Athens Oral History Project

Descriptive Summary
Title: Athens Oral History Project
Creator: Richard B. Russell Library for Political Research and Studies
Creator: Stephens, Alexander Maxwell, 1988-
Creator: Bean, Betsy
Inclusive Dates: 2014-
Language(s): English
Extent: 133 interview(s)
Collection Number: RBRL/361/AOHP
Repository: Richard B. Russell Library for Political Research and Studies
Abstract: The Athens Oral History Project was initiated in 2014 to document modern Athens history, roughly from the mid-twentieth century to the present. Interviews cover topics such as neighborhoods and communities in Athens, civil rights demonstrations, African American history, as well as personal histories of narrators.

---

Collection Description

Scope and Content

The Athens Oral History Project was initiated in 2014 to document modern Athens history, roughly from the mid-twentieth century to the present. Interviews cover topics such as neighborhoods and communities in Athens, civil rights demonstrations, African American history, as well as personal histories of narrators.

---

Administrative Information

Custodial History

The Athens Oral History Project was initiated in 2014 to document modern Athens history, roughly from the mid-twentieth century to the present. Interviews cover topics such as neighborhoods and communities in Athens, civil rights demonstrations, African American history, as well as personal histories of narrators.

Preferred citation

Athens Oral History Project, Richard B. Russell Library for Political Research and Studies, University of Georgia Libraries, Athens, Georgia, 30602-1641.

Processing Information

Original and transfer media for this collection include digital audio and video files.

Copyright Information

Resources may be used under the guidelines described by the U.S. Copyright Office in Section 107, Title 17, United States Code (Fair use). Parties interested in production or commercial use of the resources should contact the Russell Library for a fee schedule.

Finding Aid Publication

Finding aid prepared on: 2014.

General Notes

Content Warning: Some interviews in this collection contain harmful or distressing content, to include racism, racial violence, and racial slurs.

---

Related Materials and Subjects

Subject Terms

Related Collections in this Repository

First Person Project

---

Series Descriptions and Folder Listing

 

AOHP-001 Homer Wilson interviewed by Alexander Stephens

1 sound_recording(s) 67 minutes

Homer Wilson was born on May 22, 1946 and grew up in Madison County. He earned a certificate in forest from Fort Valley State College. In this interview, he discusses how he began working in his father's barbershop, Wilson's Styling Shop, in downtown Athens, Georgia. He talks about helping found the Hot Corner Association to share the history of the Hot Corner business district and promote minority entrepreneurship in downtown Athens.

AOHP-001 Homer Wilson audio and interview index in OHMS, 2014 June 25 Access Online

 

AOHP-002 Bennie McKinley interviewed by Alexander Stephens

1 sound_recording(s) 52 minutes

Bennie McKinley was born in Athens, Georgia in 1945 and grew up in segregated neighborhoods in Athens. She attended Reese Street School and Athens High and Industrial School. In this interview, she discusses her early experiences with segregation, her student activism with the civil rights movement and integration, the community role of the Hot Corner district, and female leaders from African American communities in Athens. She talks about the process of desegregation, racism, her retail career at the University of Georgia, and her mission to educate new generations about the past.

AOHP-002 Bennie McKinley audio and interview index in OHMS Access Online

 

AOHP-003 Archibald Killian interviewed by Alexander Stephens

1 moving_image(s) 98 minutes

Archibald Killian was born in Athens, GA in 1933. He studied at the Burdett School of Business in Boston, and served as a police officer overseas in the U.S. Air Force. In this interview, Killian discusses the process of desegregation of the University of Georgia and his decision to house Hamilton Holmes, one of the first two African-American students admitted to UGA, despite threats from the Klu Klux Klan. Killian also reflects on being one of the first African Americans to integrate the police department, his eventual decision to leave that job and join the postal service., and his role as pastor of the St. Mark AME Church after his retirement. Killian also comments on both positive and negative changes that he has witnessed in Athens over the years, and the importance of teaching history to young people.

AOHP-003 Archibald Killian video and interview index in OHMS Access Online

 

AOHP-004 Gwen O'Looney interviewed by Betsy Bean, Part 1

1 moving_image(s) 132 minutes

Gwendolyn Ingram O'Looney grew up on St. Simon's Island, graduated from the University of Georgia, and has worked in human service positions throughout her career. In this interview, she talks about her public service career in local politics, as a city council member and two-term mayor of Athens-Clarke County. She describes issues affecting Athens during the 1980s, as well as the race relations and women and minority representation at the time. O'Looney discusses the city-county unification process that created Athens-Clarke County, its ramifications, and her involvement in carrying out consolidation in her role as mayor.

AOHP-004 Gwen O'Looney video and interview index in OHMS Access Online

 

AOHP-005 Gwen O'Looney interviewed by Betsy Bean, Part 2

1 moving_image(s) 112 minutes

Gwendolyn Ingram O'Looney grew up on St. Simon's Island, graduated from the University of Georgia, and has worked in human service positions throughout her career. In this follow-up interview, O'Looney discusses more specifically the initiatives relating to solid waste management, water management, and economic development that she coordinated during her terms in office as mayor of Athens-Clarke County. She also discusses the partnership created between the city-county government and the University of Georgia, the improvement of transportation infrastructure, and the redevelopment of East Athens.

AOHP-005 Gwen O'Looney video and interview index in OHMS Access Online

 

AOHP-006 Anne Brightwell interviewed by Betsy Bean

1 sound_recording(s) 61 minutes

Anne Brightwell grew up in the small town of Union, Missouri, outside of St. Louis. She graduated from Lindenwood College, and was involved in social activism relating to race and integration alongside her husband Frank. After moving to Athens, Georgia, they became involved in activism there, including printing the newspaper United Free Press, from their home. In this interview, Brightwell discusses her experiences as a teacher in Clarke Central High School in Athens-Clarke County. She talks about administrational support, school diversity, white flight, the connection between poverty and education, and the positive influence of the school's athletic program on developing interracial understanding.

AOHP-006 Anne Brightwell audio and interview index in OHMS Access Online

 

AOHP-007 Lemuel LaRoche (Life the Griot) and Alexander Stephens

1 moving_image(s) 126 minutes

Lemuel LaRoche, also known as a Life The Griot, is a poet, community activist, and founder of the Athens non-profit, Chess and Community. He grew up in New York, and moved to Georgia where he attended Gordon College and later transferred to the University of Georgia. In this interview, LaRoche talks about his upbringing and early influences, his experience of the intersection between race and education, his decision to study social work at the master's level, and his growing involvement in community engagement in Athens. He discusses Dreaded Mindz and Chess and Community, two community engagement initiatives he helped to spearhead. He discusses social conditioning, structural issues that affect the African-American community in Athens, and the relationship between the University of Georgia and the community. He reflects on fatherhood and working towards creating a better future.

AOHP-007 Lemuel LaRoche video and interview index in OHMS Access Online

 

AOHP-008 Carol White interviewed by Bill Curry

1 moving_image(s) 93 minutes

Carol White was born in Jericho, Vermont. White received a degree in political science from Southern Mississippi and a Master's degree from Florida State University. She became one of the assistant coaches for a high school football team, and she took stats and taught kicking for the team. In 1985, White joined the coaching staff at Georgia Tech. White talks about how she started her specialized kicking camp called KICK-AID.

AOHP-008 Carol White video and interview index in OHMS Access Online

 

AOHP-009 Hattie Heflin interviewed by Alexander Stephens

1 sound_recording(s) 85 minutes

Hattie Heflin was born in Oglethorpe County, Georgia in 1954. She grew up on a family farm in Comer, Georgia as one of eleven children. Heflin's family moved to Athens while she was in the fourth grade. She came to attend the then recently-integrated Clarke Central High School and later Athens Technical College to study business education. Heflin eventually worked at the Clarke County Health Department where she stayed for 34 years. In this interview, Heflin talks about her upbringing, work experience, education, her mother's legacy, and the Athens community.

