Matthew Bacoate, Jr.

Asheville native and businessman Matthew Bacoate, Jr. discusses his life and what he has learned serving in the U.S. Army, owning a business, and observing the racial climate in western North Carolina. Born in 1930 on the Southside of the city, Bacoate developed business acumen by observing his parents and other business owners on "The Block," Asheville's Black business district. He would go on to own AFRAM Inc., the largest African American-owned business in Asheville history. Bacoate was also a key figure in the desegregation of public accommodations during the early 1960s.

Interview by Michael S. Williams | Photos, videos by Julia Wall

[Note: Watch the full interview with Bacoate here.]

The 1950s racial climate in the military was more "treacherous" than Asheville.

African Americans had to "deport" themselves before desegregation.

"There ain't no luck coming."

"Ninety percent" of what we need to live we don't own.

"'Never' to allow a white person to bowl with [a Black person]."

"And what happens? Change comes. I'm a living example."

African Americans "can produce" when there is opportunity.

We have "lost the desire" to work with each other.

"We really have to go to the alley."

"I was prepared for any and every obstacle that was put out there."

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