Oral History with Charles A. Johnson, March 3, 1991 (Ms1991-019)

Oral History with Charles A. Johnson, March 3, 1991 (Ms1991-019)

Charles A. Johnson was born in Wake Forest, Virginia, where he grew up and received his primary education. Johnson graduated from Christiansburg Institute in 1953 before serving in the Army. When Johnson returned from the Army, he began cutting hair at the Virginia Tech campus barbershop and eventually started his own barber shop in Blacksburg. In this interview, Johnson discusses growing up in Montgomery County. He describes the Wake Forest community, access to education, race relations, church communities, and social life.

Additionally, Johnson describes how his barbershop developed into a prominent Black business in Blacksburg, and he describes his challenges in starting his own barbering business.

Ms1991-019_CharlesJohnson

Researchers wishing to cite this collection should include the following information: Black Appalachians Oral History Project, Ms1991-019, Special Collections, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Va.

Michael A. Cooke

Charles A. Johnson

Blacksburg, Virginia

02:12:30