April 1, 2026

Family Stories and Legacy

Grandfather's Influence

• Linda shares memories of her grandfather, who owned a barber shop at the end of his driveway on Gray and Jackson streets. He taught children how to cut hair during family visits.

• The exact name of the street is uncertain, but it is believed to be Jackson and Gray, as Linda hasn't visited since returning home.

Family Dynamics and Responsibilities

• Linda describes her grandfather's two houses, emphasizing a large porch. She notes that he never opened the barber shop on Sundays; instead, family chores were organized by her mother for all 11 children.

• Her grandfather was multi-talented—working as a Pullman porter, pastor, and business owner—supporting his family's education with love and care.

Culinary Skills and Work Ethic

• A humorous moment arises when discussing Linda's mother's cooking for wealthy clients in Univista. Although she was essentially catering, the family simply referred to it as "cooking."

• Despite managing a full-time job while raising 11 children, Linda’s mother instilled strong values in her children, leading them to pursue higher education.

Upcoming Sessions and Collaborations

• Mr. Flynn will upload recorded sessions onto the AHI website soon. He is currently away in Ireland for his daughters' Irish step dancing competition but plans to return.

• There are plans for regular oral history interview sessions every Thursday from 11 AM to 1 PM, potentially continuing through summer breaks.

Future Interviews and Shared Histories

• The commission aims to support other commissioners in conducting interviews or sharing their histories during these sessions.

• Lisa will conduct interviews about her father's experiences working for the Postal Service while also being a pastor. This highlights overlapping family histories within their community.

Personal Reflections on Family History

• Lisa expresses excitement about sharing her family's story during upcoming interviews. Her father served at Union Bethel AME Church in Winston-Salem for several years before moving due to pastoral assignments.

Reflections on Family Legacy and Community Engagement

Personal Anecdotes of Growing Up

• The speaker shares a personal story about their father working as a bulk mail handler at the post office, highlighting the early morning hours he had to keep.

• On their 16th birthday, the speaker reflects on youthful expectations of independence, such as dating and driving, which were interrupted by obligations to attend Vacation Bible School.

• A humorous incident is recounted where the speaker's mother enforced a curfew that affected plans with friends, illustrating family dynamics and responsibilities.

• The speaker discusses how they became an "armor bearer" for their father during his revival meetings instead of enjoying typical teenage activities, showcasing familial duty over personal desires.

• Reflecting on past experiences, the speaker acknowledges how they now find themselves in similar roles as their parents, emphasizing irony in life’s cyclical nature.

Family Heritage and Professional Skills

• The narrative shifts to the speaker's grandmother who attended Winston-Salem Teachers College but left due to pregnancy; she later obtained her cosmetology license and opened a small salon.

• The impact of this legacy is noted as the speaker's aunt also pursued cosmetology, indicating a tradition of skill development within the family.

Historical Context of Black Church Leadership

• Discussion includes insights into early Black church leaders in America, particularly within AME traditions; these leaders were recognized for their oratory skills and community contributions.

• It is highlighted that these preachers not only delivered sermons but also supported both free Blacks and enslaved individuals through various means including raising funds for their ministries.

Emphasis on Education and Multi-faceted Skills

• The conversation touches upon the importance placed on higher education within families like those of Linda and Lisa; it emphasizes discipline at home alongside theological training.

• There’s recognition of diverse legacies where family members are skilled in multiple trades beyond traditional roles like preaching or beauty services.

Community Engagement Initiatives

• Plans are discussed regarding potential interviews with community members to document oral histories; there’s an emphasis on supporting commissioners in this endeavor through collaboration.

• Ideas are shared about assisting with cataloging photos and memorabilia from local figures to preserve history digitally.

Oral History Class and Community Engagement Initiatives

Introduction to the Oral History Class

• The oral history class for WSSU history majors will be held on Monday nights via Zoom, welcoming all commissioners and participants.

• This course is designed as a service learning opportunity aligned with the African American Heritage Initiative (AHI), allowing students to earn credit while engaging with the community.

Collaboration with Commissioners

• Discussion about assigning interns to individual commissioners to support their specific needs and gather personal stories through one-on-one interviews.

• Emphasis on conducting interviews in various community settings such as churches and neighborhoods to capture diverse histories.

Intern Support Structure

• Each commissioner could have an intern dedicated for a semester, assisting with research or preparing interview questions based on their interests.

• Proposal for aligning interns with specific topics related to each commissioner's subcommittee chair responsibilities, enhancing focus on areas like business, civic groups, and churches.

Importance of Community Engagement

• Highlighting the significance of collaboration between commissioners and WSSU interns to strengthen community ties and enhance understanding of local history.

• Acknowledgment of the need for documenting local history amidst ongoing regionalization efforts that threaten historical preservation.

Building Partnerships

• Urging commissioners to actively participate in this initiative, ensuring tangible outcomes from collaborative efforts throughout the semester.

• Ms. Erica Simon emphasizes the necessity of reaching out into communities where people are active, suggesting partnerships with local organizations like Piny Grove Community Center.

Future Collaborations

• Plans are underway for potential collaborations with Goodwill and other organizations to create interest in community programs through mobile units.

• Ongoing discussions about logistical steps needed before moving forward with partnerships aimed at enhancing community engagement initiatives.

Oral History Practices and Community Engagement

Importance of Supporting Elders in Oral History

• The speaker expresses excitement about the ethical practices in oral history, emphasizing the well-being of individuals sharing their stories, particularly elders.

• Mr. Flynn's approach to oral histories includes helping elders with tasks like moving furniture, showcasing empathy and partnership in the process.

• The loss of elders represents a loss of unique personal and family stories, highlighting the importance of preserving these narratives through community partnerships.

Accessibility and Digital Partnerships

• There is a focus on ensuring that recorded interviews are easily accessible to elders rather than being hidden away or difficult to find online.

• The collaboration between the city and digital platforms aims to make shared stories available to anyone with internet access.

Building Trust for Effective Interviews

• Gaining trust is crucial for conducting effective interviews; a template of initial questions can help facilitate this process.

• Opportunities for teaching interns about oral history practices are discussed, indicating ongoing educational efforts within the program.

Acknowledgment of Hard Work and Contributions

• Recognition is given to team members for their dedication in gathering community stories, which is acknowledged as challenging work that requires persistence.

• The department offers support for facilitating storytelling moments, encouraging outreach for assistance with equipment or planning.

Celebrating Intern Contributions

• Praise is directed towards new interns who bring valuable experience and knowledge to the public history program.

• The interns' ability to connect with community members highlights their effectiveness in fostering relationships within the historical narrative context.

Meeting Closure and Future Planning

Reflections on the Project

• The discussion highlights the positive impact of the project on Linda and Lisa, emphasizing their inspiration and passion for planning future steps.

• The speaker expresses a sense of privilege in being part of this project, referring to it as "precious" and "sacred," indicating its historical significance.

• There is an anticipation for a follow-up meeting next month, suggesting ongoing collaboration and engagement among participants.

Closing Remarks

• The speaker thanks everyone for their participation, encouraging open communication and support if assistance is needed in future endeavors.

• Acknowledgment of Ms. Tyler's expertise in Urban History, particularly regarding Black women in Salem, suggests her potential contribution to the project moving forward.