Emma Eberhart, 1972

File — Box: 1, Folder: 4

Staff Only

Scope and Contents

Mrs. Eberhart was born in Columbus, Mississippi on January 20, 1912. She attended school up through eighth grade and came to Utah in 1946, where she started work as a housekeeper. She later worked for a doctor. Because of discriminatory housing practices, she was forced to live in a hotel for an entire year when she first moved. During the Depression, she says she struggled to find adequate food and relied on food stamps, coupons, and other aid. During this time she worked at a furniture store as a maid. She spent the majority of her time working. Outside of attending church and work, she had no time for recreation. She had many LDS friends but found the Church’s overall discrimination unpalatable and the doctrine difficult to believe. She belonged to the NAACP.

Mrs. Eberhart feels that young people today get a better shot at a good educational experience as compared to when she was growing up, and encourages young people to study hard so that they can reach their desired occupation. She wishes that African Americans had a better opportunity to learn about their own history in order to develop a better sense of self. Her own knowledge of history came from her grandmother, who was enslaved.

Mrs. Eberhart believes that in Utah, a lot of racism stems from differences in religious doctrine. She states that when she lived in Birmingham, Alabama she was treated better by White people, although she says White people are friendlier to her now than when she originally moved. She also believes that housing is more difficult to find in Utah than elsewhere. There were few Black professionals in Salt Lake City when she moved, but she says that there are more job opportunities now. She states that in spite of the problems she has encountered being African American, she is proud to be Black and wouldn’t wish to be anything else. She now takes care of foster kids. Audio CD A0038_B-18_01.

Dates

1972

Conditions Governing Access

Twenty-four hour advanced notice encouraged. Materials must be used on-site. Access to parts of this collection may be restricted under provisions of state or federal law.