The oral history consists of three digital files: 2011.174.24.1a, 2011.174.24.1b, and 2011.174.24.1c.
The Hon. Matthew J. Perry, Jr. [August 3, 1921-July 29, 2011] (At the time of the interview, he was still hearing cases for the United States District Court for the District of South Carolina, after taking senior status in 1995.) recalls serving in the military during World War II, and experiencing discrimination during the war. He remembers watching a trial that inspired him to go to the newly formed law school at South Carolina State College. He discusses his start as a trial lawyer in Spartanburg, South Carolina, the famous civil rights cases he argued, joining the NAACP Legal Defense Fund, and his admiration for the African American lawyers who mentored him.
Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture in partnership with the American Folklife Center, Library of Congress
The oral history consists of six digital files: 2011.174.25.1a, 2011.174.25.1b, 2011.174.25.1c, 2011.174.25.1d, 2011.174.25.1e, and 2011.174.25.1f.
The Honorable Ernest Finney, Jr recalls his father's teaching career and attending law school at South Carolina State College. He remembers defending the "Friendship Nine", a group of college students who protested segregation in Rock Hill, South Carolina. He discusses joining the South Carolina Human Rights Commission, serving as a state representative, and his election to the State Supreme Court.
Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture in partnership with the American Folklife Center, Library of Congress