Bridges Digital Archive: Audio and Video Recordings
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Document Type
Oral History
Publication Date
7-24-2014
Abstract
Mariah Epps recounts her life story, including her marriage to Johnnie Epps, the first African-American police officer in San Bernardino, California. She describes how they met, their early years together, and the tragic incident in 1950 where Johnnie was involved in a shooting at a local auditorium while working off-duty. Shortly after he was found justified in the shooting, Johnnie was drafted into the Korean War and died in December 1950, leaving Mariah a young widow with four young children. Mariah credits her parents for helping her raise her family after Johnnie's death. She also discusses the challenges faced by African-Americans in San Bernardino at the time, including segregation and limited opportunities. Mariah reflects on the civil rights leaders and activists in the local community who worked to bring about change. Overall, Mariah's story provides a personal perspective on the experiences of an African-American family in mid-20th century San Bernardino.
Recommended Citation
Wilmer Amina Carter Foundation, "Mariah Epps" (2014). Bridges Digital Archive: Audio and Video Recordings. 171.
https://scholarworks.lib.csusb.edu/bridges/171
Comments
Interview conducted by Ratibu, Jacocks.