Bridges Digital Archive: Audio and Video Recordings

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Document Type

Oral History

Publication Date

3-14-2021

Abstract

In this interview, Arthur Forbes shares his experiences of living and working in the Inland Empire, specifically San Bernardino, and his impact on the community. Forbes, originally from San Francisco, moved to the region in 1968 with his family. He spoke about his early years, including working at Kaiser Steel in Fontana and his involvement in community groups like Operation Second Chance. He shared his experiences of addressing issues within the community, particularly in the areas of health care, racial discrimination, and employment. He worked hard to improve healthcare access for low-income communities, particularly for Black and Latino populations. He also recounted his work with the Inland Community Health Center, which expanded health services and brought lasting changes such as offering Spanish-language materials and translations. Additionally, Forbes described his leadership role in the Urban League, where he worked to improve employment opportunities for minorities. He reflected on the racial tensions he encountered in the region, mentioning incidents of racism, especially in schools and local politics. Despite these challenges, Forbes emphasized perseverance, community unity, and faith in overcoming adversity. He also addressed his views on systemic racism, advising younger generations to develop a strong relationship with faith as a means of overcoming obstacles.

Comments

Interview conducted by Tony Huyhn and Cheryl Brown.

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