Winthrop University Oral History Program

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  Interview with Brenda Jackson - OH 072

  Brenda Jackson

  OH 072

  In her interview with Michael A. Cooke, Brenda Jackson discusses her time with the Spartanburg Health Department and their efforts with the sickle cell anemia program of South Carolina. Ms. Jackson details the beginning of the outreach programs in the Spartanburg, South Carolina area and the continuing work for that community. Ms. Jackson details the involvement of the Louvenia Barksdale Sickle Cell Anemia Foundation and their assistance in the community and furthering the program.

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  Interview with Nathaniel Jaggers - OH 704

  Nathaniel Jaggers and Emmett Scott High School

  OH 704

  This interview was conducted by Dr. George Garrison, an African American studies scholar, with Rock Hill native Nathaniel Jaggers (b.1934). Mr. Jaggers, an Emmett Scott attendee (1940-1951), discusses his experiences and recollections of Emmett Scott School as well as the surrounding community, notably as an African American in the segregated South. In addition, he describes his time in the U.S. Navy. Emmett Scott was a segregated school for African Americans in Rock Hill, South Carolina from 1920 until 1970. It was named after Emmett J. Scott (1873-1957), a prominent educator and close aide to Booker T. Washington and President Woodrow Wilson. Although once comprising all twelve grades, Emmett Scott transitioned to a junior high and high school in 1956. In 1970, following the formal integration of S.C. public schools, the school closed its doors. Today, the school grounds function as a community center: the Emmett Scott Recreation Center located at 801 Crawford Road.*

  *This interview contains language that some may find offensive.

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  Interview with Ruth James - OH 392

  Ruth James

  OH 392

  IN PROCESSING

  Interviews with extension members and agents throughout the country documenting the history and development of the extension movement in the U.S. The interviews describe homemaking, child bearing and family management in the small towns and rural areas where they live. They also discuss the role of extension homemakers groups in their lives.

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  Interview with Shirley James - OH 318

  Shirley James

  OH 318

  IN PROCESSING

  This collection of interviews examines the origins and development of the Sickle Cell Anemia Foundation of South Carolina.

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  Interview with Jamia Johnson - OH 741

  Jamia Johnson, Winthrop University, and COVID-19 Pandemic

  OH 741

  This interview was conducted by Makayla Strozier with Jamia Johnson as part of Project 2020: A Collaborative Oral History. Johnson discusses her advocacy as student member of the NAACP and the importance of social justice efforts, particularly following the social unrest experienced in 2020. She underlines the centrality of Black women in the fight for racial equality, though they lack support and recognition in her view. Other notable topics of conversation include social media’s key role in the social justice movement as well as the state of gender inequality within the African American community itself.

  Jamia Johnson (b. 2000) is a native of Belleville, Illinois who, at the time of the interview, was a full-time undergraduate student at Winthrop University. She is an active member of the Winthrop chapter of the NAACP.

  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.).”

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  Interview with Jason Heckert - OH 736

  Jason A. Heckert, Winthrop University, and COVID-19 Pandemic

  OH 736

  This interview was conducted by William Calandro with Jason Heckert as part of Project 2020: A Collaborative Oral History. Heckert reflects on personal, professional, and educational challenges amid the COVID-19 pandemic. He specifically recalls working as a tutor at the onset of the pandemic and later as a Walmart employee in July 2020. He also discusses familial challenges in the face of a polarized political climate. Other notable topics of conversation include higher education, the vaccine debate, social unrest, and the 2020 U.S. Presidential Election.

  Jason Anthony Heckert (b. 1996), a native of Matthews, NC, was a History graduate student at Winthrop University at the time of this interview. He has since graduated with an M.A. degree in History (2023). Heckert completed his undergraduate degree at UNC-Greensboro before attending Winthrop.

  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.)."

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  Interview with Vivian Jefferson - OH 459

  Vivian Jefferson

  OH 459

  IN PROCESSING

  Interviews with extension members and agents throughout the country documenting the history and development of the extension movement in the U.S. The interviews describe homemaking, child bearing and family management in the small towns and rural areas where they live. They also discuss the role of extension homemakers groups in their lives.

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  Interview with Edna Louise Jenkins - OH 320

  Edna Louise Jenkins

  OH 320

  In her interview with Michael Cooke, Edna Louise Jenkins (1918-2009) discusses her involvement with the Wateree Council for Sickle Cell Anemia. Mrs. Jenkins details how the council was founded and its efforts in the Sumter, South Carolina area. Mrs. Jenkins discusses the efforts to educate and assist the local community about sickle cell anemia. She also describes the cooperation with the local DHEC Health Department in those efforts.

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  Interview with Nona Jennings - OH 502

  Nona Jennings

  OH 502

  IN PROCESSING

  Interviews with extension members and agents throughout the country documenting the history and development of the extension movement in the U.S. The interviews describe homemaking, child bearing and family management in the small towns and rural areas where they live. They also discuss the role of extension homemakers groups in their lives.

