Oral history interview with E. Leopold Edwards

E. Leopold Edwards, also known as Eric Leopold Edwards (Leo), spoke about his family and ethnic background; his childhood, education, and work in Jamaica; Jamaican politics and school system; the student / youth movement and the movement's demands, including civics be permitted into the school curriculum and scholarships for female students; and Jamaica's struggle for national independence. Edwards identified himself as a Caribbean person who was born in Jamaica; and explained and illustrated his strong devotion to principles and commitment to serve people. Edwards also spoke about his decision to attend Howard University; his experience at Howard University; the Caribbean Student Association (CSA), including his role as president of the organization; student organization, fraternity, and sorority alliances; and Howard University alumnae groups. He explained how community Caribbean organizations formed out of the CSA, including the Caribbean American Intercultural Organization, smaller organizations based on nationality, the Council of Caribbean Organization, and Jamaican National Development Foundation. He spoke extensively about the work and challenges of these associations and organizations. He also explained the power of international organizations, including the World Bank, IMF, and UN; and the shared struggle of the Third World and African Americans. Edwards spoke about his arrival in the United States and the culture shock; maintaining and building Jamaican and Caribbean culture, including food and music, in the Washington, DC area; the immigration, permanent resident, and citizenship status of Caribbean people; first learning about racism in the United States, and racist experiences he encountered and witnessed; how Americans think in categories and stereotypes; the media influence on what people think about Jamaicans and Caribbean people; Operation Caribbean Cruise, a drug investigation and raid led by DC police; and Jamaican and Caribbean people on police department boards and commissions, and participating in training of police. He also explained his views on discipline, which included reasoning and explanation; and the raising of his children, including their schooling in Jamaica. Interview is in English. Digital audio files include white noise and static, and sound distortion during portions of the interview. Interviewee's voice is intelligible for the most part.