Bridges Digital Archive: Audio and Video Recordings

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Document Type

Oral History

Publication Date

4-20-2015

Abstract

Emma Shaw shares details about her growing up and her migration from Tallulah, Louisiana to San Bernardino, California from 1944 to 1945. She discusses how her and her husband, George Shaw met, as well as the life and children they had together. She talks highly of religion, citing God as the cause for her longevity and a certain purpose that he has for her life. She talks about her life now, as well as the negative experiences she endured in her life, including racist comments made to her in school and a racist experience when working. Shaw’s daughter Joyce Smith also provided some insight into their life, explaining that Emma always made sure that her children were taken care of and fed, along with details of her father’s value of education and the role he played in their household. She also discussed the changes in society from when she was a young girl to the present day (2015), which involved women wearing pants rather than dresses and more violence. Additionally, members of the Westside Action group explained their connection to the Shaw family, reinforcing the positive reputation that the family has, as all of these connections and experiences were positive.For example, Smith recalls that her father was the authority, what he said was what happened, and Emma followed which ultimately shaped the children with a very disciplined and focused mindset. Joyce also explained that it was her father’s value of education and the importance that he placed on her attending that got her interested in and dedicated to completing college.

Comments

Interview conducted by Ratibu Jacocks.

Emma Shaw.docx (2949 kB)

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