Biographical Conversations With... | Unc-tv

Part 1 of 3 Parts

University & Beyond Part 3 of 3 Parts In the conclusion to Biographical Conversations, William Friday begins by reminiscing about his retirement from the presidency of the university. He then discusses the several opportunities he had to run for public office--and why he ultimately decided not to pursue them. As a result, he presided over the William R. Kenan fund, after chairing a statewide commission on literacy. Because of his involvement in literacy and education, he reorganized the Trust to help people, especially single mothers, gain their high school equivalency and qualify for a job that will pay for their living expenses. Friday was very concerned about poverty in North Carolina. He remarked in one instance that North Carolina should not tolerate having children live in poverty. He and his wife visited a homeless shelter one night, an experience that Friday says will live with him forever and one that reminded him of his own childhood circumstance of poverty during the Depression.

University Life Part 2 of 3 Parts Part 2 opens with William Friday's recollection of his experience at the University of North Carolina in the office of university president Frank Porter Graham, president of the university. He speaks openly about the challenges of President Graham's job and about his impressions of Billy Carmichael, who worked in UNC administration. Friday then discusses President Graham's appointment in Washington, D.C. and Graham's eventual brutal Senate race against Willis Smith. During the race, Friday, who was still assisting the new president of the university, tried to keep the university out of the mudslinging that occurred between Smith and Graham.

Early Years Part 1 of 3 Parts UNC President Emeritus William Friday begins the first part of Biographical Conversations with an endearing recollection of his parents. His father was a bookkeeper in a textile company. In addition, he was mayor for the town of Dallas. His mother loved and taught music, and Friday talks about the musical instruments that he and his siblings played. He then describes Dallas, a small town near Gastonia, where he grew up. Some of his opinions about issues were formed during this time, as he first became aware of segregation when he was playing baseball in high school. Friday also recalls his experience with growing up during the Depression and how it affected not only his political affiliation but his attitude about life in general as well.