Integration Oral History Project | Oral History Projects

During the run-up to the 50th anniversary of desegregation in 2016, history students began conducting with several notable figures from the first years of racial integration at The W. Together with another collection of desegregation oral histories held at the Billups-Garth Archives at Columbus-Lowndes County Public Library, these interviews give a much deeper history of the struggles and victories of the first African American students at The W than can be seen from other archival sources. This is an ongoing project and the collection continues to grow as more alumni offer to share their stories. More information and archival resources about the history of integration at The W can be found in the subject guide Mississippi University for Women Desegregation Subject Guide.

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Interview with Barbara Turner Bankhead

Barbara Turner Bankhead

In an interview with Dr. Erin Kempker on July 27, 2017, Ms. Barbara Turner Bankhead discusses her early life, her decision to attend The W, and her experiences while at the school. This interview was conducted as part of the MUW Desegregation Project.
Interview with Lillie Bell Shields Skipwith

Lillie Bell Shields Skipwith

In an interview with Dr. Erin Kempker on June 30, 2017, Ms. Lillie Bell Shields Skipwith discusses her early life, her decision to attend The W, and her experiences while at the school. This interview was conducted as part of the MUW Desegregation Project.
Interview with Jacqueline Edwards

Jacqueline Edwards

In an interview with Dr. Erin Kempker on November 18, 2016, Ms. Edwards discusses her early life, her decision to attend The W, and her experiences while at the school. This interview was conducted as part of the MUW Desegregation Project.
Interview with Dianne Adams

Dianne Adams

In an interview with Diana Diaz on November 11, 2015, Ms. Adams discusses her early life, her decision to attend The W, and her experiences while at the school. This interview was conducted as part of the MUW Desegregation Project.
Interview with Earlene Friday

Earlene Friday

In an interview with Quishanta Cummings and Candace Walls on November 30, 2015, Ms. Earlene Friday discusses her early life, her decision to attend The W, and her experiences while at the school. This interview was conducted as part of the MUW Desegregation Project.
Interview with Antoinette Harrison Moss

Antoinette Harrison Moss

In an interview with Candice Walls on November 16, 2015, Ms. Barbara Turner Bankhead discusses her early life, her decision to attend The W, and her experiences while at the school. This interview was conducted as part of the MUW Desegregation Project.
Interview with Eula Houser Thompson

Eula Houser Thompson

In an interview with Ashely Smith on November 9, 2015, Ms. Houser discusses her early life, her decision to attend The W, and her experiences while at the school. This interview was conducted as part of the MUW Desegregation Project.