AOHP-009 Hattie Heflin audio interview and index in OHMS Access Online

 

AOHP-010 Broderick Flanigan interviewed by Alexander Stephens

1 sound_recording(s) 62 minutes

Broderick Flanigan was born in Athens, Georgia in 1983. He attended Gaines Elementary School and later Clarke Central High School. During this time, Flanigan lived in the Nellie B neighborhood, a historically prominent neighborhood in Athens. Flanigan currently works as a mentor in his community as the owner of Flanigan's Portrait Studio. In this interview, Flanigan talks about his upbringing, his work and inspiration in mentorship, the importance of a community, and the relationship between the Athens community and the University of Georgia.

AOHP-010 Broderick Flanigan audio and interview index in OHMS Access Online

 

AOHP-011 Antonio Ramirez interviewed by Soledad Palacios

1 moving_image(s) 39 minutes

Antonio Ramirez lived in Mexico City until moving to Athens, Georgia in 1995. After working in construction, he and his wife opened a family-owned restaurant, Tlaloc El Mexicano, in 2007. In this interview, Ramirez talks about starting the restaurant, the types of dishes served, and the relationship between the restaurant, its customers, and the community.

Antonio Ramirez vivió en Mexico D.F. hasta que se mudó a Athens, Georgia en 1995. Después de trabajar en la construcción, él y su esposa abrieron un restaurante familiar, llamado Tlaloc El Mexicano, en 2007. En esta entrevista, Ramirez habla sobre el inicio del restaurante, la variedad de platos servidos y la relación entre el restaurante, su clientela y la comunidad.

AOHP-011 Antonio Ramirez video interview and index in OHMS Access Online

 

AOHP-012 Florinda Arroyo interviewed by Soledad Palacios

1 moving_image(s) 22 minutes

Florinda Arroyo was born in the state Michoacán, Mexico and moved to Athens, Georgia with her husband, where they opened the restaurant Tlaloc, El Mexicano. In this interview, she talks about learning to cook as a child, the idea to start the restaurant, the initial difficulties, the restaurant's growth, and the relationship between Tlaloc, its customers, and the community.

Florinda Arroyo se nació en el estado de Michoacán en México y se mudó a Athens, Georgia con su esposo, donde abrieron el restaurante Tlaloc, El Mexicano. En esta entrevista, ella habla sobre aprendiendo de cocinar como niña, la idea de abrir el restaurante, las dificultades iniciales, el crecimiento del restaurante y la relación entre Tlaloc, sus clientes y la comunidad.

AOHP-012 Florinda Arroyo video interview and index in OHMS Access Online

 

AOHP-013 Alonso Haro interviewed by Soledad Palacios

1 moving_image(s) 56 minutes

Alonso Haro grew up in Zacatecas, Mexico, after which he moved back to the U.S. in 1992, where he eventually settled in Athens, Georgia. Haro worked in his father's restaurant, Taqueria La Parrilla, where he is currently a co-owner. In this interview, he talks about his family, his father's inspiration for opening a restaurant, an employee-focused work culture, and the restaurant's relationship to its customers and the community.

Alonso Haro creció en Zacatecas, México, después de que regresó para los Estados Unidos en 1992, donde eventualmente se estableció en Athens, Georgia. Haro trabajó en el restaurante de su padre, La Taqueria La Parrilla, donde actualmente es uno de los dueños. En esta entrevista, él habla sobre su família, la inspiración de su padre para abrir un restaurante, una cultura de trabajo familiar que se enfoca en los empleados y la relación del restaurante con su clientela y la comunidad.

AOHP-013 Alonso Haro video interview and index in OHMS Access Online

 

AOHP-014 Aida Quinones interviewed by Soledad Palacios

1 moving_image(s) 40 minutes

Aída Quiñones was born in Puerto Rico, but transferred to study at the University of Georgia. She worked for a year as a special education teacher, after which she worked with the Hispanic community in various roles in schools and organizations. In this interview, she discusses her focus on her work with Latino families, difficulties and highlights of her career, and compares cultural norms between Puerto Rico and the U.S. Quiñones also talks about who inspires her, her plans for the future, and her identity as Puerto Rican and as a Spanish-speaker.

Aída Quiñones nació en Puerto Rico, pero se trasladó a la Universidad de Georgia para estudiar. Ella trabajó por un año como maestra de educacción especial, después de que trabajó con la comunidad hispana en várias papeles en escuelas y organizacioens comunales. En esta entrevista, ella discute su enfoque en trabajo con famílias latinas, momentos difíciles y destacados de su carrera y compara normas culturales entre Puerto Rico y los Estados Unidos. Quiñones también habla sobre quién la inspira, sus planes para el futuro y su identidad como una puertorriqueña y hispanohablante.

AOHP-014 Aida Quinones video interview and bilingual index in OHMS Access Online

 

AOHP-015 Noe Ramirez interviewed by Soledad Palacios

1 sound_recording(s) 58 minutes

Noe Ramirez was born in Morelia, Mexico and currently lives in Athens, Georgia where he works as chef and menu-developer at the restaurant Taqueria La Parrilla. He discusses his early cooking experience, experimenting with recipes, and his connection to the restaurant and its customers.

Noe Ramirez se nació en Morelia, México y actualmente vive en Athens, Georgia donde trabaja como cocinero y desarrollador del menú para el restaurante Taqueria la Parrilla. Él habla sobre sus primeras experiencias cocinando, experimentando con recetas, y su conexión al restaurante y su clientela.

AOHP-015 Noe Ramirez audio interview and index in OHMS Access Online

 

AOHP-016 Lili Roberts interviewed by Soledad Palacios

1 moving_image(s) 48 minutes

Lili Roberts was born in Guadalajara, Mexico, moved to Athens, Georgia in 1996 and works as a manager at the restaurant Taqueria La Parrilla. Among other things, she discusses her work at the restaurant, her philosophy as a manager, her identity as a Latina woman, and her love for her family and the city of Athens.

Lili Robert se nació en Guadalajara, México y se mudó a Athens, Georgia en 1996, donde trabaja actualmente como gerente en el restaurante Taquería La Parrilla. Entre otras cosas, ella discute su trabajo en el restaurante, su filosofía acerca ser un gerente, su identidad como mujer latina y su amor por su familia y la ciudad de Athens.

AOHP-016 Lili Roberts video interview and index in OHMS Access Online

 

AOHP-017 Miriam Hernandez interviewed by Soledad Palacios

1 moving_image(s) 42 minutes

Miriam Hernandez grew up in Athens, Georgia and currently works at her uncle's restaurant, Tlaloc El Mexicano. In this interview, she talks about her family, her stepfather's deportation, working from an early age, and becoming a young mother. She also reflects on her life experiences and how they have shaped her attitude.

Miriam Hernandez se nació en Athens, Georgia y actualmente trabaja en el restaurante de su tío, Tlaloc El Mexicano. En esta entrevista, ella habla sobre su familia, la deportación de su padrastro, trabajando desde una edad joven y ser una madre jóven. Ella refleja sobre las experiencias de su vida y como han afectado su actitud.

AOHP-017 Miriam Hernandez video interview and index in OHMS Access Online

 

AOHP-018 Adela Rosales interviewed by Soledad Palacios

1 sound_recording(s) 32 minutes

Adela Rosales was born in Mexico and moved to Athens, Georgia in 2000 with her husband. She talks about the move, raising her children, and finding access to resources and support through community organizations like the Athens Latino Center for Education and Services (ALCES). She enrolled in classes to finish her GED and learn English.

Adela Rosales se nació en México y se mudó a Athens, Georgia en 2000 con su esposo. Ella habla sobre el cambio, criando sus hijos, e encontrando acceso a recursos y apoyo a través de organizaciones comunitarios como Athens Latino Center for Education and Services (ALCES). Ella se matriculó en clases para sacar su GED y aprender inglés.

AOHP-018 Adela Rosales audio interview and index in OHMS Access Online

 

AOHP-019 Ed Benson interviewed by Gary Bertsch

1 moving_image(s) 48 minutes

AOHP-019 Ed Benson video interview and index in OHMS Access Online

 

AOHP-020 Lora Smothers interviewed by Iva Dimitrova

1 moving_image(s) 59 minutes

Smothers relates her own educational experiences in traditional schools to her experience at the Freedom to Grow Unschool, an alternative school outside of Athens, Georgia. She discusses the "unschooling" philosophy, how it's applied at Freedom to Grow through interdisciplinary learning, and the challenges and rewards she has encountered as director of the school.

