Charles “Teenie” Harris Archive: Interview with Dr. Ralph Proctor Jr.

Audio Oct. 30, 2024
Jones & Laughlin Eliza furnace steel mill with Monongahela River and Arlington Heights neighborhood in background, ca. 1955

Listen to Dr. Ralph Proctor Jr. (1938–2024), former Professor of Ethnic and Diversity Studies at the Community College of Allegheny County and civil rights activist, talk about life in the Hill District neighborhood, including Black hair care and learning about race as a child. This interview was conducted and recorded by Charlene Foggie-Barnett and Louise Lippincott on July 6, 2011.

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Excerpt 1: Teasing Black men about their hair care

Excerpt 2: Struggling to learn what “colored” and “white” meant as a kid

Excerpt 3: Responding to photograph of Walter Hamm (2001.35.6469)

Excerpt 4: Playing the Numbers

Excerpt 5: Responding to photograph of steel mill (2001.35.7740)