Willie R. Evans

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Title

Willie R. Evans

Subject

Physical education teacher

athletics coach

University of Buffalo--Minorities

University of Buffalo--Athletics

University of Buffalo--Alumni Association

Description

President of the UB Alumni Association. Tape of an interview with Evans conducted by Brenda K. Shelton, March 26, 1979, concerning undergrad experiences at UB; difficulties for blacks at the university and in workforce during the late 1950s; teaching career; involvement in the University Alumni Association.

Overview: WILLIE R. EVANS

Willie Evans graduated from the University of Buffalo in 1960 with a major in physical education. Since that time he has been employed as a teacher and coach in various area high schools. Recently, he has become active in the University of Buffalo Alumni Association and is currently a member of its Board of Directors. Mr. Evans begins this interview with a brief discussion of his family background, including an account of his father's experiences working for the New York Central Railroad. He goes on to discuss his decision to attend the University of Buffalo and his undergraduate experiences there, particularly his participation in athletics. He also examines the special problems associated with being a Black student in the late 1950's and the difficulties he subsequently encountered trying to find a teaching position in area schools. Mr. Evans also discusses his teaching career and his recent involvement with the UB Alumni Association.

Interviewer's observations: Willie Evans, March 26, 1979 This interview with Mr. Evans took place at his home in the early evening. His four children, aged four and under, were all up, and the older three were very interested in the Proceedings. Their mother shooed them all out at the beginning, but their voices, as well as the sound of the baby crying, are frequently audible. At one point Mr. Evans got up and closed the door, but the older children kept peeking in. Mr. Evans did not seem bothered about all this, but once the interview was over, they all rushed in and wanted him to play with them before they went to bed, and it was impossible for me to verify the spelling of various names he had mentioned.