Rhodes, Dr. Odis

Interview 232b : In this interview with R.L. Kuykendall, Dr. Odis Rhodes speaks about growing up in Lufkin after moving from rural Nacogdoches county, attending Dunbar during segregation, and living through the World War II years. He describes the primitive plumbing conditions in his neighborhoods growing up and recalls the first indoor plumbing and washing machine in his family. He recalls his early teaching career and Brandon and Garrett and Dunbar, Lufkin's African American schools before and during desegregation and the issues that surrounded integration of the schools, hospitals, and parks. He talks about Jones Park, Dr. Packard and Dr. Allen, and the beginnings of new black neighborhoods once the local foundries began facilitating borrowing at local banks for their African American employees. Dr. Rhodes talks about his predictions for the future, which include a continued struggle for equality and more difficulties between the races.