Recently, I began interviewing my father’s Darden High School classmates and other elders born in or before 1945. I’ve spoken to about 15 people so far, and I ask about their memories of Wilson during their youth, including recollections of family life, school life, community, and work life. Each interview is conducted by telephone and is recorded. Afterward, I type up a transcript that I mail to the interviewee to share with his or her loved ones.

These interviews are sometimes rambling, sometimes focused, often funny, occasionally sad. They’ve yielded random names and places and detailed snippets of everyday life that have been largely forgotten. I am slowly working my way through a list of potential interviewees, mostly men and women that I’ve known since childhood. I’d love your help in reaching out to others willing to chat with me for thirty minutes or an hour or two. Our elders’ stories help us better understand our community’s history and the roots and branches of its culture.

I can be reached at blackwideawake@gmail.com and would be happy to provide more info about the interview process. I look forward to hearing from you — and your aunts, uncles, and grandparents!