AOHP-020 Lora Smothers video interview and index in OHMS Access Online

 

AOHP-021 Iliana Rodriguez interviewed by Iva Dimitrova

1 moving_image(s) 90 minutes

While enrolled at the University of Georgia, Iliana Rodriguez recalls becoming informed about the Georgia ban on undocumented students to public colleges and universities, which prompted her involvement in Freedom University. She discusses co-founding the Undocumented Student Alliance, a student ally group in support of Freedom University, and recalls the evolution of the group's mission and activism over time. She discusses having to negotiate her Latina identity and issues of belonging while growing up, but how her background has served to inform her graduate-level research into Mexican immigration in Georgia and the undocumented student movement.

AOHP-021 Iliana Rodriguez audio interview and index in OHMS Access Online

 

AOHP-022 Neal Lester interviewed by Kim Waters

1 moving_image(s) 94 minutes

Neal Lester is a professor of English at the University of Arizona focusing on African-American literature and theater. He discusses growing up in the South, his increasing awareness of race with age, and his views regarding white allyship, African-American identity, travelling as a black person, having discussions on race, and the belief in the power of personal transformation.

AOHP-022 Neal Lester video interview and index in OHMS Access Online

 

AOHP-023 Iwalani Farfour interviewed by Curtis Jester

1 sound_recording(s) 35 minutes

AOHP-023 Iwalani Farfour audio interview and index in OHMS Access Online

 

AOHP-024 Jacqueline Coburn interviewed by Curtis Jester

1 sound_recording(s) 36 minutes

AOHP-024 Jacqueline Coburn audio interview and index in OHMS Access Online

 

AOHP-025 Jill Read interviewed by James Reap

1 interview(s) 107 minutes

Jill Jayne Read attended both Wesleyan University and the University of Georgia where she got a Bachelor's of Music and a Master's in Public Administration, respectively. After marrying and moving to Athens, Georgia, Read served in a number of public administration positions. Read describes her experience in a variety of organizations, including working in the Heritage Foundation (an organization dedicated to the restoration of Athens' architecture) and her eventual work as a community relations officer for Athens-Clarke County. Read talks about her leadership and participation in a multitude of projects and events including the Downtown Revitalization Committee, Franklin College Chamber Series, Morton Theatre Corporation, WUGA Radio, Arts Alive Radio Program, the creation of the Athens Graphic Ordinance, New Arts Review, Nuçi's Space, University of Georgia State Botanical Garden, Blue Skies Concert Series, National Dance Week, Community Mural Project, Georgia Museum of Art, the Classic Center, Lyndon House Art Center, and the Morton Theatre Restoration Project.

AOHP-025 Jill Read audio and interview index in OHMS Access Online

 

AOHP-026 Knowa Johnson interviewed by Christian Lopez

Knowa D. Johnson and his wife, Mokah Jasmine Johnson, moved from Orlando, Florida to North Atlanta, Georgia in 2009 to expand their network reach and business experience. After 2yrs of co-producing a magazine, working as publicist and operations manager of an independent record label, they brought their background as event producers, media and hip hop entrepreneurs to Athens, Georgia. Their first year in Clarke County, together they founded the Athens Hip Hop Awards, an annual event focused on showcasing hip hop culture and recognizing black-owned business in the community. Years later they founded the Athens Anti-Discrimination Movement (AADM), originally a volunteer-led group that first challenged the discrimination in bars in downtown Athens while pushing for the passing of an anti-discrimination ordinance and civil rights commission. In these interviews, Knowa D. Johnson discusses his growing political involvement in Athens, both as an activist through the AADM group as well as working on political campaigns, including Tabitha Johnson-Green's 2018 campaign for U.S. House of Representatives Dist. 10 and former ACC commissioner Harry Sims' campaign for mayor of Athens in the 2018 midterm election cycle.

AOHP-026-01 Knowa Johnson, Interview 1 ( 1 sound_recording(s) 150 minutes )

AOHP-026-01 Knowa Johnson, Interview 1 on Kaltura Access Online

AOHP-026-02 Knowa Johnson, Interview 2 ( 1 sound_recording(s) 37 minutes )

AOHP-026-02 Knowa Johnson, Interview 2 on Kaltura Access Online

 

AOHP-027 Linda Davis interviewed by Kimberly Davis

1 sound_recording(s) 46 minutes

Linda Davis was born and raised in the Brooklyn Community of Athens, Georgia. She is president of the Bethlehem Cemetery Society and has been honored by The Athens-Clarke Heritage Foundation. In this interview, Davis details her experience growing up in Athens and places that stood out in the community, such as the Jack R. Wells Housing Community and the Brooklyn Cemetery. She explains the importance of the cemetery to the black community and how she aims to preserve it.

AOHP-027 Linda Davis audio and interview index in OHMS Access Online

 

AOHP-028 Harry L. Sims interviewed by Knowa Johnson

1 sound_recording(s) 79 minutes

Harry Sims grew up in Athens, Georgia and received a Bachelor's degree from the University of Georgia. He taught at David C. Barrow Elementary before retiring and served as Athens City Commissioner before running for mayor. In this interview, Sims discusses his experience of school segregation and being a black man in Athens, Ga. He also shares his take on the unification of the government and how he got involved in politics.

AOHP-028 Harry Sims audio and interview index in OHMS Access Online

 

AOHP-029 Walter Allen Jr. interviewed by Knowa Johnson

1 sound_recording(s) 28 minutes

Walter Allen Jr. has lived in Athens his entire life, graduating from Cedar Shoals High School and attending the University of Georgia for two years. He left the university to work full-time for a local radio station and later started a successful black lifestyle magazine called the Zebra Magazine. In this interview, Allen recalls his experiences in black radio, travelling for work, and his wishes for his magazine.

AOHP-029 Wallter Allen Jr. audio and interview index in OHMS Access Online

 

AOHP-030 Bennie Roberson interviewed by William Breeding

1 interview(s) 72 minutes

Bennie Roberson was born in Athens in 1947 where he attended Union Baptist Institute and, upon its completion, Lyons Middle School. In this interview, he recalls historically significant areas such as The Bottom, East Athens, and Hot Corner and describes how Black commerce has become less prominent. He discusses the self-sufficiency of living in the country, the importance of morals, and how community solidarity has disappeared since integration. Roberson emphasizes how the Black community is excluded from certain spheres even today and its relationship with the justice system.

Athens, Georgia

AOHP-030 Bennie Roberson audio and interview index in OHMS Access Online

 

AOHP-031 Thomas Griffith interviewed by William Breeding

1 interview(s) 71 minutes

Thomas Griffith was born in Madison County and moved with his family to Athens as a young teen. Throughout the interview, he stresses the importance of his mother's Christian faith in instilling strong morals in him and his brothers and her determination to bring them up correctly after his father passed away. He compares the education he received during segregation to the education his children received after integration and recalls his active role in advocating for workers' rights, particularly within the union. Griffith recounts a lawsuit the workers filed against Westinghouse Electric Corporation on the grounds of discrimination and their victory.

Athens, Georgia

AOHP-031 Thomas Griffith audio and interview index in OHMS Access Online

 

AOHP-032 Bennie Lee Coleman III interviewed by William Breeding

1 interview(s) 61 minutes

Bennie Lee Coleman III was born and raised in Athens, Georgia. He grew up with a single mother, his aunt and his grandmother in a little house on Oconee Street. In this interview Coleman shares how his values were shaped by listening to the advice and stories of the people in the Black community of Athens. He explains why he decided to run for Mayor in Athens and the care and respect he has for his people. He recalls specific people and places on Hot Corner as well as his experiences facing poverty and hunger as a child.

Athens, Georgia

AOHP-032 Bennie Lee Coleman III audio and interview index in OHMS Access Online

 

AOHP-033 Donarell Green interviewed by William Breeding

1 interview(s) 61 minutes

Donarell R. Green III was born in Atlanta, Georgia in 1946. His family moved to Athens shortly after his birth to start a medical practice for Black Athenians. In this interview he remembers the Susan Medical Center, growing up as the son of a doctor, and attending Burney-Harris High School. Green discusses prominent racial issues, specifically those regarding education, and he shares memories from his time on the Athens-Clarke County Board of Education. Green also recalls moments throughout his life where he experienced Civil Rights and opposing KKK protests, in Athens, Washington D.C., and Atlanta.

