African American Museum Fresno CA

The Fresno Cubs - all black baseball team Ethnic Oral History Project, 1977-1978: African American Community. © Fresno Historical Society Archives

Oral History Project 2004-2005

Pastor Jimmy D. AdamsInterviewer: Nancy Whittle

Pastor Adams discussed growing up in the South during the Depression, the effects of Jim Crow laws and the treatment of African Americans; his arrival in Central California; and working the fields in Brawley and other California locations. He described his father opening the first African American owned auto repair shop in Fresno, development and changes in his West Fresno neighborhood over the years, and how he started his ministry

Nadir AliInterviewer: Nancy Whittle

Mr. Ali’s family has lived in the Central Valley since 1919. His father was one of the first African American shareholders in the Danish Creamery Association. He shared memories of growing up on a farm, life in Firebaugh and Caruthers, changes in the Chinatown area in Fresno, becoming the first African American teacher at Bullard High School, principal at King Elementary and his involvement with the Nation of Islam. Mr. Ali described his various entrepreneurial ventures, including securing one of the largest government contracts in the food industry, which was documented in Fortune Magazine, and operating the Central Fish Market.

Paula St. James Davis Interviewer: Ruth Lang

Ms. Davis related her family’s contributions to the community through the activities of her parents’ dry cleaning business and her grandparents’ Chinatown hotel. She shared her views on past and current racial discrimination in the Fresno housing market through her work experience as a comptroller.

Sudie DouglasInterviewer: Nancy Whittle

Ms. Douglas shared her special history in Fresno regarding her work with local teenagers and senior citizens, the start of the Meals on Wheels program, and her role in the development of the Hinton Community Center. She also told of her family background, her work experience as a welder and riveter during World War II, and her travels abroad as the ambassador to the Council of Senior Citizens.