Interview with Earnest Elder, July 2, 2022

Partial Transcript: I was born and raised in Clarke County Athens, Georgia

Segment Synopsis: Elder describes his childhood and talks about his parents and the murder of his father. He details the significance that his grandparents had on his childhood. Elder lists the schools that he attended and talks about his involvement in sports throughout his life.

Keywords: Broad Acres; Chase Street Elementary; Chase street Elementary; Clarke Central High School; Earnest Elder Sr.; Lyndon Avenue; Maribel Elder; Morgan County; New York Theological Seminary; Rock Springs; The Boulevard; University of Syracuse; Watkinsville

Partial Transcript: Now who were some of your mentors at the time?

Segment Synopsis: Elder lists the coaches that were mentors to him throughout his childhood. He talks about how these coaches held him accountable for their education and taught them to be studious. Elder also mentions attending Breeding's class and being impressed by one of the activities they did in class.

Keywords: Aaron Heard; Billy Wade; East Athens Dolphins; Pete Fair; Whitehead

Partial Transcript: And I learned that if you make mistakes in life, you get up, dust your shoulders off, and you pick up the pieces and move on

Segment Synopsis: Elder talks about how his mentors influenced him to give back to his community. He explains how his desire to address the issues affecting youth in Athens led him to create The Community and Youth Development Organization of Athens. Elder reflects on reaching out to Black leaders within the community and the process of finding facilities for his and other organizations.

Keywords: Aaron Heard; Antonio Derricotte; Asia Thomas; Bonnie Lane; Boys and Girls Club; Broad Acres; Cedar Shoals High School; Chess and Community; Clarke Central High School; Clarke Franklin; Donarell Green; Dr. Swade Huff; Dunta Robinson Foundation; Ebenezer Baptist Church West; James Scott; Jefferey Mack; Linda Davis; Mentoring Young Men; Nellie B; North Avenue; Parkview; Rock Springs; Shane Sims; Sparrow’s Nest; Steve Jones; The Community and Youth Development Organization of Athens; Tony Sancez; United Kingdom Outreach; Valdon Daniels; Willie Green; Xerona Thomas

Partial Transcript: Give me an example or examples of some of the needs the parents may have.

Segment Synopsis: Elder talks about how he works with parents to meet their needs. He emphasizes the needs that specifically effect the African American community. Elder describes how his experiences in public housing helps him better connect with children and their parents.

Keywords: Aaron Heard Park; Broad Acres; Lay Park; Pete Fair; Rock Sprink

Partial Transcript: So tell me some of the good memories that you had.

Segment Synopsis: Elder recalls the respect that his generation had for their elders, and explains how that is no longer the case with children today. He explains this shift as a lack of guidance from parents and the youth having children. Elder talks about creating a basketball league with all of the elementary schools to address the issues with the youth today. He mentions that the children will also learn character development and have to maintain their education.

Keywords: Broad Acres; Jack R. Wells Housing Community; LaKeisha Gantt; Pauldoe; Rock Springs

Partial Transcript: Is there another area in life that helped form that vision now?

Segment Synopsis: Elder reflects on his passion for giving back to the youth. He talks about wanting to assist students throughout the entirety of their childhoods. Elder explains that through the program, he plans on weeding out bad behavior in the current and future youth. He also emphasizes the significance of building relationships with the students and parents.

Keywords: H.T. Edwards Teaching & Learning Center; Oconee County; Pete Fair; Rutland Academy

Partial Transcript: Are the teachers, the principals, are they on board with this idea?

Segment Synopsis: Elder states that there are currently principals and other members of the school district who are interested in creating the league. He details what would occur if some of the principals chose not to work with his organization. Elder emphasizes the significance of working to meet the needs and wants of the children. He also stresses that he will continue with his vision despite issues that may arise.

Keywords: Gaines Elementary School; Jennifer Westlake; Lawrence Harris; Linda Davis; Rodney Robinson; Xerona Thomas

Partial Transcript: Have you or anyone thought of -ok- let's have this organization named "X" and all, for certain events, everybody falls under "X" umbrella?

Segment Synopsis: Elder talks about wanting to work collectively with other organizations to help the youth. He explains that doing so would accomplish more and mentions the significance this would also have within the Black community. Elder also describes the political nature of working with the youth and raising funds for programs.

Keywords: Aaron Heard Park; Chess and Community; Dunta Robinson Foundation; United Kingdom Outreach

Partial Transcript: Is there anything that I haven't covered that you think will be important about knowing you, your thoughts, your philosophies, or anything going on that you would want to be recorded?

Segment Synopsis: Elder talks about the violence within the community and asks Breeding what can be done to fix the community. Breeding explains that community members must properly express their needs to their representatives to address issues within the community. He reflects on an organization leader's trip to the King Center, highlighting the charisma the leader had and the necessity of individuals like him.

Keywords: NAACP

Partial Transcript: A twelve year old you today. They want know your advice to get them to where you are now, what would you tell them?

Segment Synopsis: Elder thanks Breeding for the interview. He states that he would advise his younger self to read and emphasizes the significance of reading and learning.