2013-02-20

Center for Public History, University of Houston; University of Houston Libraries, University of Houston

This is an oral history interview with Robert E. Lee, III conducted as part of the Houston History Project. Robert E. Lee III begins with The Art of War by Sun Tzu and mentions how all major generals have read it. Lee then talks about the Panther Party and his ancestry. He discusses the origin behind his name, and the relation to the Civil War general Robert E. Lee. On the topic of the Black Heritage Gallery, Lee mentions the importance of the black historian. He talks on the Black Panther Party, its history and also the story of his parents. After discussing his mother and father, Lee discusses the black underworld. Citing the term “invisible social construct,” Lee tells of the strong black community that was fostered. Lee tells of his schooling experiences, mentioning Southern University and his youthful times with Mickey Leland at Afton Elementary School. He talks about introducing politics to Leland, his brother El Franco Lee, and friend Carl Hampton, and reminisces about their political activism and the coalitions, which were formed including the People’s Party II. The interview discusses Carl getting killed by the Houston Police Department. Lee returns to the topics of the Black Panther Party his family. After talking about his siblings, Lee discusses his first job, the experience of his mother firing him, and travelling with his father. Lee talks about starting the Houston Texas Trail Blazers Association and C. F. Smith organizing a Tuskegee training school for black pilots. Lee also mentions Janet Pomeroy and her pioneer work for persons with disabilities who play sports. Lee refers to the Greek warrior Achilles, referencing to it to explain his own birth with an Achilles’ mark and what that sign stands for to him as a warrior. Interviewer: Aaron Goffney.

interviews

African Americans; Civil rights; Politics and government; Lee, Robert E., III

Houston, Texas

Oral Histories from the Houston History Project

University of Houston Libraries Special Collections

English

Collection
University of Houston Libraries Special Collections
Houston History Archives
Oral Histories from the Houston History Project

Preservation Location: ark:/84475/pm1535t8081