Interviewer

Robert Ryals

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Abstract

Interview recorded December 11, 2012 by Robert Ryals for the Louise Pettus Archives and Special Collections Oral History Program. Interviewee Doris Ezell-Schmitz (class of 1973, 1975) describes her decision to attend Winthrop (medical recovery, scholarship), her English major and French minor, and campus life during integration in the late 1960s–early 1970s.

Ezell-Schmitz recalls growing up in Rock Hill amid Civil Rights-era unrest (Ku Klux Klan activity, cross burnings) and remembers the Friendship Nine sit-ins. She describes racial dynamics at Winthrop: a small but growing number of African American students, rare Black-white roommate pairings, social barriers and moments of friendship, and an incident of church harassment toward Black students. She recalls dorm life (McLaurin dorm rules, inspections, lights-out, parlor visits), student social activities, campus performances, and jobs in dining services and the library.

Ezell-Schmitz highlights influential faculty—Joye Pettigrew Berman, Robert Bristow, Mrs. Severe, and Dr. Lane—and credits Winthrop with strengthening her confidence and shaping a long teaching career (Indian Land, Chester, Weddington/Marvin Ridge, York Tech) and later international opportunities (Fulbright exchanges). The interview emphasizes her evolving perceptions of race, enduring friendships from Winthrop, and the college’s formative impact on her personal and professional life.

Publication Date

12-11-2012

Unique Identifier

OH 302

Format

Cassette; MP3; WAV;

Length

01:07:09

Restrictions

This interview is open for use.

Series

Alumni, Civil Rights Movement

Keywords

Civil Rights Movement, Desegregation, Race Relations, Friendship 9, 1970s

Interview with Doris

LC Subject Headings

Winthrop College, the South Carolina College for Women -- Alumni and alumnae, Winthrop College, the South Carolina College for Women -- Students -- History, African American college students -- South Carolina -- Rock Hill, African Americans -- South Carolina -- Rock Hill, College integration -- South Carolina -- Rock Hill, African American college students -- Social life and customs, Student library assistants -- South Carolina -- Rock Hill, English teachers -- Training of

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