Abstract
Frank Kidd Jr., born in 1935, has been a resident of Cleveland his whole life. His parents were originally from the south (Alabama and Mississippi), but moved to Cleveland to seek refuge from the brutal racism that still lingered post-slavery. Kidd lived most of his childhood with his grandmother, as his father served in the army. He looks fondly back on many aspects of his childhood and teen years. Kidd is a strong advocate for the Cedar-Central area and aims to improve the neighborhood through his various influential programs, most notably "save the children". In 2010, the mayor awarded Kidd with a key to the city for his inspiring efforts. He moved to the neighborhood with his wife and children, because his kids had asthma and needed steamed heating, which was provided in these specific residencies. Kidd recalls how the area formerly thrived in various ways. He really wants to bring back the vibrancy in the neighborhood that he remembers seeing as he watched his children grow up. Of the many generational changes that have influenced the area's decline, Kidd is most disturbed by the lack of a father in the average household. He believes that, without a father, future generations will not move forward. Kidd wants children being raised in Cleveland today to possess the fond memories he has.
Creator
Jr. Kidd, Frank (Interviewee)
Creator
Tebeau, Mark (Interviewer)
Project
Cedar Central
Date
2-25-2013
Document Type
Oral History
Duration
60 minutes
Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-Share Alike 3.0 License.
Recommended Citation
"Frank Kidd Jr. Interview, 25 February 2013" (2013). Cleveland Regional Oral History Collection. Interview 131003.
https://engagedscholarship.csuohio.edu/crohc000/602