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Oral History Project

The mission of the Oral History Project is to document, preserve, and interpret African American stories through the art and practice of oral history. We collect and preserve oral histories from influential African Americans in our community and others who have shaped the culture in significant ways. We also develop oral history projects that support the research and exhibition goals of the Museum.

Oral History Project - Ernestine Carter
27:36
Bessie Smith Cultural Center

Oral History Project - Ernestine Carter

Copyright of the Bessie Smith Cultural Center 2022
Elijah Cameron Interviews Rev. Paul McDaniel for MLK Day Celebration
23:54
Bessie Smith Cultural Center

Elijah Cameron Interviews Rev. Paul McDaniel for MLK Day Celebration

Elijah Cameron Interviews Rev. Paul McDaniel for MLK Day Celebration Copyright Bessie Smith Cultural Center 2021
Judge Williams - Oral History Project - Bessie Smith Cultural Center
33:14
Bessie Smith Cultural Center

Judge Williams - Oral History Project - Bessie Smith Cultural Center

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
Butch Haynes - Oral History Project
01:00:38
Bessie Smith Cultural Center

Butch Haynes - Oral History Project

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
Diane Mason - Oral History Project - Bessie Smith Cultural Center
18:38
Bessie Smith Cultural Center

Diane Mason - Oral History Project - 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
Bessie's Front Porch- Robert Parks, Curtis Reaves, and Yoonie Yang
19:31
Bessie Smith Cultural Center

Bessie's Front Porch- Robert Parks, Curtis Reaves, and Yoonie Yang

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
Milton Jackson - Oral History Project - Bessie Smith Cultural Center
40:12
Bessie Smith Cultural Center

Milton Jackson - Oral History Project - Bessie Smith Cultural Center

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.
Larry "Bear" High - Oral History Project - Bessie Smith Cultural Center
23:54
Bessie Smith Cultural Center

Larry "Bear" High - Oral History Project - Bessie Smith Cultural Center

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
Wilma Scruggs - Oral History Project - Bessie Smith Cultural Center
12:13
Bessie Smith Cultural Center

Wilma Scruggs - Oral History Project - Bessie Smith Cultural Center

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.
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