Interview with Kenneth Williams, Jr.

Interviewer

William Calandro

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Abstract

This interview was conducted by William “Bill” Calandro with Kenneth Williams, Jr. as part of Project 2020: A Collaborative Oral History. Williams shares his experiences amid the COVID-19 pandemic and critical year 2020, particularly as a student and collegiate athlete. He first details his move from Allen University to Winthrop University as a track and field athlete—all the while adjusting to virtual learning. Notable topics of conversation include COVID-19 protocols, social isolation, vaccination, higher education, track and field, social unrest (Black Lives Matter), and the political climate of 2020. Williams concludes by sharing his thoughts on the slow return to normalcy after nearly three years since the pandemic’s outbreak.

Kenneth Williams, Jr. (b. 2002) is a native of Miami, Florida who, at the time of the interview, studied Business with a concentration in Marketing at Winthrop University in Rock Hill, SC. He previously studied at Allen University in Columbia, SC. Williams competed on the track and field team at both colleges.

Spearheaded by Dr. O. Jennifer Dixon-McKnight, an Assistant Professor of History & African American Studies at Winthrop University, Project 2020 is best summarized in her words: “The goal was to conduct interviews that explored the various ways in which Americans were experiencing and being impacted by the various watershed moments that emerged during 2020 (the global pandemic, social unrest, financial challenges, issues with healthcare, etc.).”

Publication Date

12-5-2022

Unique Identifier

OH 773

Format

MP3

Length

00:28:18

Restrictions

This interview is open for use.

Keywords

COVID-19 Pandemic, 2020, Social Isolation, Vaccination, Higher Education, Virtual Learning, Winthrop University, Social Unrest, Black Lives Matter, Track and Field

Interview with Kenneth Williams, Jr.

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