Turner, Diane
Description
Eugene Dawkins (December 16, 1944- ) grew up just outside the walls of Girard College and was not only witness, but an active participant in the protests to end educational segregation there in 1965. Mr. Dawkins also participated in the earlier NAACP led demonstrations at the construction site of the Strawberry Mansion Middle School in 1963. Mr. Dawkins speaks about his involvement in these protests and his relationship with Philadelphia NAACP President, Cecil B. Moore as well as Moore’s influence over young men in North Philadelphia in the 1960's. He also recalls the police response and their treatment of the demonstrators at Girard College. This includes Dawkins description of his unique relationship with then deputy-police commissioner Frank Rizzo and his personal encounters with police including his numerous arrests for his participation during the seven month long protests and an incident in which he was the victim of police brutality.Interview with Eugene Dawkins by Diane Turner for the Charles L. Blockson Afro-American Collection, Temple University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, June 24, 2011.
Sound
Oral Histories
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