Emily Orr

Authors

Wilmer Amina Carter Foundation

Document Type

Oral History

Publication Date

2-2022

Abstract

Emily Orr discusses her family’s role during the Civil Rights Movement in San Bernardino. Emily met her ex-husband Clabe Hangan while she was a student at University of Redlands, and she shares memories of their experiences as an interracial couple in the 1950s. After getting married in 1955, they started a family and moved to San Bernardino. They became very active in the Civil Rights movement and folk music scene in San Bernardino. Clabe Hangan served as principal of the Freedom Schools, and Emily was a teacher for the freedom schools and hosted classes at their house. Clabe Hangan grew up in Second Baptist Church where he was an original member of the music group, the Mutonic Four. During the 1960s, he became active in the folk music scene and built a career as a musician. Emily Orr became a social worker, and in the early 1970s divorced Clabe Hangan. From music to protests and raising a family during a time of civic unrest and desegregation, Emily shares key insights and figures about life in San Bernardino and Redlands during the 50s and 60s.

Recommended Citation

Interview conducted by Jennifer Tilton.