Bridges Digital Archive: Audio and Video Recordings

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Document Type

Oral History

Publication Date

1-18-2018

Abstract

Canshara Washington interviews Flora B. Williams, a woman with a rich history in California. She was originally from Mobile, Alabama, and was born into an impoverished area to hardworking parents. They wanted to see her finish her schooling and Williams was able to, initially, complete two years of college. After discussing her memories of her parents’ jobs and of grade school, Williams discusses singing. She describes it as a way for her to get affection that was not based on being looked down upon due to her skin tone. Then the topic changes to how Williams was employed at Ninety-Sixth Street Elementary School and then at the Metropolitan Skills Center, both in Los Angeles. Williams then reflects on going to Daniel Payne College, the disturbing recollections of seeing the Ku Klux Klan on campus, and the homesickness that came from being at college. After being asked the last question in the interview, the interview ends with advice for future generations. Williams describes her experience with domestic violence and pushes youth to follow their education and learn self-esteem. She also tells about learning how to work at the AT&T Phone Company and obtaining computer literacy and that one is never too old to learn.

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