The Problem with Archives:
The Black Elder Archives
The Black Elder Archives are portraits of individuals who lived through Segregation and the Jim Crow South. Each person featured is an average individual ranging from retired teachers, factory workers, journalists, and activists, such as Junteen activist Mrs. Opal Lee. Hung above the Elders is a 32” sound dome that plays recordings of each elder answering questions about their lives and living through segregation.
The Black Elder Audio Archive
Each Elder was interviewed and asked seven questions about their life. Evey Elder answered these questions at their own discretion, giving insight on how life was for average people during the Civil Rights Movements.
Their stories and answers were recorded, creating the Black Elder Audio Archive.
The questions:
What is your earliest memory?
Were your parents/family active in Civil Rights?
When did you realize that there is a stigma towards Black people in America?
Did you deal with any peer opposition or pressure about the Civil Rights Movement?
Did you participate in the Civil Rights Movement?
How did the murder of Emmett Till affect your life/parenting style?
What are your thoughts on Jim Crow and Defacto Segregation?