of the park by screaming them out of there names and beating them up if they didn’t leave.

Additional Research

Cinnaminson is an eastern suburb of Philadelphia that borders the Delaware River. "The inhabitants of the township of Chester having become so numerous that it is impracticable for them to meet with convenience and good order in one assembly... the Township shall be divided." The name of  "Cinnaminson" comes from the Lenape Native American word "Senamensing," which means "sweet water".

Interview Details: May 2nd or 3rd, either the evening of May 2nd or the afternoon of May 3rd and at 2521 Pine St Cinnaminson, NJ 08077

Robert Sigler:

1. How often was segregation or racism  brought up in your household when you were younger?

Not very often we did not talk much family wise,  school wise not much.

2. When people said or say racial slurs how does it make you feel? why?

I don't know I pretty much just ignore them. Do you think you hear them on a daily basis?  Ah No

3. When you were in school were there colored kids that went there?

Yes, How many?  Ah maybe a half dozen.

4. Did you ever display any type of segregation or racism towards anyone?

No, not really.

When you were growing up do you think anyone in your family did?  Eh maybe grandparents somewhat.  Can you give us an   example?  Excuse me? I said can you give me an example?  Well well the last time I saw my grandmother who was born in the 1890's in a nursing home she expressed displeasure with the black attendants in the Nursing Home. Let's put it that way.

5. How many colored families lived in your neighborhood when you were a child?

There was one elderly couple that lived up the street.

6. Has anyone treated you different because of your race?

Not really.

7. Are you aware of the African Americans being killed by police? what is your response?

Yes I am aware of it I mean it's been all over the news. Umm as for the whole police shootings some are justified and some aren't it depends on the certain circumstances.

8. How many colored people do you see or interact with on a daily basis?

Now?  Ahh two or three probably.

9. Do you think where you live is segregated?  No

No

In the neighborhood you live in is the diversity in it?

Yes

10. On April 20th, 1971 how old were you when The Supreme Court, in Swann v. Charlotte-Mecklenburg Board of Education, upholds busing as a legitimate means for achieving integration of public schools happened? How did you feel?

I was about 13 and I it really didn't affect our areas I really didn't think much about it.

What grade were you in? eighth or ninth somewhere in there.