Personally I discovered that you could go through the academy as a young scholar, come out, and almost immediately have an impact on the academic environment.
“Personally I discovered that you could go through the academy as … Read More
What would you be like if you had white hair and had not given up your principles? It might be wise as you deal with coalition efforts to think about the possibilities of going for fifty years.
“What would you be like if you had white hair and … Read More
I came out of the Civil Rights Movement, and I had a different kind of focus than most people who have just the academic background as their primary training experience
“I came out of the Civil Rights Movement, and I had … Read More
I organized Sweet Honey In The Rock in 1973. The music was sanity and balance.
“I organized Sweet Honey In The Rock in 1973. The music … Read More
The first job I had with the Smithsonian was as a field researcher among African American communities in Southwest Louisiana and Arkansas for the festival.
“The first job I had with the Smithsonian was as a … Read More
Welcome to prekindergarten! You will not die if you discover that there are more lines out there than just your own. In fact, you’ll discover that you will have an advantage if you know more of them!
“Welcome to prekindergarten! You will not die if you discover that … Read More
Most people come out of their Ph.D. experience trying to prove themselves, trying to get ahead, trying to get published. You’re scared everybody else is going to do your research and get your topic.
“Most people come out of their Ph.D. experience trying to prove … Read More
When I started graduate school I was interested in the culture of the Civil Rights Movement.
“When I started graduate school I was interested in the culture … Read More
I started graduate school in 1971, I started working at the Smithsonian in the festival in 1972. I went full-time at the Smithsonian in 1974. And I got my doctorate in 1975.
“I started graduate school in 1971, I started working at the … Read More
I was at the Smithsonian for twenty years, and I’m still at the Smithsonian as a curator emeritus, and I still plan to figure out what that means for me at this point in my life
“I was at the Smithsonian for twenty years, and I’m still … Read More
But I’m a historian. I wasn’t interested in just being a producer, I was interested in doing research and presenting that research to a general public
“But I’m a historian. I wasn’t interested in just being a … Read More
Well, the first time I ran into the term religion, people were asking whether you had any. You know, some people had religion and some people didn’t have religion
“Well, the first time I ran into the term religion, people … Read More
And I used to think that proof that I had religion was whether I knew how to sing all of the songs.
“And I used to think that proof that I had religion … Read More
The Smithsonian Festival of American Folklife, actually, was an effort to put something on the mall in Washington so American tourists could walk through America, and in their minds everything on the mall would be American
“The Smithsonian Festival of American Folklife, actually, was an effort to … Read More
If we dwell in a community that is comfortable, then it’s probably not broad enough a coalition.
“If we dwell in a community that is comfortable, then it’s … Read More
I just don’t think one person has that much to contribute to any subject
“I just don’t think one person has that much to contribute … Read More
I think the Civil Rights Movement changed that trajectory for me. The first thing I did was leave school. I was suspended for my participation in Movement demonstrations in my hometown, December, 1961
“I think the Civil Rights Movement changed that trajectory for me. … Read More
If I had been at a University I don’t think I would have been able to have the experience I had in my Smithsonian work. I don’t think I have been as successful
“If I had been at a University I don’t think I … Read More
Today whenever women gather together it is not necessarily nurturing. It is coalition building. And if you feel the strain, you may be doing some good work.
“Today whenever women gather together it is not necessarily nurturing. It … Read More