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Interview with Josephine Jordan and Bleaker Blake - OH 711
Josephine Jordan, Bleaker Blake, Emmett Scott High School, and Civil Rights
OH 711
This interview was conducted by Dr. George Garrison with Josephine Jordan and Bleaker Blake. The focus of the interview is Emmett Scott High School in Rock Hill, SC. Emmett Scott was the segregated high school for African-Americans which was named after Emmett Scott, a former aide to Booker T. Washington and President Woodrow Wilson. The school was opened in 1920 and was closed in 1970 when full integration was implemented in Rock Hill, SC schools. Bleaker Blake and Josephine Jordan were both Emmett Scott High School graduates. Josephine was also a longtime president of the “Scottites” alumni organization of Emmett Scott graduates. They both discuss their experiences at the school as well as growing up in Rock Hill, SC. They also discuss the civil rights movement in Rock Hill, SC and the movement as a whole.
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Interview with Marion Joseph Mack, Jr. - OH 686
Marion Joseph Mack Jr. and Emmett Scott High School
OH 686
This interview was conducted by Dr. George Garrison with Marion Joseph Mack, Jr. for his Emmett Scott History Project. Emmett Scott was the segregated high school for African-Americans which was named after Emmett Scott a former aide to Booker T. Washington and President Woodrow Wilson. The school opened in 1920 and closed in 1970 with full integration of Rock Hill South Carolina schools. Mr. Mack is the son of Marion Joseph Mack, Sr. (1920-2006), who was a teacher at Emmett Scott High School from 1950-1970 and then at Northwestern High School from 1970-1981. In this interview Mr. Mack discusses his opinion of his father’s experiences and career in the South Carolina Education system. Mr. Mack details both his father’s and his mother’s challenges and ambitions in their careers as well as his experience growing up in Rock Hill during segregation and the period of integration. He details the cultural and environmental changes and how they effected not only the students but the teachers during the integration period.
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Interview with Howard McKinney - OH 706
Howard McKinney and Emmett Scott High School
OH 706
This interview was conducted by Dr. George Garrison with Howard McKinney for Dr. Garrison’s project on the History of Emmett Scott High School. Emmett Scott was the segregated high school for African-Americans, which was named after Emmett Scott, a former aide to Booker T. Washington and President Woodrow Wilson. The school opened in 1920 and closed in 1970 when full integration was implemented in Rock Hill, SC schools. Mr. McKinney (b. 1943) was born and raised in Rock Hill, SC. He attended Emmett Scott High School and he discusses his experiences and recollections attending Emmett Scott.
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Interview with Joanne Woods McMaster and Lois Morton
Joanne Woods McMaster and Lois Morton
OH 299
IN PROCESSING
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Interview with Henrietta Moore - OH 674
Henrietta Moore and Emmett Scott High School
OH 674
This interview was conducted by Dr. George Garrison with Henrietta Moore. Moore sheds light on the history of Emmett Scott High School (ESHS) and her experience attending, and later teaching at, several of York County’s all-Black Rosenwald Schools like Carroll School. Henrietta Griffin Moore (1919-2021), a longtime educator, attended West End Elementary School, ESHS, and Friendship Junior College in Rock Hill, South Carolina. Named for Emmettt Scott, an advisor to Booker T. Washington, secretary-treasurer of Howard University, and prominent educator, ESHS (1920-1970) was an African American school that served the Black community of Rock Hill, South Carolina. Following the integration of S.C. public schools, Emmettt Scott closed its doors in 1970. In addition, Moore recounts the impact of the Friendship Nine, Civil Rights Movement, and segregation, especially as a Black woman living in the Jim Crow South.
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Interview with Lillian Paxton - OH 313
Margaret Lillian Rivers Paxton
OH 313
Margaret Lillian Rivers Paxton’s interview covers her experience as an undergraduate student at Winthrop College. Lillian graduated in 1962 with a Bachelor of Arts degree and became a teacher in Greenville County after graduation. She mentions that her grandmother, (Lillian C. Hughes 1881-1920) attended Winthrop in the early years (1895-1896). Lillian discusses her experience with the entrance exam, getting accepted to Winthrop, and moving onto campus. Mrs. Paxton recounts life in the dorms (McLaurin Hall, Phelps Hall) as well as fun activities during free time. She also discusses specific dress code regulations and rules enforced by Winthrop, the food in the dining halls, and the physical education requires. Mrs. Paxton also discusses the changes in Winthrop College as society changed in the 1960s.
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Interview with Cynthia Plair Roddey - OH 690
Cynthia Plair Roddey, Emmett Scott High School, Civil Rights, and Integration
OH 690
This interview was conducted by Dr. George Garrison with Dr. Cynthia Plair Roddey for his History of Emmett Scott High School project. Emmett Scott was the segregated high school for African- Americans which was named after Emmett Scott, a former aide to Booker T. Washington and President Woodrow Wilson. The school opened in 1920 and was closed in 1970 with full integration of the Rock Hill School district. Dr. Roddey worked at Emmett Scott High School from 1961 to 1963. Dr. Roddey was the first African American to attend Winthrop College and graduate with a M.A.T. in library science in August 1967. During her interview Dr. Roddey discusses her childhood and education, her family history dating back to the time during slavery, and her educational career. Dr. Roddey details her Native American lineage as well as the family line of her husband James Roddey who is related to John T. Roddey, a longtime Winthrop Board of Trustees member. Dr. Roddey discusses her time at Emmett Scott and the impact Emmett Scott had on the black community and the city of Rock Hill.
