Oral History

Johnnie C. Gray, Jr. Interview

Themes:
Subjects:
Live in Peace, Young Concerned Christian Citizens, Al Kennon, Fathers Association Teaching Heritage, Ethnics and Religion, Halim Mustafa, Ron Davis, Heather Starnes, Ravenswood High School, Green Oaks Academy, Eugene Jackson, Johnnie C. Gray, Jr., Nairobi Shopping Center, Henry Anthony
Date of Creation or Publication:
11/22/2025
Creator
Meda Okelo
Donor
Johnnie C. Gray, Jr.
Language
English
Copyright Statement:
Interview of Johnnie C. Gray, Jr. by Meda Okelo. Topics include: moving to EPA in the third grade; changing EPA demographics; businesses in Nairobi Shopping Cener; events at Ravenswood High School; the Nairobi movement; Green Oaks Academy; moving from Woodside High School to Ravenswood High School after two years; experience at Ravenswood High School; getting into boxing around age 19; his coaches and members of the boxing team; turning pro as a boxer; working for non-profit Young Concerned Christian Citizens; starting Fathers Association Teaching Heritage, Ethnics and Religion (FATHERS) and their talent shows and events, the members of FATHERS; being named father of the year; police officer Halim Mustafa; opening up the East Palo Alto Boxing Club; why he started it and his training and coaching methods; setting up the Mohammad Ali Cultural Center; Live In Peace taking over the Boxing Club and the Cultural Center; thoughts on EPA and black people; and EPA Police Chief Ron Davis.

Stay connected: get email updates

Collecting, sharing, promoting, celebrating and preserving the unique history of the East Palo Alto Community for future generations.
Connect with Us
Copyright East Palo Alto Community Archive