Ed Reynolds Oral History Interview

This interview begins with Ed Reynolds discussing his parents and their backgrounds. His father was raised in the South, and Reynolds describes him as the fairest man he knew. He also describes his mother as strong. He then goes on to discuss his experience growing up black in a predominantly white city. He explains that he doesn’t think he had too much trouble, and that his experience as an athlete likely helped to dissuade people from confronting him.

Reynolds then discusses the schools he attended. He states that education was extremely important to him, and that he is trying to teach his sons to value their own education. Reynolds states that his mom and kids are his heroes, and that he also admires his in-laws. He explains that his wife is white, and that he appreciates that her family accepts him. Reynolds also discusses the music, fashion, and sports from his childhood. When reflecting on his life, Reynolds says that he wouldn’t change anything.

Ed Reynolds was born and raised in Eugene, Oregon. He is the youngest of eleven children, and has five older brothers and five older sisters. Both of his parents were from Louisiana and moved to Oregon because of economic opportunities and to escape the racism of the South. He went to school at Condon Elementary, Bailey Hill Kennedy, and Churchill High School. At the time of the interview, he was married and had two sons.