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  Interview with F. Jenson - OH 473

  F. Jenson

  OH 473

  IN PROCESSING

  Interviews with extension members and agents throughout the country documenting the history and development of the extension movement in the U.S. The interviews describe homemaking, child bearing and family management in the small towns and rural areas where they live. They also discuss the role of extension homemakers groups in their lives.

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  Interview with Jessica Duggan - OH 730

  Jessica Duggan, Winthrop University, and COVID-19 Pandemic

  OH 730

  This interview was conducted by William “Bill” Calandro with Jessica Duggan as part of Project 2020: A Collaborative Oral History. Duggan sheds light on her experience as a new transfer student arriving at Winthrop University in the spring of 2020, just a couple months before the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic in the U.S. She discusses evolutions in education in terms of virtual and hybrid learning. Most of the interview revolves around Duggan’s experience as an essential worker at Harris Teeter during the pandemic, often highlighting supply chain shortages and workplace tension. Other topics of conversation include the Black Live Matter movement, the 2020 U.S. Presidential Election, and the politicization of the pandemic (face masks, the vaccine, etc.).

  Jessica Duggan (b. 1999) is a native of Long Island, New York but currently resides in Indian Land, S.C. At the time of the interview, she was a History major with a minor in Community-Based Learning at Winthrop University. She previously studied at York Technical College in Rock Hill, S.C.

  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.)."

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  Interview with Edwin Jeter - OH 045

  Edwin Jeter

  OH 045

  IN PROCESSING

  Remembrance of Colonel Elliott Springs (1896-1959) who was a South Carolina businessman and an American flying ace during World War I, credited with shooting down 16 enemy aircraft.

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  Interview with John Cutrone - OH 728

  John Cutrone, COVID-19 Pandemic, and Education

  OH 728

  The interview was conducted by Cedric Streater with John Cutrone as part of Project 2020: A Collaborative Oral History. Cutrone discusses his experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic as both an educator and citizen. He offers insight into the early stages of lockdown, and the evolution of the learning experience in terms of virtual and hybrid learning. He also details his personal and professional relationship with the school curriculum as well as the politicization of the pandemic. Other notable topics include the 2020 U.S. Presidential Election, Black Lives Matter, and the greater educational and social challenges facing the nation.

  John Cutrone is a secondary English teacher at Indian Land High School. Mr. Cutrone studied at Spartanburg Methodist College, the University of South Carolina, and Winthrop University. He obtained an M.A. in Teaching from Winthrop in 2017.

  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.)."

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  Interview with Byrdie Johnson - OH 413

  Byrdie Johnson

  OH 413

  IN PROCESSING

  Interviews with extension members and agents throughout the country documenting the history and development of the extension movement in the U.S. The interviews describe homemaking, child bearing and family management in the small towns and rural areas where they live. They also discuss the role of extension homemakers groups in their lives.

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  Interview with Elizabeth F. Johnson - OH 053

  Elizabeth F. Johnson

  OH 053

  IN PROCESSING

  Professor of Modern Languages at Winthrop College from 1922-1955, Dr. Johnson discusses her background, honors in school, how the Great Depression affected Winthrop, teaching at Winthrop, American Association of University Women (AAUW) involvement, “adoption” of foster children, travel in Europe, the Rock Hill Planning Commission and other teaching positions after retirement.

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  Interview with Hazel Johnson - OH 504

  Hazel Johnson

  OH 504

  IN PROCESSING

  Interviews with extension members and agents throughout the country documenting the history and development of the extension movement in the U.S. The interviews describe homemaking, child bearing and family management in the small towns and rural areas where they live. They also discuss the role of extension homemakers groups in their lives.

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  Interview with Isaac Samuel Leevy Johnson - OH 143

  Isaac Samuel Leevy Johnson

  OH 143

  The former South Carolina General Assembly member discusses his family background, influences, first experience with racism, philosophies, the federal desegregation plan, work in the South Carolina House of Representatives, absence of African Americans in the South Carolina Senate and problems and solutions concerning African Americans.

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  Interview with Jamie Johnson - OH 128

  Jamie Johnson

  OH 128

  IN PROCESSING

  Subjects include background information, influences on her life, subject of her book and her influence on other people's lives.

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  Interview with Mai Rutledge Smith Johnson - OH 660

  Mai Rutledge Smith Johnson

  OH 660

  In a series of interviews with Iva Bishop (1906-1975), Mai Rutledge Smith Johnson (1878-1978) discusses her life at Winthrop both as a student and as the wife of David Bancroft Johnson, Winthrop’s first President. Mrs. Johnson discusses her experiences as a student as well as the time leading up to her marriage. She details Mr. Johnson’s efforts to grow and expand Winthrop through the years. Mrs. Johnson discusses the many receptions and special occasion events she has hosted as well as the many interesting guests that have visited Winthrop. She includes many details of the personal lives of Mr. Johnson, her family, and the faculty and staff of Winthrop. Mrs. Johnson discusses how the campus has changed and the ways it has stayed the same over the years.

