Interview with Linda Stephens, January 31, 2023

Segment Synopsis: Stephens is introduces and thanked for attending the interview. She is also congratulated for receiving a community service award.

Keywords: Athens Area Human Relations Council, Inc

Partial Transcript: This is what I want to know. I want to know your history. I want to know what makes you tick.

Segment Synopsis: Stephens introduces her family and describes her childhood. She recalls caring for her grandmother and explains how this instilled in her the desire to become a nurse and care for older people. Stephens also lists the schools that she attended.

Keywords: Boom Magazine; Green County High School; Greensboro, Georgia; Hubert English School; Mary Eva Mitchell; Minnie G. Boswell Hospital; Siloam, Georgia; William Mitchell

Partial Transcript: Do you want to talk to us about-the uh- working in the plant, and was your grandmother still living then?

Segment Synopsis: Stephens talks about working in plants and getting married before going to college for nursing. She describes her work at nursing facilities and a personal care home after becoming a certified nurse. Stephens explains that after her divorce, she moved into public housing with her children because there were better opportunities in Athens. She talks about getting involved in public housing as well as the many programs her children were involved in.

Keywords: Athens Technical College; Marriage; Motherhood; Upward Bound Program; Westclox Factory; public welfare; social services

Partial Transcript: Tell me what kind of place public housing was.

Segment Synopsis: Stephens talks about raising children in public housing and the community that existed there. She addresses misconceptions about public housing and describes her neighbors as well-groomed elderly women. Stephens asserts that to improve one's circumstances, they need to show interest in wanting to do better. She describes getting involved in leadership and finding opportunities through public housing.

Keywords: Community leaders; Leadership; public welfare; social services

Partial Transcript: At one time you were a foster parent, is that correct?

Segment Synopsis: Stephens describes her time fostering children as a single parent and others to foster children as well. She explains that many of the children needed love and encouragement, and she knew that she was able to provide that for them. Stephens also talks about fostering short-term and details some of the activities and resources that she would provide for her foster children.

Keywords: Foster care system; Motherhood; Public housing; child welfare; social services

Partial Transcript: Since you mentioned that I was thinking about what all have I did over the years

Segment Synopsis: Stephens talks about getting involved in the community and improving her speaking to be able to help others. She explains the significance of learning about management and getting involved, and recalls when she led petitions for rebuilding new community facilities. Stephens attributes her love for family and people as the reason why she continues to work with people and the community.

Keywords: Activism; Columbia Brookside Classic Residences; Community outreach; Jack R. Wells Homes; Pauldoe; Public housing; advocacy

Partial Transcript: Were there ever people telling you- nah that's too big of a dream for you?

Segment Synopsis: Stephens asserts that she never surrounded herself or her children with negativity and talks about putting her children in after-school activities to remain grounded. She emphasizes that having motivation is the key to giving back to the community and mentions that there are many people who lived in public housing who now work in public housing. Stephens also shares how proud she is of her children and encourages parents to allow their children to do and achieve as much as they want to.

Keywords: Community Outreach; Dekalb County; Michael Thurmond; Motherhood; Public housing; Valdon Daniel; child welfare; parenting

Partial Transcript: There was a responsibility that you had as an ambassador to the land- West Broad garden of Athens- which I understand was part of Athens Land Trust

Segment Synopsis: Stephens talks about receiving her position as an Ambassador with Athens Land Trust and her initial doubts. She describes her work at the garden and the events that it puts on for the community. Stephens also discusses how her work there taught her about the Athens community and its needs. She explains that to do the work that she does, it takes communicating with and learning about people.

Keywords: West Broad Community Garden; community activism; nonprofit organizations

Partial Transcript: Your daughter is kind of - one of your daughter is kind of following your footsteps in an organization called Cultivating a Lifetime of Legacy, Inc.

Segment Synopsis: Stephens recalls wanting her daughters to be set up with mentors in high school so that they had better accesses to resources for college and career readiness. She explains that because of the mentorship program and the guidance she experienced, her daughter is now able to give back to her community through an organization called Cultivating a Lifetime of Legacy, Inc. Stephens also talks about volunteering with the Economics Justice Coalition to get people registered to vote.

Keywords: Community outreach; Voting rights activism; community activism; voter registration

Partial Transcript: The National Grand Chapter of Eastern Stars. Talk to me about- how long have you been an Eastern Star?

Segment Synopsis: Stephens recalls her family's roots in Freemasonry and her father encouraging her to join the organization. She explains how, through her elders, she has learned about both the organization's work with the community and Christianity.

Keywords: Religion; The National Grand Chapter of Eastern Star

Partial Transcript: Did you look in the mirror any time today?

Segment Synopsis: Stephens shares that if she could talk to her younger self, she would compliment her and encourage her to keep going. She also tells her younger self to keep God first and not to listen to those who tell you that you can't do something. Stephens explains that, even now, she tells herself that she is somebody and is beautiful whenever she is going through tough situations.