Original abstract (1976):

Mr. LeCount was one of the first black lawyers in Rhode Island and perhaps the most important leader in Providence's black community in the first half of the 20th century. He is now 89 years old.

Mr. LeCount was born in Washington, D.C. and moved to East Providence at the age of two. He did not want to talk at length about his family background because he said it is a difficult story. His family grew up in an integrated but predominantly black neighborhood in the West Elmwood section of the city. He fully described his early life and this neighborhood. He went to Howard University Law School and then returned to Providence to practice law. In the 1930's, he became the leader of the local chapter of the NAACP and in the 1940's became the New England Regional Director. He talked about the early battles of the NAACP and about the economic conditions of black inhabitants of Providence.

This interview is packed with important information on the black community between 1900-1960.

This interview with Joseph LeCount was conducted on May 14, 1976. At the time of the interview the subject was 89 years old. The interview discusses the subjects early life, including moving from Washing, D.C. to East Providence (R.I.) in 1889, before eventually moving to Providence (R.I.). Joseph LeCount graduated from law school in 1913 and was an activist in the black community in Rhode Island, including including being a founding member of the Marathon Club for black youths and later active with the NAACP, including an 8 year term as regional president. He discusses moving to East Providence again, later in life, and his views on the militant black movements of the 1960s.

In addition to the audio recording of the interview, there is a typed summary and abstract.