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Interview with Randy Watkins, October 13, 2022

Richard B. Russell Library for Political Research and Studies, University of Georgia
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00:00:00 - Introduction

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Partial Transcript: Today is October the 13th 2022

Segment Synopsis: Watkins is introduced and informed about the project.

00:01:43 - Education and Integration

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Partial Transcript: Ok, the way I'd like this interview to go

Segment Synopsis: Watkins talks about attending a white school prior to forced integration and racial injustices that occurred. Watkins recalls that after forced integration, he noticed both his white and Black friends constantly arguing. He mentions participating in athletics and the racial conflict that was occurring at the high school level. Watkins also explains that after attending a Black university, he realized that people are the same regardless of race.

Keywords: Athens Academy; Athens Christian School; Athens High and Industrial; Burney-Harris High School; Civil rights demonstrations; Clarke Central High School; Dr. Nathaniel Fox; East Athens Elementary School; Hilsman Middle School; Integration; Oconee Street elementary; Savannah State University; Segregation academies

00:10:08 - Higher Education and Employment

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Partial Transcript: So, when I was at Savannah State

Segment Synopsis: Watkins talks about joining a fraternity and the brotherhood that still exists today. He also shares his experiences working from the bottom-up at a plant while in college and the discrimination that he faced throughout the years. Watkins attributes his success to hard work and reflects on how he has worked hard his entire life. He details his journey officiating sports and recalls taking his grandfather to a University of Georgia game for the first time.

Keywords: Cedar Shoals High School; Delmar Window Coverings; Levolor; Savannah State University; Segregation; University of Georgia

00:17:08 - Racial tension in school

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Partial Transcript: So, let's go back to middle school

Segment Synopsis: Watkins explains that both his Black and white peers would call him names for various different reasons. He explains that he has never been accused of acting white because of his authenticity and emphasizes how he treats others regardless of race or gender fairly. Watkins explains that the reason why hard-working people get picked on is that the ones picking on them are not willing to work as hard.

Keywords: Dr. Franklin Roosevelt (Rosey) Gilliam III; Freddie Gilbert; Guy Maurice McIntyre; Scott Williams; Steve C. Jones; Uncle Tom

00:27:50 - UGA and Athens Black history

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Partial Transcript: There's a lot of success stories with the African American at the University of Georgia

Segment Synopsis: Watkins list and describes some of the successful Black graduates at UGA, noting that many were members of the Kappa Alpha Psi fraternity. He discusses the forgotten impact that so many Black men within Athens have had. Watkins recalls Dr. Walter Allen and the different times when he helped others.

Keywords: Billy Henderson; Black-Diallo-Miller Hall; Civil rights demonstrations; Clarke Central High School; Donald A. Perry; Dr. Nathaniel Fox; Howard Stroud; I wish I was in Dixie Land; Integration; Jadon Adams; Kappa Alpha Psi; Lumpkin Street; Mary Blackwell Diallo; Segregation'; Stegman Collesium; Walter Allen Sr.; Waycross, Georgia; Weyman Sellars; William Breeding

00:37:51 - Changing language and discrimination

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Partial Transcript: Words matter and what I have found out you have to listen to who's talking, hear the word, and ask why are they using that word

Segment Synopsis: Watkins talks about his discomfort with the fact that the N-word went from being an insult made by white people to something that many Black people use today. Watkins also explains why he is bothered when people ask him where he is preaching at whenever he is dressed in a suit. He shares that there are people who often fail to recognize his status, but asserts that Black people should simply correct these people and move forward.

00:48:41 - Advice the younger generations

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Partial Transcript: … and they need advice from you to help get them to where you are now or beyond. What would that advice be?

Segment Synopsis: Watkins advises children to have faith in God and themselves. He explains that they should be prepared to "fight that fight" by being prepared to take on challenges that may arise in life.