Athens, Georgia

AOHP-033 Donarell Green audio and interview index in OHMS Access Online

 

AOHP-034 Julia Jones interviewed by William Breeding

1 interview(s) 71 minutes

Julia Jones was born and raised in Athens, Georgia. She attended West Broad street School and Athens High and Industrial School before furthering her education at Albany State University. In this interview, Jones reflects on her childhood and upbringing in Athens. She discusses her love for sports and how that translated into a lifelong involvement with sports and the community. She also talks about the life and legacy of her grandfather Harry 'Squab' Jones and the impact that he has had on her.

Athens, Georgia

AOHP-034 Julia Jones audio and interview index in OHMS Access Online

 

AOHP-035 Michael Middlebrooks interviewed by William Breeding

1 interview(s) 67 minutes

Michael Middlebrooks was born in Athens, Georgia in 1956 and lived there for the majority of his life. He attended the University of Georgia and later worked for Georgia Power for 40 years. In this interview, Middlebrooks recalls his upbringing, the jobs he had throughout his life, and the significance of Black communities and Hot Corner. He also discusses his experiences with integration and inequality in the education system and he emphasizes the role that his experiences with education has had on his outlook on life and the way that he has raised his children.

Athens, Georgia

AOHP-035 Michael Middlebrooks audio and interview index in OHMS Access Online

 

AOHP-036 Ken Dious interviewed by William Breeding

1 interview(s) 96 minutes

Ken Dious was born and raised in Athens, Georgia, where he attended the University of Georgia and earned a law degree. After spending some time doing civil rights litigation with the NAACP, Dious returned to Athens to establish his own law firm. In this interview, Dious discusses his upbringing, his experience with segregation and consequently integration, and the evolution of the Black community. He elaborates upon influential cases that impacted civil rights, the practice of law today, and his observations of the Black community in Athens.

Athens, Georgia

AOHP-036 Ken Dious audio and interview index in OHMS Access Online

 

AOHP-037 John Clark interviewed by William Breeding

1 interview(s) 64 minutes

John Clark was raised in Oglethorpe County in a family of twelve siblings and moved to Athens upon the death of his father in 1965. After completing Burney-Harris High School, he served in the military before returning to Georgia and studying law at Savannah State University. In this interview, he recounts his experiences growing up at the end of the Jim Crow era, his path to activism, and how his career has shown him that serving the community is more important than making a profit. He also discusses community relations in the Black community and how he feels that they are too focused on sports today, instead of resurrecting strong intergenerational relationships.

Remote interview

AOHP-037 John Clark audio and interview index in OHMS Access Online

 

AOHP-038 Walter Allen Jr. interviewed by William Breeding

1 interview(s) 38 minutes

Walter Allen Jr. was born and raised in Athens, GA during the city's period of integration. In this interview he recalls his experiences with the integration process, attending seven different public schools, and being bused to schools on the other side of the city. He shares his love of music and passion for radio, listing the places he has worked and notable people he has worked with. He also mentions his father, Walter Allen Sr., and his magazine, Zebra.

Athens, Georgia

AOHP-038 Walter Allen Jr. audio and interview index in OHMS Access Online

 

AOHP-039 James Deadwyler interviewed by William Breeding

1 interview(s) 73 minutes

James Deadwyler was born and raised in rural Winterville, GA, just outside of Athens. His parents passed when he was young and he was forced to drop out of school to make a living. In this interview, he describes his professional career working with numerous construction companies and on many notable projects. He explains the limitations and barriers to his success as a Black contractor during a still segregated period, and the effort he put into his work to overcome such hindrances. Deadwyler also mentions the church at which he was a deacon, the road where he grew up, and many teachers that influenced his life at Athens High and Industrial School.

Athens, Georgia

AOHP-039 James Deadwyler audio and interview index in OHMS Access Online

 

AOHP-040 Tommy Brown interviewed by William Breeding

1 interview(s) 78 minutes

Tommy Brown was born in Athens in 1940 to a family of seventeen children. Growing up as a sharecropper, he learned much about self-sufficiency and entrepreneurship. In this interview, Brown shares his experiences with the Ku Klux Klan, workplace tensions, and his role in the solving of the murder of Lemuel Penn. He spent much of his life employed at the Chicopee Mill, but he was always doing something secondary to make extra money. Brown also goes into great detail describing the layout of the Athens he grew up with, highlighting businesses and individuals he remembers.

Athens, Georgia

AOHP-040 Tommy Brown audio and interview index in OHMS Access Online

 

AOHP-041 Fannie Smith interviewed by William Breeding

1 interview(s) 87 minutes

Fannie Smith was born in Oglethorpe County, GA and, as a child, moved with her family to Athens, GA, where she remained the rest of her life. In this interview she talks about integrating Clarke County schools, working through high school and college, and facing situations where she was the only Black person in the room. She shares her memories of volunteering with the NAACP and marching with her family in Downtown Athens. Smith talks about her career as a business and technology educator and her passion for teaching, especially with the Future Business Leaders of America organization.

Athens, Georgia

AOHP-041 Fannie Smith audio and interview index in OHMS Access Online

 

AOHP-042 Pearl Hall interviewed by William Breeding

1 interview(s) 54 minutes

Pearl Hall was born in Rocksprings Homes in Athens and has lived a life dedicated to serving the public. She attended West Broad Street School, Burney-Harris High School, and was a part of the first class to formally integrate into Clarke Central. In this interview, Hall discusses her upbringing, relationships in the community, areas of Black business, and why she decided to run for mayor of Athens-Clarke County.

Athens, Georgia

AOHP-042 Pearl Hall audio and interview index in OHMS Access Online

 

AOHP-043 Billy Wade interviewed by William Breeding

1 interview(s) 104 minutes

Billy Wade was born in Athens in 1954. An active member in the community, he was influenced by figures such as athletes, coaches, and elders that helped shape his career into one of the most impactful coaches in Athens history. In this interview, Wade retells what he knows and what he learned about Athens Black sports history during his career and how the community has changed. He discusses at great length the athletes he worked with and his experiences with sports.

Athens, Georgia

AOHP-043 Billy Wade audio and interview index in OHMS Access Online

 

AOHP-044 Marion Stroud

AOHP-044-01 Marion Stroud interviewed by William Breeding, Part 1 ( 1 interview(s) 97 minutes )

Marion Stroud was born and raised in Athens, Georgia. He attended Union Baptist Institute and Athens High and Industrial School before receiving a football scholarship to Allen University. While in college, Stroud served in the U.S. Air Force in Germany and studied German at Frankfurt University. He finally received his Master's in Arts at the University of Georgia and continued his passion for Art through his career and his band. In this interview, Stroud discusses the history of the Athens Black Economy. He also recalls the Black communities that once thrived in Athens and gives explanations for their demise.

Athens, Georgia

AOHP-044-01 Marion Stroud Part 1 audio and interview index in OHMS Access Online

AOHP-044-02 Marion Stroud interviewed by William Breeding, Part 2 ( 1 interview(s) 47 minutes )

Athens, Georgia

AOHP-044-02 Marion Stroud Part 2 audio interview on Kaltura Access Online

 

AOHP-045 James Sims, Jr. interviewed by William Breeding

1 interview(s) 52 minutes

James Sims, Jr. was born and raised in rural Oglethorpe County, GA, attended secondary school in Athens, GA, and spent his adult life in Augusta and Atlanta. He is the eldest of six children, in a family of community leaders and groundbreakers. In this interview, he shares memories of his time at Morehouse College, of pastoring at various Baptist Churches throughout Georgia, and of supporting the Civil Rights Movement through his leadership in organizations and support of his siblings' role in demonstrations.

