I would have been broke, still living in Sandersville with 5 children

Interviewee: Irene A. Lovett
Interviewer: Irene Dixon Lovett
Date: December 12, 1999
  

What Is your full name?

Irene Dixon Lovett.

What is your nationality?

African American.

What Is your date of birth?

My date of birth is April 4, 1946.

Where were you born?

I was born in Sandersville, Georgia.

When did you (move to she U.S./move from somewhere else in the U.S.) to Philadelphia?

I moved to Philadelphia in 1970.

Why did you leave your country/State/former place of residence?

I left Sandersville because there were no jobs available.

What did you like/dislike about your home/country?

I didn't like when I was growing up how racist people were.

Why did you choose Philadelphla/U.S?

Because my grandmother lived in North Philadelphia.

How did you travel here?/What type of transportation did you use/take to travel here? How would you change that?

I took the train. No I wouldn't change that.

How did you find a place to live in Philly?

I lived with my grandmother until a house on her block was for sale.

With whom did you travel? [Who did you travel with?]

I traveled alone, at that time I couldn't afford to bring my children with me.

Give I thing you remember most about your home town and why?

Ha, Ha! How far we had to walk to get to a store.

How did your life change when you moved and what were the differences between the two places?

My life changed so much because I started working two jobs and going to school, but back in Sandersville all I could do was sit home.

What did you expect about the US/Philly?

More work experience.

What did you come here to accomplish and what else do you feel you still need to do?

I came to find a job so I can afford to bring my children to Philadelphia.

What are the differences between when you came here and now?

I know more about the city now than before.

What did you sacrifice/leave behind when you left?

Like I said before my children and my friends.

What problems did you encounter coming to the US/Philly?

Excuse me... I didn't know how to look for a job.

How much money did you have and where did you get it when you came to Philly/US?

$200. My grandmother.

How did you adapt to your new environment?

Actually it took me a while before I got used to Philadelphia, but my grandmom had friends with children my age so I hung out with them.

What education did you have before/after you arrived?

Very little, that's why I went back to school.

Do you [ever] regret moving? Why or why not?

No, because I would have been broke, still living in Sandersville with 5 children.

What reason would/could make you go back to where you came from?

If a friend wanted me to come visit.

Describe your first job here. If you didn't have one, how did you get money?

My first job when I got here was janitorial services for hospitals.

Is there anything you would like to add?

No, but thank you.