Bridges Digital Archive: Audio and Video Recordings

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Document Type

Oral History

Publication Date

4-15-2022

Abstract

Pastor Chuck Singleton was born in Joliet, Illinois. He accredits his pastorship at First Baptist Church of North Fontana as the reason for his migration to Fontana. He shares some racist narratives present in Fontana during the 1970s. He highlights early community leaders and their fight for equality: Jessie Turner, Ted Davis, and Charlie Redd. Pastor Singleton shares how Fontana schools pushed for Black History’s inclusion within the school curriculum, opportunities for teachers of color, and opportunities for disadvantaged students. Pastor Singleton narrates the history and stories of Loveland Church. He further describes the vital role community organizers, Frances Grice and Valerie Pope Ludlum, played in the church and the local community. He sets forth how the I-15 Freeway impacted San Bernardino and Fontana’s Tract homes which were located near Kaiser Steel Mill. During it’s original development this area held a vibrant Black community. Pastor Singleton explains the effect how the death of George Floyd and the emergence of The Black Lives Matter Movement had on himself, while recognizing the heavier focus on social justice and structural issues in racism.

Comments

Interview conducted by Jennifer Tilton.

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