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  Interview with Mai Rutledge Smith Johnson - OH 661

  Mai Rutledge Smith Johnson

  OH 661

  In her interview with Roy Flynn, Mrs. Mai Rutledge Smith Johnson (1878-1978) discusses her experiences as the wife of Dr. David Bancroft Johnson, founder of Winthrop. Mrs. Johnson describes what lead Dr. Johnson to found Winthrop and the process he went through to establish the college as well as the community around Winthrop. She discusses the beginning of Winthrop and her experience as a student and later as the President’s wife. Mrs. Johnson also discusses Dr. Johnson as a person both in his home life and his work life.

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  Interview with Rhudine V. Johnson - OH 205

  Rhudine V. Johnson

  OH 205

  In this interview, local South Carolina activist Rhudine Johnson (1915-) discussing her experience living in South Carolina in the 1930s, 40s, and 50s. Mrs. Johnson was the first Black nurse to be appointed to the National Federation of Nurses and one of the first Black poll workers in the state. In this interview, Mrs. Johnson discusses her early life, her work as a licensed practical nurse, organizing a glee club, her education at Booker T. Washington High School in Columbia, her motivation for political activism, events that radicalized her, the political climate for Black people in South Carolina in the 1930s-1950s, the need for Black political candidates, her involvement with the Progressive Democrat Party, key members of the party, the goals of the party, voter registration, John McCray and his newspaper (The Lighthouse Informer), The Palmetto Voters Association, the downfall of the Progressive Democrat Party, accomplishments of the Party, and the need for Black people as elected officials.

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  Interview with Elba Johnston - OH 492

  Elba Johnston

  OH 492

  IN PROCESSING

  Interviews with extension members and agents throughout the country documenting the history and development of the extension movement in the U.S. The interviews describe homemaking, child bearing and family management in the small towns and rural areas where they live. They also discuss the role of extension homemakers groups in their lives.

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  Interview with James W. Johnston - OH 610

  James W. Johnston

  OH 214

  This interview was conducted for the as part of the Winthrop History Project spearheaded by Winthrop President Emeritus Dr. Anthony DiGiorgio and Rebecca Masters to “document the 24-year path of the original Winthrop College to becoming Winthrop University.” This effort was to produce a history of the institution and Dr. DiGiorgio’s tenure as president as a supplement to Dr. Ross Webb’s history of Winthrop (The Torch is Passed) that covered Winthrop history up to Dr. DiGiorgio becoming president. A key aspect of the project was a series of audio-taped interviews conducted with various members of the extended Winthrop community who participated in or helped guide the advancement of Winthrop over these years. That way, the Winthrop story will be told in an array of participants’ own words, own voices and from their own perspectives.

  In his March 24, 2015 interview with Rebecca Masters, Jim Johnston details his time at Winthrop from 1983-2011 as a faculty filling several roles. Dr. Johnston discusses his experiences working for Winthrop as well as his experiences and impressions working with Winthrop President, Dr. Anthony DiGiorgio. Also he reveals the evolution of the sciences at Winthrop, his election as Chair of Faculty Conference and growth of athletics at Winthrop. In particular, Johnston recalls a mid-1990s vote of no confidence in the president and how Winthrop faculty responded.

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  Interview with Vera Johnston - OH 093

  Vera Taylor Johnston

  OH 093

  This interview was conducted with Vera Taylor Johnston (1913-1988) regarding her experiences working in a local mill. She discusses family life, work attitudes, and experiences growing up in the area. Also discussed are mill villages, black-white relations, unionization, and mill prospects for the future.

  This interview was conducted by Victoria Hickcox who was a junior Sociology major at Wellesley College, Wellesley, Mass. The interviews result from her participation in an exchange program involving a study of mill villages. Dr. Jack Turner, Sociology Dept., helped coordinate the research at Winthrop. The original cassette contained three separate interviews conducted by Victoria for the project which included this one, an interview (OH 155) with Clarence Luther Wilson (1917-1993) and Doris Griffin Wilson (1918-2006), and an interview (OH 96) with Calvin Forrest Stallings (1915-1982).

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  Interview with Vera Johnston - OH 793

  Vera Taylor Johnston

  OH 793

  This interview was recorded with Vera Taylor Johnston (1913-1988) regarding her experiences working in a local mill, life on the farm, and her move to the city. She discusses family life, work attitudes, and experiences growing up in the area.

  This interview was conducted by Winthrop graduate student, Fred E. Hembree (1952-2010) and was part of a series of three interview conducted about family life and mill workers in 20^th century Rock Hill, SC. The other interviewees in this series are Margaret Johnston Corder (1929-2009) and Minnie E. Brown Hembree (1893-1984)