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Velma Carey - Springfield African-American History Foundation

Velma Carey, her husband, Lee Carey, and their children moved from Champaign, Illinois to Springfield, Illinois, in 1956. Through involvement in her children’s schools, Mrs. Carey became aware of conditions in the Springfield school district, and was involved in the desegregation lawsuit that was filed. She also talked about the work that was done in the early 1990s to study the Springfield Race Riot of 1908, and describes difficulties her family had in finding housing in Springfield.

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Abstract

Interview (Audio)

Transcript


Photos

Caption
Velma Carey putting up books at Swahili House, an African-American bookstore that she co-owned with Bettie Allen and Geraldine Lee in the early 1970's. The store also sold African artifacts.

Where:
Springfield, Illinois

When:
Early 1970's

Ownership:
Narrator’s photo

Caption
A leaflet that was handed out while Mrs. Carey campaigned for the Springfield District 186 School Board, 1971.

Where:
Springfield, Illinois

When:
1971

Ownership:
Narrator's photo

Caption
Opposite side of the leaflet that was handed out during Velma’s campaign for the Springfield District 186 School Board, 1971.

Where:
Springfield, Illinois

When:
1971

Ownership:
Narrator’s photo

Caption
Velma Carey poses with her husband, C. Lee Carey in their home in Springfield for a photo to be included with an article in the State Journal Register in the late 1980’s.

Where:
Springfield, Illinois

When:
Late 1980's

Ownership:
Narrator’s photo

Caption
Velma Carey’s obituary, 2007.

Where:
Springfield, Illinois

When:
2007

Ownership:
May be restricted. Patrons desiring to use this photograph should contact the ALPL Audio-Visual Curator.

Caption
A tribute to Velma Carey written by her nephews, James and Kenneth Page, 2007.

Where:
Springfield, Illinois

When:
2007

Ownership:
May be restricted. Patrons desiring to use this photograph should contact the ALPL Audio-Visual Curator.

Caption
Picture from Velma’s obituary, 2007.

Where:
Springfield, Illinois

When:
2007

Ownership:
May be restricted. Patrons desiring to use this photograph should contact the ALPL Audio-Visual Curator.

Caption
Picture from Velma’s nephews’ tribute, 2007.

Where:
Springfield, Illinois

When:
2007

Ownership:
May be restricted. Patrons desiring to use this photograph should contact the ALPL Audio-Visual Curator.

Caption
Collage of pictures from Velma’s life, arranged for her funeral, 2007.

Where:
Springfield, Illinois

When:
2007

Ownership:
Narrator’s photo



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