Athens Oral History Project

Descriptive Summary
Title: Athens Oral History Project
Creator: Bean, Betsy
Creator: Richard B. Russell Library for Political Research and Studies.
Creator: Stephens, Alexander Maxwell, 1988-
Dates: 2014-2016
Extent: 29.0 interviews
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.

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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.

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Administrative Information and Restrictions

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 note

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 by Russell staff, 2014.

access links updated, 2019.

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Related Materials

Access Points

Related Collections in this Repository

First Person Project

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Series Descriptions and Folder Listing

 

AOHP-001 Homer Wilson interviewed by Alexander Stephens
Extent: 1.0 sound recording 67 minutes
Abstract: 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
Extent: 1.0 sound recording 52 minutes
Abstract: 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
Extent: 1.0 moving image 98 minutes
Abstract: 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
Extent: 1.0 moving image 132 minutes
Abstract: 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
Extent: 1.0 moving image 112 minutes
Abstract: 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
Extent: 1.0 sound recording 61 minutes
Abstract: 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
Extent: 1.0 moving image 126 minutes
Abstract: 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
Extent: 1.0 moving image 93 minutes
Abstract: 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
Extent: 1.0 sound recording 85 minutes
		AOHP-009 Hattie Heflin audio interview and index in OHMS Access Online

 

AOHP-010 Broderick Flanigan interviewed by Alexander Stephens
Extent: 1.0 sound recording 62 minutes
		AOHP-010 Broderick Flanigan audio and interview index in OHMS Access Online

 

AOHP-011 Antonio Ramirez interviewed by Soledad Palacios
Extent: 1.0 moving image 39 minutes
Abstract: 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.
Abstract: 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
Extent: 1.0 moving image 22 minutes
Abstract: 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.
Abstract: 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
Extent: 1.0 moving image 56 minutes
Abstract: 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.
Abstract: 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
Extent: 1.0 moving image 40 minutes
Abstract: 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.
Abstract: 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
Extent: 1.0 sound recording 58 minutes
Abstract: 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.
Abstract: 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
Extent: 1.0 moving image 48 minutes
Abstract: 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.
Abstract: 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
Extent: 1.0 moving image 42 minutes
Abstract: 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.
Abstract: 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
Extent: 1.0 sound recording 32 minutes
Abstract: 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.
Abstract: 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
Extent: 1.0 moving image 48 minutes
		AOHP-019 Ed Benson video interview and index in OHMS Access Online

 

AOHP-020 Lora Smothers interviewed by Iva Dimitrova
Extent: 1.0 moving image 59 minutes
Abstract: 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
Extent: 1.0 moving image 90 minutes
Abstract: 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
Extent: 1.0 moving image 94 minutes
Abstract: 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
Extent: 1.0 sound recording 35 minutes
		AOHP-023 Iwalani Farfour audio interview and index in OHMS Access Online

 

AOHP-024 Jacqueline Coburn interviewed by Curtis Jester
Extent: 1.0 sound recording 36 minutes
		AOHP-024 Jacqueline Coburn audio interview and index in OHMS Access Online

 

AOHP-025 Jill Read interviewed by James Reap
Extent: 1.0 interview 107 minutes
Abstract: 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
Abstract: 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
	Extent: 1.0 sound recording 150 minutes
		AOHP-026-01 Knowa Johnson, Interview 1 on Kaltura Access Online
	AOHP-026-02 Knowa Johnson, Interview 2
	Extent: 1.0 sound recording 37 minutes
		AOHP-026-02 Knowa Johnson, Interview 2 on Kaltura Access Online

 

AOHP-027 Linda Davis interviewed by Kimberly Davis
Extent: 1.0 sound recording 46 minutes
Abstract: 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
Extent: 1.0 sound recording 79 minutes
Abstract: 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
Extent: 1.0 sound recording 28 minutes
Abstract: 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