Athens, Georgia

AOHP-045 James Sims, Jr. audio and interview index in OHMS Access Online

 

AOHP-046 Lora Smothers interviewed by William Breeding

1 interview(s) 41 minutes

Lora Smothers, though not born and raised in Athens, felt compelled to do something about the Black education crisis in the community. Her own experiences in school, college, and graduate school made it clear to her that Black education was becoming increasingly vulnerable. After completing her education and attempting to make a difference in Athens education the traditional way, Smothers founded Joy Village School to center the education and development of Black youth. In this interview, she discusses the work she has done in Athens and Joy Village School.

Athens, Georgia

AOHP-046 Lora Smothers audio and interview index in OHMS Access Online

 

AOHP-047 Arthur Sims, Sr. interviewed by William Breeding

1 interview(s) 50 minutes

Arthur Sims, Sr. moved from rural Georgia to Athens with his family when he was young and attended segregated Athens High and Industrial School. In this interview he talks about his teenage years participating in Civil Rights movements and jobs he held to fund his college education. He mentions the numerous churches where he's served after becoming ordained at an early age. He also describes Governor Maddox's axe handle segregationist movement and its relation to an Athens demonstration. He shares memories of businesses owned by Black Athenians and discusses the significance of learning about histories. See also James Sims Jr., Fannie Smith

Athens, Georgia

AOHP-047 Arthur Sims, Sr. audio and interview index in OHMS Access Online

 

AOHP-048 Wilucia Green interviewed by William Breeding

1 interview(s) 73 minutes

Wilucia Green is the second youngest of Dr. Donarell R. Green Jr.'s six children. Wilucia and her sister were two of the five Black children to integrate Athens Clarke County Public Schools in 1963. In this interview she talks about the process of integration in Athens and discusses how the racial climate in the city was very different than other towns in Georgia. Green shares her frustrations and confusion with the difference in treatment of Black versus white students and she emphasizes the impact of seeing successful Blacks in her community growing up. Also see Donarell Green and Marjorie Green Turner interviews.

Athens, Georgia

AOHP-048 Wilucia Green audio and interview index in OHMS Access Online

 

AOHP-049 Marjorie Green Turner interviewed by William Breeding

1 interview(s) 63 minutes

Marjorie Green Turner is the youngest daughter of Donarell R. Green Jr., a notable doctor for Black women in Athens, Georgia. Marjorie and her sister were some of the first Black children to integrate local public schools. In this interview she shares some of her memories of segregation and desegregation. She also comments on the state of racial progress in Athens and her feelings about the racial climate almost 60 years after desegregation. See also Donarell Green and Wilucia Green interviews.

Athens, Georgia

AOHP-049 Marjorie Green Turner audio and interview index in OHMS Access Online

 

AOHP-050 Shelia Neely-Norman interviewed by William Breeding

1 interview(s) 58 minutes

Shelia Neely-Norman was born in Athens in 1948 where she attended East Athens Elementary School, Lyons Middle School, and Burney-Harris High School before continuing her education in sociology and early childhood education at Paine College and Troy University. In this interview, Neely-Norman shares her experiences growing up in segregated Athens, memories of influential activists including her mother, and discusses the gentrification of neighborhoods and the University's role in it.

Athens, Georgia

AOHP-050 Shelia Neely-Norman audio and interview index in OHMS Access Online

 

AOHP-051 Barbara Sheats interviewed by William Breeding

1 interview(s) 52 minutes

Barbara Sheats was born and raised in Athens, Georgia. She attended Timothy Road Elementary, Clarke Middle School, Clarke Central High School, and Athens Academy before completing her undergraduate degree at the University of Georgia. In this interview, Sheats reflects on her childhood in Athens and living with the expectations and principles of her father, Herman Sheats. She describes her work at Sheats Barber and Beauty Shop and discusses the politics within the beauty supply industry. She also talks about the history of areas that were once predominantly Black, like The Bottom, and the reasons for the decline in Black property ownership.

Athens, Georgia

AOHP-051 Barbara Sheats audio and interview index in OHMS Access Online

 

AOHP-052 Candace Sheats interviewed by William Breeding

1 interview(s) 53 minutes

Candace Sheats was born in Crawford, Georgia in 1943 and later moved to Athens, Georgia in the fourth grade. She attended West Broad Elementary, Reese Street Middle School, and Athens High and Industrial School before attending Morris Brown College. In this interview, Sheats reflects on her childhood in Athens as well as her husband Herman Sheats and their business, Sheats Barber and Beauty Shop. She also describes the once entirely Black neighborhood of West Hancock Corridor and its historical legacy.

Athens, Georgia

AOHP-052 Candace Sheats audio and interview index in OHMS Access Online

 

AOHP-053 Lillie P. Stewart interviewed by William Breeding

1 interview(s) 44 minutes

Lillie P. Stewart was born in Athens in 1946 to a family of nine children, herself being the second youngest. She attended East Athens Elementary School and Athens High and Industrial before dropping out, later acquiring her GED. In this interview, Stewart shares memories from her childhood about Hot Corner, how the community has changed over the duration of her life, and describes the difficulty of working while also raising children.

Athens, Georgia

AOHP-053 Lillie P. Stewart audio and interview index in OHMS Access Online

 

AOHP-054 Tiffany Taylor interviewed by William Breeding

1 interview(s) 56 minutes

Tiffany Taylor was born in Athens in 1988 and grew up on the East Side. She was raised by a single mother, and the community provided assistance in her upbringing. In this interview, she recounts her experiences through her various careers and emphasizes what they have taught her, as well as the generational wisdom her family has passed on to her. Taylor is Commissioner-Elect of District 3 in Athens-Clarke County.

Athens, Georgia

AOHP-054 Tiffany Taylor audio and interview index in OHMS Access Online

 

AOHP-055 Julita Sanders interviewed by William Breeding

1 interview(s) 51 minutes

Julita Sanders was born in Athens-Clarke County in 1974 and was raised by a single mother. In this interview, Sanders shares her experience in school and how it led to working with at-risk youth as an adult. Sanders discusses Juvenile Offender Advocate, Inc., an organization she founded, and her numerous accomplishments while working with the community.

Athens, Georgia

AOHP-055 Julita Sanders audio and interview index in OHMS Access Online

 

AOHP-056 Charles Hardy interviewed by William Breeding

1 interview(s) 39 minutes

Charles Hardy was born and raised in Athens, Georgia. He is the current co-founder and executive director of Athens Alliance, an Athens-based organization that strives to give opportunities and provide resources for the community. In this Interview, Hardy describes his inspiration and passion for the work that he does. He details how he has devoted his life to community outreach and plays an active role in fixing the homeless situation in Athens. He also discusses the growth and accomplishments that Athens Alliance has achieved, and his future goals for the organization.

Athens, Georgia

AOHP-056 Charles Hardy audio and interview index in OHMS Access Online

 

AOHP-057 Asia Thomas interviewed by William Breeding

1 interview(s) 71 minutes

Asia Thomas was born in Athens, Georgia. She is a former candidate in the Athens- Clarke County Commissioner race and has played an active role in the Athens community through her nonprofit organization, United Community Outreach. In this Interview, Thomas discusses her passion for speaking and leadership. She talks about her relationship with her faith and healing from trauma and loss. Thomas also describes her motivations behind creating the programs within the United Community outreach and how it relates to her lived experiences. She details the books that she has written and the significance that writing has had on her life.

Athens, Georgia

Content Warning: This interview includes references to sexual assault.

AOHP-057 Asia Thomas audio and interview index in OHMS Access Online

 

AOHP-058 LaKeisha Gantt interviewed by William Breeding

1 interview(s) 91 minutes

LaKeisha Gantt was born in Athens in 1978, where she attended elementary through high school. In her undergraduate years, Gantt knew that she wanted to help people, but wasn't sure how; through graduate school and upon completing her Ph.D in psychology, she set out to help young communities of color. In this interview, Gantt talks about her struggles in college, her conviction to be a resource for her community, and her experience being on the Board of Education as a Black woman.

Athens, Georgia

AOHP-058 LaKeisha Gantt audio and interview index in OHMS Access Online

 

AOHP-059 Barnard Sims interviewed by William Breeding

1 interview(s) 109 minutes

Barnard Sims was born in Barrow County to a family of four. Once he started school, he realized that Black people were systematically treated differently than white people and felt that he lacked understanding of Black history. In this interview, Sims shares his journey of re-education, the importance of Black participation in government, and his authorship of The Southern Awakening: A Black Man's Guide to Liberating the Rural South.

