Sonny Carson
Congress of Racial Equality. Brooklyn Chapter
Civil rights movements—New York (State)—New York
Race relations—New York (State)—New York
Brooklyn (New York, N.Y.)—History
Sonny Carson was drawn to the chapter’s militant and dramatic tactics during the Downstate protest. Carson became a regular at meetings in 1964-1965 and recruited new members who were young, black, radical and influenced by black nationalism. He was elected chairman of the chapter in 1966 infusing Brooklyn CORE with new vitality. Under Carson there was a shift away from interracial membership, action-oriented culture and protest strategies. Instead the chapter began to focus on community organizing in Brooklyn’s black communities and embraced ideas and organizational methods of the Black Power Movement.
In this recording, Carson recounts his childhood in Bed-Stuy, CORE at Downstate, cultures within the NYC civil rights movement, the exit of white members from the chapter, and tensions between black power ideology and non-violence in the chapter.
Kim, Claire Jean
Cassette 34
Brooklyn Public Library
1995-11-12
Carson, Sonny
The material on this website is protected by copyright and/or related rights. All audio and photographic material is reproduced from the Brooklyn Public Library Civil Rights in Brooklyn Oral History Collection, and other collections. While access to many items in these collections is unrestricted, we do not own reproduction rights to all materials. Items may be used in any way that is permitted by the copyright and other rights related legislation that applies to the specific use. The user assumes all responsibility for rights related questions.
audio/MPA
Side A 45 min, Side B 8 min
en-US
Sound
34_S_Carson
Brooklyn (borough)
1936-1995
Congressman Major Owens
Congress of Racial Equality. Brooklyn Chapter
Civil rights movements—New York (State)—New York
Race relations—New York (State)—New York
Brooklyn (New York, N.Y.)—History
Originally from Tennessee, Congressman Owns came into Brooklyn CORE when he was working as a librarian in the Brooklyn Public Library. Congressman Major Owens joined CORE in 1960 and acted as the chairman of CORE from 1965-1966 after the Worlds Fair Stall-In. Before becoming chairman, Owens worked on CORE’s Housing Committee and became well known for coordinating rent-strikes.
In this recording, Major Owens discusses his leadership in CORE, the World Fair Stall-In, balancing family and activism, running for government, National CORE’s relationship to the chapter, fundraising, and local activism.
Purnell, Brian
Cassette 38
Brooklyn Public Library
2003-12-12
Owens, Major
The material on this website is protected by copyright and/or related rights. All audio and photographic material is reproduced from the Brooklyn Public Library Civil Rights in Brooklyn Oral History Collection, and other collections. While access to many items in these collections is unrestricted, we do not own reproduction rights to all materials. Items may be used in any way that is permitted by the copyright and other rights related legislation that applies to the specific use. The user assumes all responsibility for rights related questions.
audio/MPA
Side A 46 min, Side B 14 min
en-US
Sound
38_M_Owens
Brooklyn (borough)
1936-2003
Bob Law
Congress of Racial Equality. Brooklyn Chapter
Civil rights movements—New York (State)—New York
Race relations—New York (State)—New York
Brooklyn (New York, N.Y.)—History
Radio personality and community activist Bob Law was born and raised in Bed-Stuy. He joined CORE in 1962 when he was a student at Pratt University. He and his friends were impressed with CORE’s innovative tactics during their housing integration campaign. Law was a critical player in CORE’s major campaigns including Clean Sweep, Ebinger’s, and Downstate. In this recording, Law talks about growing up in Bed-Stuy, race and community in 1950s Brooklyn projects, Operation Clean Sweep, and protesting racial discrimination at White Castle and at the Board of Education. He also talks in depth about the outcome of Downstate Medical Center, tensions between black power and non violence within the group, and Malcolm X’s participation in CORE’s work.
Purnell, Brian
Cassette 42
Brooklyn Public Library
2005-03-29
Law, Bob
The material on this website is protected by copyright and/or related rights. All audio and photographic material is reproduced from the Brooklyn Public Library Civil Rights in Brooklyn Oral History Collection, and other collections. While access to many items in these collections is unrestricted, we do not own reproduction rights to all materials. Items may be used in any way that is permitted by the copyright and other rights related legislation that applies to the specific use. The user assumes all responsibility for rights related questions.
audio/MPA
Side A 44 min, Side B 19 min
en-US
Sound
42_B_Law
Brooklyn (borough)
1940-2005