The HistoryMakers® Video Oral History Interview with Etta Moten Barnett
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| Repository: | The HistoryMakers |
| 1900 S. Michigan Avenue |
| Chicago, Illinois 60616 |
| (312) 674-1900 |
| info@thehistorymakers.com |
| http://www.thehistorymakers.com |
| Interviewer: | Julieanna Richardson |
| Videographer: | Paul Bieschke |
| Title: | Video Oral History Interview with Etta Moten Barnett |
| Dates: | December 15, 1999 |
| Abstract: | (ABSTRACT) |
| Quantity: | 4 Betacam SP videocassettes, 1 half-Hollinger box containing (NUMBER) folders of accompanying materials. |
| Identification: | A1999.001 |
| Language: | The interviews and records are in English |
After her graduation from the University of Kansas, Etta Moten set out for New York City and more specifically, Broadway. She went on to achieve stardom in the theater, performing in legendary Broadway productions of Sugar Hill, Lysistrata and Porgy and Bess, joining the ranks of African America's most elite talent.
In 1934 Etta Moten married Claude Barnett, founder of the Negro Associated Press. Together they enjoyed a special bond, traveling during the late 1950s as members of U.S. delegation to Ghana. She also represented the United States at the independence ceremonies of Nigeria, Zambia and Lusaka. After her husband's death in 1967, Etta Moten Barnett became more active in domestic affairs, including working with the Chicago's DuSable Museum and Lyric Opera. Her many distinctions include honorary degrees from Spelman College, Lincoln University and the University of Illinois; an award for her Contributions to American Music by Atlanta University; and the establishment of a scholarship in her name for minority students at the Chicago Academy for the Performing Arts. She passed away in 2004 at the age of 102.
Biographical Note by The HistoryMakers®
This life oral history interview with Etta Moten Barnett was conducted by Julieanna Richardson on 1999-12-15 in Residence of Etta Moten Barnett, Chicago, Illinois and is recorded on 4 30-minute Betacam SP videocassettes. Access copies exist on Betacam SP, VHS, DVD and MPEG-1. The interview contains information on (COMPLETE ONE SENTENCE DESCRIPTION OF INTERVIEW). Accompanying materials in the collection include Etta Moten Barnett's correspondence with The HistoryMakers® related to the interview; a copy of the signed release form and the production report; the biographical information used by the interviewer to prepare for the interview (DETAILS); paper copies of the interview transcripts, 3 1/2" floppy disks with electronic copies of the transcripts; selected quotes for video clips; photocopies of photographs captured on video; XML files with metadata created in editing and cataloguing the interview for The HistoryMakers Digital Video Library; and paper copies of these XML files.
Restrictions on Access
Access to paper records is restricted. Other restrictions may be applied on a case-by-case basis.
Restrictions on Use
All use of materials must be pre-approved by The HistoryMakers® and appropriate credit must be given. All use credits must be pre-approved by The HistoryMakers®. Copyright is held by The HistoryMakers®.
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| This record series is indexed under the following controlled access terms. |
| Contributors: |
| | Barnett, Etta Moten, 1901-2004 |
| | Bieschke, Paul |
| | Richardson, Julieanna |
| Persons: |
| | (PERSONS) |
| Corporate Bodies: |
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| Family Names: |
| | Barnett |
| Places: |
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| Subjects: |
| | (SUBJECTS) |
| Document Types: |
| | Video oral history interview |
| Titles: |
| | The HistoryMakers® Video Oral History Interview with Etta Moten Barnett |
Accompanying materials: Accompanying materials are filed in (NUMBER) folders in a half-Hollinger box and shelved at The HistoryMakers® Archives and Collection Library by accession number, separately from the videos.
Betacam, VHS, DVD and MPEG-1 access copies are held for in-house use at The HistoryMakers®; Betacam SP, VHS and DVD playback hardware is provided for in-house viewing of the access copies; MPEG-1 copies are searchable and viewable via a digital video database.
The HistoryMakers® Video Oral History Interview with Etta Moten Barnett, December 15, 1999. The HistoryMakers® African American Video Oral History Collection, 1900 S. Michigan Avenue Chicago, Illinois.
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Video Oral History Interview with Etta Moten Barnett, Tape 1, December 15, 1999, TRT: 00:30:55.
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| Etta Moten Barnett talks about the discovery of her musical talent at a young age, and her father's origins, college education and his travels as an A.M.E. minister. Barnett details memories of visiting her paternal grandparents in Texas, one of which emigrated from Ireland. She then recalls choosing her current home on the South Side of Chicago, and how she wanted the house filled with family, as she remembered her grandparents' home in Texas as a child. Etta Moten Barnett recalls her early music education at Paul Quinn College, where they maintained a secondary school for children. Barnett then talks about her experiences as a member of the Jackson Jubilee Singers in the 1920s and the types of songs they sang, from the popular to songs from Africa. She then reflects on the bad impression the United States had about Africa back then. Lastly, she recounts her failed first marriage and her decision to attend college at the University of Kansas on her friend's advice. |
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Video Oral History Interview with Etta Moten Barnett, Tape 2, December 15, 1999, TRT: 00:29:06.
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| Etta Moten Barnett recalls the decision to have her three children raised by her parents while she attended University of Kansas in the 1930s. She then talks about the cooperation she got in college and everyone's desire to see her succeed. Barnett details refusing a local teaching job in order to move to New York and try her hand at acting. She then recalls her brief acting debut while working with author/playwright Zora Neale Hurston. Etta Moten Barnett then talks about her courtship with Claude Barnett and how he squired her home after her acting engagements in Chicago. Barnett then recalls her friendship with Langston Hughes and W.E.B. DuBois, many of whom she met through Claude's affiliation with the Associated Negro Press. She then talks about her singing career and after her success and marriage to Claude, finally being able to bring her children home to Chicago. Lastly, Etta Moten Barnett talks about Claude's management of her career and fondly recalls their thirty-three year marriage. |
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Video Oral History Interview with Etta Moten Barnett, Tape 3, December 15, 1999, TRT: 00:30:56.
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| Etta Moten Barnett talks about her husband, Claude Barnett and their trips to Africa on behalf of the Associated Negro Press. She then gives her view on why she feels arts are important for the spiritualness of the society. Etta Moten Barnett reflects on the Civil Rights Movement from the past and fears modern society is becoming less human. She then speaks briefly on the importance of black history and her own legacy. She then refuses to sing, despite being gently coaxed by the interviewer. Lastly, Etta Moten Barnett and her daughter, Sue Ish, describe photographs from her personal life and from her long theatrical career. |
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Video Oral History Interview with Etta Moten Barnett, Tape 4, December 15, 1999, TRT: 00:31:10.
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| Etta Moten Barnett's daughter, Sue Brooks Ish, talks about the early years of being raised by her grandparents while her mother was getting a college education and pursuing a career. She then speaks fondly of her mother's ability to stay connected to her family through her frequent letter writing. Sue Ish then recalls her mother's encounter with racism while touring with the travelling company of 'Porgy and Bess.' She late recounts stories of her great-grandmother's personality and her personal memories of her grandmother. Sue Ish then talks about her mother's talent as a singer and her ability to always find work. She then recalls her biological father, his absenteeism and flashy behavior in comparison to her step-father Claude's stable and family-oriented ways. Sue then talks about her mother's role in the entertainment world and her travels to Africa with Claude Barnett. Sue Ish then gives her views on the timely demise of the Associated Negro Press after her step-father died. Lastly, Sue talks about her mother's influence and legacy. |