Athens, Georgia

AOHP-059 Barnard Sims audio and interview index in OHMS Access Online

 

AOHP-060 Charles Campbell interviewed by William Breeding

1 interview(s) 60 minutes

Charles Campbell was the fifth of six children in his family, growing up on hand-me-downs and often being looked after by his eldest sister in Paldo. In this interview, shares how his upbringing has affected his self-image and the importance of youth development. Campbell also discusses the importance of serving the community, local government, and generational changes.

Athens, Georgia

AOHP-060 Charles Campbell audio and interview index in OHMS Access Online

 

AOHP-061 Patricia Clifton interviewed by William Breeding

1 interview(s) 84 minutes

Patricia Clifton was born and raised in Miami, Florida, moved frequently during her early adulthood, and moved permanently to Athens in 1976. In this interview, Clifton shares about her experiences working for Clarke County Public Schools and as the Principal at Hilsman Middle School. She recalls good memories as well as memories of more difficult, challenging situations. She emphasizes the importance of the schools' care for students, the families' and communities' role in the students' lives, and of education in general. She also mentions her husband Ivery D. Clifton's accomplishments as a prestigious member of the University of Georgia's faculty.

Remote interview

AOHP-061 Patricia Clifton audio and interview index in OHMS Access Online

 

AOHP-062 Shannondore Sims interviewed by William Breeding

1 interview(s) 66 minutes

Shannondore "Shane" Sims was born and raised in Athens, Georgia, in a two-parent household until the age of 12. After this turning point he experienced drug and alcohol addiction, social isolation and extreme poverty, and at age 18 he was sent to prison. In this interview Sims shares his life story, explaining how he grew through his struggles and how he turned his life around. Sims shares about the businesses he started in Athens that is dedicated to supporting all people in their journeys to recovery or stability. He conveys positive, hopeful attitudes through this reflection on his lived experiences, both difficult and joyous.

Athens, Georgia

Content Warning: This interview includes references to substance abuse.

AOHP-062 Shannondore Sims audio and interview index in OHMS Access Online

 

AOHP-063 Earnest Elder interviewed by William Breeding

1 interview(s) 63 minutes

Earnest Elder was born and raised in Athens, Georgia. He is the founder and president of the Community and Youth Development Organization, an Athens-based organization that focuses on building capacity and creating programs for the youth. In this interview, Elder describes his inspiration behind working with youth. He details the role he wants to play in the lives of children and parents in Athens, and discusses his plans to work with the school district and other youth organizations to accomplish his goals. Elder also talks about the issues that he currently sees in Athens' youth and offers the steps he would take to address them.

Athens, Georgia

AOHP-063 Earnest Elder audio and interview index in OHMS Access Online

 

AOHP-064 Ethel H. Johnson

AOHP-064-01 Ethel H. Johnson interviewed by William Breeding ( 1 interview(s) 77 minutes )

Ethel Johnson was born in Athens in 1940, where she grew up and attended West Broad, Reese Street, and Athens Industrial and High School. In this interview, Johnson relates her experiences from grade school to graduate school. She talks about her childhood, influential teachers, and her time as a student teacher in Albany. Johnson also shares memories of her roommate in college and her wedding day.

Athens, Georgia

AOHP-064-01 Ethel H. Johnson audio and interview index in OHMS Access Online

AOHP-064-02 Ethel H. Johnson interviewed by William Breeding ( 1 interview(s) 58 minutes )

Continuing from her first interview, Ethel Johnson discusses her time in graduate school and from her career. In this interview, Johnson shares her experiences with integration as a teacher and how she became more involved in social services as her career went on. She also relates how the COVID-19 pandemic has affected her participation in the community and in church.

AOHP-064-02 Ethel H. Johnson audio and interview index in OHMS Access Online

 

AOHP-065 Jessica Johnson interviewed by William Breeding

1 interview(s) 77 minutes

Jessica Johnson was born in Athens in 1969, where she attended Alps Road Elementary School, Burney-Harris Middle School, and Clarke Central High School. Johnson earned her undergraduate degree from North Carolina Central University and her graduate degrees from Ohio State University, where she now teaches. In this interview, Johnson discusses race relations growing up in Athens, the importance of the church in her life, how she navigates racism working in academia, and her journey in being an author of a book and more than a few newspaper columns.

Athens, Georgia

AOHP-065 Jessica Johnson audio and interview index in OHMS Access Online

 

AOHP-066 Larry Green interviewed by William Breeding

1 interview(s) 124 minutes

Larry Green was born and raised in Athens, Georgia. He attended West Broad street School, Lying Junior High, Burney Harris High School, and Clarke Central High School before furthering his education at Albany Technical School and DeVry University. In this interview, Green details the racial conflict that existed in Athens and the schools during integration. He describes his involvement in Civil Rights demonstrations and the significance that education and Black male teachers had on his life. Green also talks about the Vietnam War, the reactions of Black people to integration, and the role of Black police officers in the Black community.

Athens, Georgia

AOHP-066 Larry Green audio and interview index in OHMS Access Online

 

AOHP-067 Phyllis Q. Stewart interviewed by William Breeding

1 interview(s) 110 minutes

Phyllis Juliette Quick Stewart was born and raised in Greensboro, North Carolina but has spent the majority of her adult life in Georgia. She was a life-long educator, beginning as an elementary school teacher and retiring as elementary school principal. In this interview Stewart shares her life story including her experiences with family, her husband, and her children. She also discusses the progression of her career through Athens public schools and the challenges she faced in various situations. Stewart also identifies fellow educators and administrators that she values as mentors and friends.

Athens, Georgia

AOHP-067 Phyllis Q. Stewart audio and interview index in OHMS Access Online

 

AOHP-068 Valdon Daniels interviewed by William Breeding

1 interview(s) 67 minutes

Valdon Daniels was raised in Broadacres Homes and attended West Broad Elementary School, to which he walked every day with his older siblings. Daniels loved math, and spent much of his adult career teaching mathematics in elementary school. In this interview, Daniels talks about his experiences with integration in the public school system, racism in education, and how he has assisted the community in its development through support of extracurriculars and youth programs, even after retirement.

Remote interview

AOHP-068 Valdon Daniels audio and interview index in OHMS Access Online

 

AOHP-069 Isaiah Ellison interviewed by William Breeding

1 interview(s) 100 minutes

Athens, Georgia

AOHP-069 Isaiah Ellison audio interview on Kaltura Access Online

 

AOHP-070 Venus Jarrell interviewed by William Breeding

1 interview(s) 96 minutes

Venus Jarrell was born in Athens in 1946, where he attended West Broad Elementary School, Lyons Junior High, and Athens High and Industrial. He was an active band member in school and, after graduation, continued playing in the band at Mississippi Valley State University. In this interview, Jarrell talks about his time in the army (and the army band), his experience being Assistant Director at the East Athens Community, and individuals from his life he felt made an impact.

Athens, Georgia

AOHP-070 Venus Jarrell audio and interview index in OHMS Access Online

 

AOHP-071 Joyce Ervin interviewed by William Breeding

1 interview(s) 53 minutes

Joyce Ervin was born and raised in Athens, Georgia. She has dedicated her life to working in education and community outreach. Ervin is the current CEO of Joyce Ervin's Open Heart Center, an organization focused on providing assistance and education to children and families in Athens who are experiencing homelessness. In this interview, Ervin details her childhood and her family. She reflects on her education and the people and experiences that inspired her to open the Open Hearts Center. Ervin also describes her organization and shares some of the ways that it has impacted people in Athens.

Athens, Georgia

AOHP-071 Joyce Ervin audio and interview index in OHMS Access Online

 

AOHP-072 MyKeisha Ross interviewed by William Breeding

1 interview(s) 71 minutes

MyKeisha Ross grew up and attended school in Athens, though her family has its roots in Ohio. Raised by a single mother, Ross had to look after herself and got her first job in the sixth grade. In school, she was very active in sports and loved basketball, which continues today. In this interview, Ross discusses her values, connection to the community, and how she has worked to improve the chances of success for at-risk and impoverished youth. She also criticizes the local government.

