Susan Taylor oral history interview, November 20, 2013

Item — othertype: Oral History

Identifier: TaylorS_L2013-18

Staff Only

Susan Taylor oral history interview

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Scope and Contents

Interviewed by Rachel Bernstein. Taylor remembers relocating from Washington, DC and growing up in Martins Ferry, Ohio. Her father built homes and her mother was a nurse and homemaker. She talks about the discrimination her mother experienced. She talks about enrolling at Howard University and becoming involved in student activism there. She talks about going to work part-time for United Airlines in mail ticketing. After graduating in 1972, she entered the United Management Training program. She describes her various positions at United. She talks about becoming involved with organizing efforts by the IAM. She talks about race relations at United. She discusses her activities after her retirement at age 57. She discusses her mentors and talks about working with Maria Cordone with Metro Seniors. She discusses her political activities, working in Ohio on the Obama campaign and attending the Democratic National Convention in Denver. She ends by discussing the importance of the union in supporting community.

Dates

Creation: November 20, 2013

Creator

Taylor, Susan, 1945- (Interviewee, Person)

Restrictions on Access

Oral history available for research.

Biographical Note

Susan Taylor was born 1945 in Washington, DC. Her family relocated to Ohio and she recalls growing up in Martins Ferry where her father built custom homes and her mother worked as a nurse and homemaker. Her family returned to Washington in her senior year in high school and she enrolled at Howard University, becoming involved in student activism. She went to work part time for United Airlines at the mail ticket office and after graduation, she enters the United Management Training program. She becomes involved with the IAM when the ticket agents sought representation to obtain better benefits. After holding various positions at United, she retired at age 57. She remained active after retirement tutoring, working with Metro Seniors, as well as working in Ohio on the Obama campaign.