Ray Pohlman · Sewanee: Black Lives Matter Oral History Project

Title

Ray Pohlman (Abstract)

Interviewee/ Narrator

Ray Pohlman

Interviewer

Lawson Vaughan

Date

February 29, 2024

Location of the Interview

Telephone

Length

14 minutes, 36 seconds

Abstract

Ray Pohlman was born on May 31st, 1948 in Cincinnati, Ohio. In 1962, Ray and his seven brothers moved to Memphis, Tennessee where he would attend Christian Brother High School, graduating in 1966. Before retiring, he was the Vice President of Government and Community Relations at Autozone Inc. Today, Ray enjoys retirement with his wife Anita while still remaining an active member of the Memphis community. Ray begins the interview by describing his journey to Memphis, and the cultural differences he noted upon arrival. Namely, the colored only and whites only divisions that permeated throughout the city at the time. The interview then moves into describing the ways in which Ray receives the news. When speaking about the Black Lives Matter Movement, Ray seems to remain impartial, though he does note the differences between the Black Lives Matter Movement and the Civil Rights Movement. Specifically, he cites the lack of organization within the Black Lives Matter Movement as a potential failure of the movement. The interview then moves into who was affected by the movement, stating that it is the younger generations who are most affected. This interview is part of the Sewanee Black Lives Matter Oral History Project.