Athens, Georgia

Content Warning: This interview includes references to sexual assault.

AOHP-072 MyKeisha Ross audio and interview index in OHMS Access Online

 

AOHP-073 Tlayra Jordan interviewed by William Breeding

1 interview(s) 93 minutes

Tlayra Jordan was born in 1981 and grew up in Ohio with her great aunt and uncle before moving to Athens as a late teen. In this interview, Jordan shares her childhood trauma and abuse and how her family's history affected her life. Jordan suffered from addiction and spent time in jail, praying that she would be saved, and she discusses the circumstances in which she had her children, who were a strong influence for her to get sober. Now, Jordan owns and directs the Mother to Mother Recovery Center.

Athens, Georgia

Content Warning: This interview includes references to addiction, sexual abuse, and domestic violence.

AOHP-073 Tlayra Jordan audio and interview index in OHMS Access Online

 

AOHP-074 Randy Watkins interviewed by William Breeding

1 interview(s) 54 minutes

Randy Watkins was born and raised in Athens, Georgia. He is the current Director of Sales and Operations of More than Blinds as well as an umpire and an officiator of various different sports. In this interview, Watkins talks about the racial divide that existed in Athens during his childhood and how he navigated it. He also discusses African American history in Athens and at the University of Georgia, along with his journey to get to where he is today.

Athens, Georgia

AOHP-074 Randy Watkins audio and interview index in OHMS Access Online

 

AOHP-075 Diana Fairbairn interviewed by Lillie Norred

1 interview(s) 66 minutes

Diana Fairbairn has lived in Athens since the early 90s and has had a substantial impact on the local scene of soul food. In this interview, Fairbairn talks about her introduction to food, her experience opening Five Star Day Cafe, and what she's planning for the future after the COVID-19 pandemic. Fairbairn and her husband have two children, a son and a daughter, who Fairbairn is convinced will end up working in the food industry as they have.

Athens, Georgia

AOHP-075 Diana Fairbairn audio and interview index in OHMS Access Online

 

AOHP-076 Linda Stephens interviewed by William Breeding

1 interview(s) 69 minutes

Linda Stephens was born and raised in Siloam, Georgia before moving to Athens. Stephens has served the Athens community through her work as a registered nurse, public housing community leadership roles, and her current position as an Ambassador for Athens Land Trust. In this interview, Stephens discusses the organizations that she has been involved with, becoming a foster parent, the public housing system, and activism.

Athens, Georgia

AOHP-076 Linda Stephens audio and interview index in OHMS Access Online

 

AOHP-077 Alvin Sheats interviewed by William Breeding

1 interview(s) 69 minutes

Athens, Georgia

AOHP-077 Alvin Sheats audio interview on Kaltura Access Online

 

AOHP-078 James Russell Smith interviewed by William Breeding

1 interview(s) 72 minutes

Athens, Georgia

AOHP-078 James Russell Smith audio interview on Kaltura Access Online

 

AOHP-079 Angela Jackson interviewed by William Breeding

1 interview(s) 51 minutes

Angela Jackson was born in Athens in 1960 and attended several schools around the county growing up. Many of Jackson's family were educators, and so education became an important part of her life. In this interview, Jackson discusses her experience growing up during integration and being one of the earliest Black students at the University of Georgia. She also discusses her career as a teacher, principal, and executive director.

Athens, Georgia

AOHP-079 Angela Jackson audio and interview index in OHMS Access Online

 

AOHP-080 Xernona Thomas interviewed by William Breeding

1 interview(s) 75 minutes

Xernona Thomas was born in Athens in 1969 to a loving home in which she admits she was spoiled by attention. She was the first Black student to be enrolled in Athens Academy, but she finished her education within the Clarke County school system. In this interview, Thomas talks about race and class in society, codeswitching, and how privilege takes on different forms.

Athens, Georgia

AOHP-080 Xernona Thomas audio and interview index in OHMS Access Online

 

AOHP-081 Melvin Stroud interviewed by William Breeding

1 interview(s) 87 minutes

Melvin Stroud was born and raised in Athens and has worked in the city for decades. Stroud attended Union Baptist Institute and Athens High and Industrial before furthering his education at Fort Valley State University. In this interview, Stroud talks about growing up in Athens and the community that existed at the time. He also discusses Black land and business ownership in Athens, Civil Rights demonstrations, and the changes within the Black community over the years.

Athens, Georgia

AOHP-081 Melvin Stroud audio and interview index in OHMS Access Online

 

AOHP-082 Aurelia Scott interviewed by William Breeding

1 interview(s) 78 minutes

Aurelia Scott was born and raised in Linden, New Jersey before moving to Athens, Georgia. Scott has devoted her life to being an educator and an active member of her community. In this interview, Scott discusses her childhood in New Jersey, her participation in the Civil Rights Movement, and her work in education.

Athens, Georgia

AOHP-082 Aurelia Scott audio and interview index in OHMS Access Online

 

AOHP-083 Terry Bennett interviewed by Lillie Norred

1 interview(s) 23 minutes

Terry Bennett was born in Athens in 1968 and attended local schools until he graduated from Clarke County High School. After graduation, Bennett immediately went to work and eventually began work for Food for the Soul and, later, at the Sparrow's Nest. In this interview, Bennett discusses what soul food means to him, his experiences with racism, and becoming a mentor to those he encounters in his work.

Athens, Georgia

AOHP-083 Terry Bennett audio and interview index in OHMS Access Online

 

AOHP-084 Barbara Barnett

AOHP-084-01 Barbara Barnett interviewed by William Breeding ( 1 interview(s) 96 minutes )

Athens, Georgia

Corrections noted by Barbara Barnett post-interview: Barnett's oldest sister left Athens in 1957, not 1952. Barnett's parents had six boys and four girls. In tenth grade, Barnett transferred to Athens High School, not Athens High Industrial.

AOHP-084-01 Barbara Barnett part 1 audio on Kaltura Access Online

AOHP-084-02 Barbara Barnett interviewed by William Breeding ( 1 interview(s) 63 minutes )

Barbara Barnett is an active member of the community who has dedicated her life to working with the youth. Barnett has served as a Program Director of Rites of Passage, an organization focused on empowering Black youth through Black history education. In this interview, Barnett talks about her mother's involvement in the community and the influence that she had on her own work. She also reflects on her participation during the Civil Rights Movement and discusses the significance of Black history education.

Athens, Georgia

AOHP-084-02 Barbara Barnett part 2 audio and interview index in OHMS Access Online

 

AOHP-085 Charles Stroud interviewed by William Breeding

1 interview(s) 83 minutes

Charles Stroud was born in Athens in 1939 to a tight-knit community. Stroud describes many of the neighborhood figures of his childhood as cousins, uncles, or aunts, even if they weren't related by blood. Stroud was an educator in Macon and Athens for a total of 36 years, teaching social studies and history in middle schools. In this interview, Stroud talks about his experiences with institutionalized racism, the effects of integration, and the education system in Georgia.

