Bridges Digital Archive: Audio and Video Recordings

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Document Type

Oral History

Publication Date

7-8-2021

Abstract

Brian Townsend discusses his father’s, Arthur Townsend, active participation in San Bernardino. Art Townsend did not limit himself to one role. His passion and natural leadership qualities led him to not only be a successful real estate broker, but also an influential member of the black community. He was an agent of change in a myriad of areas. Brian Townsend details his father’s close relationship with Mayor Holcomb, his work as a mentor to civil rights activists like Frances Grice during the fight to desegregate San Bernardino schools, his work with CORE, the Community League of Mothers, and the NAACP, where he served as president. Brian describes Art Townsend’s work on the Precinct Reporter, which he founded with Sam Martin in 1965, and explained how the newspaper played an important role documenting and mobilizing the community in a range of activist efforts. Brian Townsend shares his own memories of attending Freedom Schools during the desegregation campaign as a child. His memories of Frances Grice and the work of Operation Second Chance, greatly impacted him as a young adult. He describes his own efforts to keep the Precinct Reporter active after his father passed away in his mid-60s, and shares the ways he sees the Black Lives Matter movement moving forward.

Comments

Interview conducted by Jennifer Tilton.

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