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Interview with Cynthia Plair Roddey - OH 644
Cynthia Plair Roddey and Integration
OH 644
In her interview with Robert Ryals on September 12, 2012, Cynthia Roddey shares her experiences at Winthrop from 1964-1967 as the first African American student admitted to Winthrop College. Roddey details the process of applying to Winthrop, the reaction she received from the Winthrop and Rock Hill community, and her participation in student life. Roddey includes her insight on race relations today and her hopes for the future. This interview was conducted for inclusion into the Louise Pettus Archives and Special Collections Oral History Program.
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Interview with Rev. Osbey Roddey - OH 705
Osbey Roddey and Emmett Scott High School
OH 705
This interview was conducted by Dr. George Garrison with Rev. Osbey Roddey for Dr. Garrison’s project on the History of Emmett Scott High School. Emmett Scott was the segregated high school for African-Americans, which was named after Emmett Scott, a former aide to Booker T. Washington and President Woodrow Wilson. The school opened in 1920 and closed in 1970 when full integration was implemented in Rock Hill, SC schools. Rev. Roddey is a former Rock Hill City Councilman for 24 years and is a retired educator and pastor at Langrum Baptist Church. In this interview, Rev. Roddy discusses Emmett Scott and race relations in Rock Hill, SC.
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Interview with James F. Wells - OH 682
James F. Wells
OH 682
This interview was conducted by Dr. George Garrison with James Wells with a focus on the History of Emmett Scott High School. Emmett Scott was the segregated high school for African-Americans, which was named after Emmett Scott, a former aide to Booker T. Washington and President Woodrow Wilson. The school opened in 1920 and was closed in 1970 when full integration was implemented in Rock Hill, SC schools. Mr. James F. Wells (b. ca. 1942 - d. 2018) was a native of Rock Hill, SC and graduated from Emmett Scott High School in 1959 and attended Friendship Junior College. He was a member of a South Carolina civil rights group known as the Friendship Nine and spent a month in jail in 1961 after he and eight other black men were charged with trespassing at a whites-only lunch counter (McCrory’s) in Rock Hill. The men, who were attending nearby Friendship Junior College, chose to spend time in jail rather than pay a fine in what was called the "jail, no bail" movement. Their time on a chain gang in York County encouraged protesters to stay in jail to fight segregation, Jim Crow laws and other forms of racism. In the interview Mr. Wells discusses his experiences growing up in the area, attending the Emmett Scott High School and Friendship Junior College, his role in the Friendship Nine, and the Civil Rights movement in general.
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Interview with Rev. Walter Banks White - OH 675
Walter Banks White and Emmett Scott High School
OH 675
This interview was conducted by Dr. George Garrison with Reverend Walter White as part of the History of Emmett Scott High School project. Emmett Scott was the segregated African American high school named after Emmett Scott a former aid to Booker T. Washington and President Woodrow Wilson. Emmett Scott High School opened in 1920 and was closed in 1970 with the integration of the Rock Hill South Carolina School District. Reverend White attended Emmett Scott in the 1940s and graduated in the class of 1947. He discusses his childhood growing up in Rock Hill in the 1930s and ‘40s and his experience at Emmett Scott as a student. Reverend White also discusses his career in education and ministry and the influence Emmett Scott had in his life and the surrounding community. Reverend White Discusses at length impact of segregation on the education system both before and after integration. He details the struggles faced by minority students as well as the educators even after integration.
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Interview with David Williamson, Jr. - OH 669
David Williamson Jr., Emmett Scott High School, Friendship College, Friendship Nine, and Civil Rights
OH 669
This interview was conducted by Dr. George Garrison with David Williamson for his Emmett Scott History Project. David Williamson was a member of the Friendship Nine that participated in nonviolent protests in Rock Hill South Carolina. The Friendship Nine spent 30 days in jail in 1961 after being convicted of trespassing for sitting at an all-white lunch counter at McCrory’s. This sparked the “Jail, No Bail” strategy that developed as a part of the Civil Rights Movement and protests. Mr. Williamson grew up in Rock Hill and attended Emmett Scott High School and Friendship Junior College. Emmett Scott was the segregated high school for African Americans which was named for Emmett Scott a former aide to Booker T. Washington and President Woodrow Wilson. The school was opened in 1920 and closed in 1970 when full integration was implemented in the Rock Hill School district. Mr. Williamson discusses his childhood and growing up in the black community of Rock Hill. He details his education and experiences at Emmett Scott High School as well as the impact that school made on him and the black community in general. Mr. Isaiah Reid is also present in the interview and relates how the school impacted the local community.