Athens, Georgia

AOHP-085 Charles Stroud audio and interview index in OHMS Access Online

 

AOHP-086 Harold Rittenberry

AOHP-086-01 Harold Rittenberry interviewed by William Breeding ( 1 interview(s) 89 minutes )

Athens, Georgia

AOHP-086-01 Harold Rittenberry audio interview on Kaltura Access Online

AOHP-086-02 Harold Rittenberry interviewed by William Breeding ( 1 interview(s) 121 minutes )

Athens, Georgia

AOHP-086-02 Harold Rittenberry audio interview on Kaltura Access Online

 

AOHP-087 Willie Hull

AOHP-087-01 Willie Hull interviewed by William Breeding ( 1 interview(s) 137 minutes )

Athens, Georgia

AOHP-087-01 Willie Hull Part 1 audio interview on Kaltura Access Online

AOHP-087-02 Willie Hull interviewed by William Breeding ( 1 interview(s) 91 minutes )

Athens, Georgia

AOHP-087-02 Willie Hull Part 2 audio interview on Kaltura Access Online

 

AOHP-088 Charlotte Sosebee

AOHP-088-01 Charlotte Sosebee interviewed by William Breeding ( 1 interview(s) 63 minutes )

Athens, Georgia

AOHP-088-01 Charlotte Sosebee Part 1 audio interview on Kaltura Access Online

AOHP-088-02 Charlotte Sosebee interviewed by William Breeding ( 1 interview(s) 86 minutes )

Athens, Georgia

AOHP-088-02 Charlotte Sosebee Part 2 audio interview on Kaltura Access Online

 

AOHP-089 Sterling Gardner interviewed by William Breeding

1 interview(s) 71 minutes

Athens, Georgia

AOHP-089 Sterling Gardner audio interview on Kaltura Access Online

 

AOHP-090 Horace King interviewed by William Breeding

1 interview(s) 93 minutes

Athens, Georgia

AOHP-090 Horace King audio interview on Kaltura Access Online

 

AOHP-091 Mary McKinney interviewed by William Breeding

1 interview(s) 55 minutes

Athens, Georgia

AOHP-091 Mary McKinney audio interview on Kaltura Access Online

 

AOHP-092 James Fair interviewed by William Breeding

1 interview(s) 77 minutes

Athens, Georgia

AOHP-092 James Fair audio interview on Kaltura Access Online

 

AOHP-093 Shanna Sheats interviewed by William Breeding

1 interview(s) 51 minutes

Athens, Georgia

AOHP-093 Shanna Sheats audio interview on Kaltura Access Online

 

AOHP-094 Richard Dunn interviewed by William Breeding

1 interview(s) 83 minutes

Athens, Georgia

AOHP-094 Richard Dunn audio interview on Kaltura Access Online

 

AOHP-095 Thomas Oglesby interviewed by William Breeding

1 interview(s) 105 minutes

Athens, Georgia

 

AOHP-096 LaTasha Sheats interviewed by William Breeding

1 interview(s) 80 minutes

Athens, Georgia

AOHP-096 LaTasha Sheats audio interview on Kaltura Access Online

 

AOHP-097 Pete McCommons and Chuck Searcy interviewed by Lee Shearer

1 interview(s) 82 minutes

Athens, Georgia

AOHP-097 Pete McCommons and Chuck Searcy video interview on Kaltura Access Online

 

AOHP-098 Lydia Burden interviewed by William Breeding

1 interview(s) 82 minutes

Athens, Georgia

AOHP-098 Lydia Burden audio interview on Kaltura Access Online

 

AOHP-099 Terence Johnson interviewed by William Breeding

1 interview(s) 104 minutes

Athens, Georgia

AOHP-099 Terence Johnson audio interview on Kaltura Access Online

 

AOHP-100 Willie Green, Sr. interviewed by William Breeding

1 interview(s) 77 minutes

Athens, Georgia

AOHP-100 Willie Green, Sr. audio interview on Kaltura Access Online

 

AOHP-101 Tony Rucker interviewed by William Breeding

1 interview(s) 109 minutes

Athens, Georgia

AOHP-101 Tony Rucker audio interview on Kaltura Access Online

 

AOHP-102 Cassie Evans interviewed by William Breeding

1 interview(s) 61 minutes

Athens, Georgia

AOHP-102 Cassie Evans audio interview on Kaltura Access Online

 

AOHP-103 Charles Worthy interviewed by William Breeding

1 interview(s) 90 minutes

Athens, Georgia

AOHP-103 Charles Worthy audio interview on Kaltura Access Online

 

AOHP-104 Mildred White interviewed by William Breeding

1 interview(s) 79 minutes

Athens, Georgia

AOHP-104 Mildred White audio interview on Kaltura Access Online

 

AOHP-105 Annie Lyle interviewed by William Breeding

1 interview(s) 93 minutes

Post-interview note: During the time Mrs. Lyle attended the University of Georgia, she was not aware of any other students from Athens who were attending classes at the University of Georgia.

Athens, Georgia

AOHP-105 Annie Lyle audio interview on Kaltura Access Online

 

AOHP-106 Janice Roundtree interviewed by William Breeding

1 interview(s) 79 minutes

Post-interview note: The Turner family was also a prominent family in the Timothy Road Community during Mrs. Roundtree's early life.

Athens, Georgia

AOHP-106 Janice Roundtree audio interview on Kaltura Access Online

 

AOHP-107 Danny Davenport interviewed by William Breeding

1 interview(s) 120 minutes

Athens, Georgia

AOHP-107 Danny Davenport audio interview on Kaltura Access Online

 

AOHP-108 William Breeding interviewed by Tracy Smith

1 interview(s) 103 minutes

Athens, Georgia

AOHP-108 William Breeding audio interview on Kaltura Access Online

 

AOHP-109 Deryl Bailey interviewed by William Breeding

1 interview(s) 58 minutes

Athens, Georgia

AOHP-109 Deryl Bailey audio interview on Kaltura Access Online

 

AOHP-110 Patricia Barron interviewed by William Breeding

1 interview(s) 86 minutes

Athens, Georgia

AOHP-110 Patricia Barron audio interview on Kaltura Access Online

 

AOHP-111 Betty Brown-Williamson interviewed by William Breeding

1 interview(s) 92 minutes

Athens, Georgia

AOHP-111 Betty Brown-Williamson audio interview on Kaltura Access Online

 

AOHP-112 Earnest Thompson interviewed by William Breeding

1 interview(s) 74 minutes

Athens, Georgia

AOHP-112 Earnest Thompson audio interview on Kaltura Access Online

 

AOHP-113 Odella Thompson interviewed by William Breeding

1 interview(s) 75 minutes

Athens, Georgia

AOHP-113 Odella Thompson audio interview on Kaltura Access Online

 

AOHP-114 Barbara McRae interviewed by William Breeding

1 interview(s) 60 minutes

Athens, Georgia

AOHP-114 Barbara McRae audio interview on Kaltura Access Online

 

AOHP-115 Matthew McRae interviewed by William Breeding

1 interview(s) 80 minutes

Athens, Georgia

AOHP-115 Matthew McRae audio interview on Kaltura Access Online

 

AOHP-116 Tracy Smith interviewed by William Breeding

1 interview(s) 99 minutes

Athens, Georgia

AOHP-116 Tracy Smith audio interview on Kaltura Access Online

 

AOHP-117 Johnny Hutchens interviewed by William Breeding

1 interview(s) 107 minutes

Athens, Georgia

AOHP-117 Johnny Hutchens audio interview on Kaltura Access Online

 

AOHP-118 Gwendolyn Stevens interviewed by Tracy Smith

1 interview(s) 89 minutes

Athens, Georgia

AOHP-118 Gwendolyn Stevens audio interview on Kaltura Access Online

 

AOHP-119 Quaison Payne interviewed by Tracy Smith

1 interview(s) 76 minutes

Athens, Georgia

AOHP-119 Quaison Payne audio interview on Kaltura Access Online

 

AOHP-120 Peggy Norman interviewed by Tracy Smith

1 interview(s) 75 minutes

Athens, Georgia

AOHP-120 Peggy Norman audio interview on Kaltura Access Online

 

AOHP-121 Dwain Segar interviewed by Tracy Smith

1 interview(s) 57 minutes

Athens, Georgia

AOHP-121 Dwain Segar audio interview on Kaltura Access Online

 

AOHP-122 Arthur Hinton, Jr. interviewed by William Breeding

1 interview(s) 105 minutes

Athens, Georgia

AOHP-122 Arthur Hinton, Jr. audio interview on Kaltura Access Online

 

AOHP-123 Bessie Hinton interviewed by William Breeding

1 interview(s) 64 minutes

Athens, Georgia

AOHP-123 Bessie Hinton audio interview on Kaltura Access Online

 

AOHP-124 Larry Walter interviewed by William Breeding

1 interview(s) 65 minutes

Athens, Georgia

AOHP-124 Larry Walter audio interview on Kaltura Access Online

 

AOHP-125 Shundra Caldwell interviewed by William Breeding

1 interview(s) 78 minutes

Athens, Georgia

AOHP-125 Shundra Caldwell audio interview on Kaltura Access Online

 

AOHP-126 Jesse Ward interviewed by William Breeding

1 interview(s) 64 minutes

Athens, Georgia

AOHP-126 Jesse Ward audio interview on Kaltura Access Online