Interview with Gwendolyn Stevens, July 26, 2023

Partial Transcript: My name is Tracy Smith, and I'm here with Mrs. Gwendolyn Stevens in her home in Athens, Georgia.

Segment Synopsis: Stevens describes her family and upbringing on the east side of Athens and her time in school at East Athens Elementary before and during the first year of integration.

Keywords: Bill Hartman III; East Athens Elementary School; Gardening; School segregation / integration; Outdoor plumbing

Partial Transcript: I did not like Oconee Street. That was the second year on being in integration

Segment Synopsis: Stevens discusses the racism she experienced while attending Oconee Street School. She also talks about her time at Winterville Elementary, and race relations in general between students, and between students and teachers.

Keywords: Education; Integration; Racism / race relations; Winterville Elementary; Oconee Street School

Partial Transcript: I loved school, though, that's the thing about it. I loved school.

Segment Synopsis: Stevens recalls fond memories of school, and pays specific attention to describing her most effective and impactful teachers.

Keywords: Gaines Elementary School; Howard B. Stroud; Lyons Middle School; Teachers / Educators; Education

Partial Transcript: Of course I enjoyed high school, I loved high school.

Segment Synopsis: Stevens talks about her time at Cedar Shoals HS, and her love of theater, which she participated in while attending High School. She then discusses how she won 1st place at the Miss Black Athens beauty pageant in 1979.

Keywords: Betsy Lubs; Miss Black Athens; Theater / Drama; Cedar Shoals High School

Partial Transcript: …you haven't said too much about how your mom and your dad kind of shaped some of the ideas and your perspective growing up.

Segment Synopsis: Stevens discusses her mother and father, and how each supported her in their own ways. She then talks about her time in college which she began at The University of West Georgia before transferring to Truett McConnell and earning her associate's degree. She goes on to discuss her return to Athens where she enrolled at UGA and got an internship with WRFC radio.

Keywords: Family; Truett McConnell University; University of Georgia; University of West Georgia; WRFC radio; The Poultry

Partial Transcript: So, instead of going back to school I ended up getting jobs.

Segment Synopsis: Stevens discusses her experiences working for the University of Georgia's Main Library, a job which she held for ten years. She describes a disagreement with her superior that led to her being passed up for a promotion.

Keywords: Religion; UGA Libraries; Workplace environment; The McGregor Company

Partial Transcript: So you was able to see a lot of different activities and things that were going on during social movements, civil rights and everything.

Segment Synopsis: Stevens discusses a protest she participated in while working for the UGA Main Library in which university employees marched in demand of higher wages. She shares that they were given the raises and further reflects on how the success of the march inspired her to become a more active voter.

Keywords: Civic engagement; State employees; University of Georgia; Zell Miller; Labor protest

Partial Transcript: I feel like the Clarke County residents are being ignored as far as rental property and stuff...

Segment Synopsis: Stevens speaks on the housing market in Athens, and how University students are given priority over the city's residents, who are being driven out of their communities by rising rent.

Keywords: Affordable housing; Athens, GA; Rent / Rental property; gentrification; University of Georgia

Partial Transcript: I had made up my mind that I probably was going to go to the schools.

Segment Synopsis: Stevens talks about her time as a parent liaison in the Clarke County School District, and working in special education. She then describes the fulfillment she experienced through working with students in both positions.

Keywords: 9th grade academy; Grant funded positions; Public schools; SPED / Special education

Partial Transcript: So you are definitely celebrating your retirement.

Segment Synopsis: Stevens talks about being divinely inspired to take a more active role in the church, which led her to start (and participate in) several community outreach programs.

Keywords: Angel Food Ministries; Feed the Children; Rayle, Georgia; Clifford Grove Baptist Church

Partial Transcript: Well, I met Christopher years ago. He, at one time, dated David's sister

Segment Synopsis: Stevens talks about her husband, Christopher Stevens, and describes how they came to know each other. She then reflects on their shared passion for helping the homeless. The interview concludes.

Keywords: Athens, GA; Community service; Marriage; Homelessness