Oral History Project

Copyright of the Bessie Smith Cultural Center 2022

Elijah Cameron Interviews Rev. Paul McDaniel for MLK Day Celebration Copyright Bessie Smith Cultural Center 2021

This short film describes Judge Walter William's influence in African American history in Chattanooga, TN. This video is brought to you by the Bessie Smith Cultural Center and the Benwood Foundation. Copyright Bessie Smith Cultural Center 2020

Haynes was born to a white father and black mother in North Rome. He began his career playing for the Raggedy Nines at the age of 15 then joined the Lindale Dragons in the early 60s when he was in his early 20s. While living in Rome, he delivered the Pittsburgh Courier, one of the biggest black newspapers in the country at the time. When playing with the Dragons, Haynes said that with “several men behind him and a good pitcher,” he never lost a game. Shortly after he began playing for the Dragons, he was signed to the Detroit Stars. After beating the Indianapolis Clowns, the same team Hank Aaron started with, they asked him to join their team, which he agreed to. “My daddy took me to the bus station, I got on the bus and I went to Leland Park. I pitched a three-hitter and we won the game like that,” Haynes said. Copyright of the Bessie Smith Cultural Center

This short film describes Diane Mason's journey to creating the Kandy Kastle school in Chattanooga, TN. Kandy Kastle is an institution in Chattanooga, TN that opened its doors nearly 50 years ago. This video is brought to you by the Bessie Smith Cultural Center and the Benwood Foundation. Copyright Bessie Smith Cultural Center 2020

Howard High Class of 1960 students Robert Parks and Curtis Reaves talk to BSCC STEP-UP Intern Yoonie Yang about their participation in the Chattanooga Sit-Ins. They discuss what trials and tribulations they faced during that time as well as the humbling outcomes that came from them standing up for what they believed in. Having a young activist speak to two longtime activists about how to get the younger generations to fight for what is right is something everyone needs to hear. ACTIVITIES FOR KIDS Have a conversation with your child about the Sit-Ins Movement and how non-violent acts can lead to major change. Find someone who grew up during that time period and ask what America was like then and how they have seen change up to now. BESSIE INFO http://www.bessiesmithcc.org/ https://www.facebook.com/bessiesmithculturalcenter https://www.instagram.com/bessiesmithculturalcenter https://twitter.com/thebessie Copyright Bessie Smith Cultural Center 2020

This short film describes Milton Jackson's influence in African American history in Chattanooga, TN. This video is brought to you by the Bessie Smith Cultural Center and the Benwood Foundation.

This short film describes Larry "Bear" High's influence in African American history in Chattanooga, TN. This video is brought to you by the Bessie Smith Cultural Center and the Benwood Foundation. Copyright Bessie Smith Cultural Center 2020

This short film describes Wilma Scruggs influence in African American history in Chattanooga, TN. This video is brought to you by the Bessie Smith Cultural Center and the Benwood Foundation.