Samples from the African American
Heritage Museum ofw Wilmington
Oral History Collection
Heritage Museum ofw Wilmington
Oral History Collection
Mrs. Jean Harris
Mrs. Jean Harris, born in Washington, D.C. at Freedmen’s Hospital, moved to Spartanburg, South Carolina at age six. She spoke of her father being a very determined individual during her childhood. He was a teacher who moved up to principal, president of the South Carolina Palmetto State Teachers Association and the first African American representative in the South Carolina State House. Mrs. Harris herself taught U.S. History and English at Williston. Listen to the clip of Mrs. Harris speaking about teaching at Williston.
Mrs. Jean Harris, born in Washington, D.C. at Freedmen’s Hospital, moved to Spartanburg, South Carolina at age six. She spoke of her father being a very determined individual during her childhood. He was a teacher who moved up to principal, president of the South Carolina Palmetto State Teachers Association and the first African American representative in the South Carolina State House. Mrs. Harris herself taught U.S. History and English at Williston. Listen to the clip of Mrs. Harris speaking about teaching at Williston.
Rosalind Mosley
Rosalind Mosley, born in 1941, grew up in Wilmington. She spoke of going to Williston and using the worn materials from white schools and boundaries that surrounded African Americans. Such as, only being able to go to certain beaches or not being able to go to the main library. After graduation, Mrs. Mosley went to West Virginia State College. She also spoke of the flaws in both segregated and integrated school systems. Listen to the clip of Mrs. Mosley speaking about why African Americans are better off today than they were in the past.
Rosalind Mosley, born in 1941, grew up in Wilmington. She spoke of going to Williston and using the worn materials from white schools and boundaries that surrounded African Americans. Such as, only being able to go to certain beaches or not being able to go to the main library. After graduation, Mrs. Mosley went to West Virginia State College. She also spoke of the flaws in both segregated and integrated school systems. Listen to the clip of Mrs. Mosley speaking about why African Americans are better off today than they were in the past.
Mrs. Lillie B. Williams
Lillie Williams, now 79, grew up in rural Duplin County, North Carolina. As a child she identified closely with her grandmother, learning from the stories she listened to. Mrs. Williams spoke of segregation in schools, working in the food service industry and witnessing a Ku Klux Klan rally that led to a boycott of white businesses in Rose Hill. Listen to the clip of Mrs. Williams speaking on KKK activity in Duplin County.
Lillie Williams, now 79, grew up in rural Duplin County, North Carolina. As a child she identified closely with her grandmother, learning from the stories she listened to. Mrs. Williams spoke of segregation in schools, working in the food service industry and witnessing a Ku Klux Klan rally that led to a boycott of white businesses in Rose Hill. Listen to the clip of Mrs. Williams speaking on KKK activity in Duplin County.
Mr. Rudolph Becton
Rudolph Becton opened the first black business in Magnolia, North Carolina and served in the United States Army during the Jim Crow era. Mr. Becton spoke of segregation, his involvement with integration at Rose-Hill Magnolia School as a member of the community, and opening his barbershop. Listen to the clip of Mr. Becton speaking on how racism has affected his life and choices.
Rudolph Becton opened the first black business in Magnolia, North Carolina and served in the United States Army during the Jim Crow era. Mr. Becton spoke of segregation, his involvement with integration at Rose-Hill Magnolia School as a member of the community, and opening his barbershop. Listen to the clip of Mr. Becton speaking on how racism has affected his life and choices.
Mrs. Mamie Wade
Mrs. Mamie Wade, born in 1914, grew up in the Seabreeze community of Wilmington. She started her education in a two-room school learning to read and write, geography, history and math. Mrs. Wade went on to Williston Industrial High School and after graduation she got married and worked on McGathern’s Farm until her children were born. Listen to the clip of Mrs. Wade speaking of growing up in segregated Wilmington society.
Mrs. Mamie Wade, born in 1914, grew up in the Seabreeze community of Wilmington. She started her education in a two-room school learning to read and write, geography, history and math. Mrs. Wade went on to Williston Industrial High School and after graduation she got married and worked on McGathern’s Farm until her children were born. Listen to the clip of Mrs. Wade speaking of growing up in segregated Wilmington society.