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Interview with Lanford Brackett
Lanford Brackett
VHP 092
In his October 9, 2009 interview with Anna Douglas, Lanford Brackett describes his assignment overseas in Samoa. Brackett also shares the story of how he won the Silver Star medal and the recognition he received afterward. Brackett concludes his interview with how he spent his leave time and confronting rations on the home front. This interview was conducted for inclusion into the Louise Pettus Archives and Special Collections Oral History Program.
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Interview with Mary White Gettys
Mary White Gettys
VHP 094
In her October 14, 2009 interview with Miciah Bennett, Mary White Gettys relays her experience in the WAVES as a code breaker. Gettys details the equipment she used and the secrecy in her work. Gettys speculates what the WAVES did for women and provides her opinion on the wars in the Middle East. This interview was conducted for inclusion into the Louise Pettus Archives and Special Collections Oral History Program.
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Interview with John Chester
John Chester
VHP #080
In his April 3, 2008 interview with Kristin Malone, John Chester details his service overseas in Europe during WWII. Included are stories of interactions with German soldiers and the rules and regulations of the United States Military. This interview was conducted for inclusion into the Louise Pettus Archives and Special Collections Oral History 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 Margaret Howell Heath
Margaret Howell Heath
VHP 072
In her October 12, 2006 interview with Nicole L. Wilson, Margaret Howell Heath explains why she joined the WAVES and shares her experiences being stationed in San Francisco. This interview was conducted for inclusion into the Louise Pettus Archives and Special Collections Oral History Program.
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Interview with Robert Star - OH 685
Robert Star and Emmett Scott High School
OH 685
This interview was conducted by Dr. George Garrison with Robert Starr for his History of Emmett Scott project. Emmett Scott High School was the segregated high school for African Americans, which was named after Emmett Scott, a former aid to Booker T. Washington and President Woodrow Wilson. The school opened in 1920 and closed in 1970 with the integration of the Rock Hill South Carolina School District. Mr. Starr attended Emmett Scott in the late 1940s. In this interview he discusses his experiences at Emmett Scott and how segregation affected him. He also discusses his career both in the military and after. Mr. Starr served in the US Navy during the time of the Korean War. Using his experience gained from the military Mr. Starr then went on the join the Merchant Marines, and later in his career he became a long-haul truck driver.
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Interview with Henry Clark
Henry Clark
Clark, Henry, 2005
In his October 26, 2005 interview, Henry Clark discusses his time in the Air Force during World War II. He talks about how he enlisted after Pearl Harbor, and then talks about his time serving in the Pacific Theater. He remembers where he was when the Atomic Bombs were dropped, and how he felt when the war ended. He then talks about his transition to civilian life and how he kept up with men he served with.
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Interview with Elijah Cobb
Elijah Cobb
Cobb, Elijah, 2005
On March 15, 2005, Elijah Cobb’s granddaughter, Avella Michelle Knowlin, interviews him about his past experiences in World War II. He also adds information about where he worked and what he was involved in within the companies he worked for. He mainly worked for an Engineer Headquarters Company in the Army, and after getting home from being in the war he worked for smaller companies within his town of Georgetown, South Carolina.
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Interview with George Hicklin - OH 702
George Hicklin and Emmett Scott High School
OH 702
This interview was conducted by Dr. George Garrison with George Hicklin for his Emmett Scott History Project. Emmett Scott was the segregated high school for African Americans that was named after Emmett Scott a former aide to Booker T. Washington and President Woodrow Wilson. Emmett Scott High School opened in 1920 and closed in 1970 with full integration of the Rock Hill School District. Mr. Hicklin attended Emmett Scott from 1951-1955. In this interview Mr. Hicklin discusses his experiences at Emmett Scott and the impact it had on the black community. He also details his experience in the military shortly after graduating high school. Mr. Hicklin details his military career and how he feels that Emmett Scott prepared him for success in life. Mr. Hicklin joined the Navy during the Vietnam war rising in rank to Chief Petty Officer.
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Interview with Bill Long - OH 703
Bill Long and Emmett Scott High School
OH 703
This interview was conducted by Dr. George Garrison with Bill Long for Dr. Garrison’s project on the History of Emmett Scott High School. Emmett Scott was the segregated high school for African-Americans, which was named after Emmett Scott, a former aide to Booker T. Washington and President Woodrow Wilson. The school opened in 1920 and closed in 1970 when full integration was implemented in Rock Hill, SC schools. Mr. Long attended Emmett Scott High School in the 1950s and he discusses his experiences discusses his experiences and recollections attending Emmett Scott, as well as living in Rock Hill through the Civil Rights era.
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Interview with Louise Pettus - OH 640
Mildred Louise Pettus
OH 640
Louise Pettus discusses her childhood growing up in Lancaster County, her experiences operating and working in a cotton gin owned by her family, her academic career, and her teaching career. Bob Gorman interviewed Ms. Pettus as part of his research into an article he wrote title “Queen Cotton: The Story of a Woman Ginner” that was published in the Winter 2005-2006 Sandlapper magazine.