Interview of Mrs. Johnson

Deneshia Walls

AAS 362

June 27, 2011

Interview One

1.      What is your name? Maiden and Marriage

Sharon Ann Walls-Johnson

2.      Where were you born?

Batesville, MS

3.      Where did you grow up?

Courtland, MS

4.      What were your parent’s names and occupations?

Mother- Velma Hines-Walls               Father- Cary Walls

Her mother was a housemaid and also a sewing machine operator. Her father worked at a service station then later as an electrician for TVA.

5.      Do you have any siblings? Yes or No, name?

Yes: 3, their names are Glenn Hines, Carolyn Walls-Hubrins, and Darron Walls

Mrs. Johnson was the next to the oldest out of the four children. Another child was born after her, but the baby did not make it. When her mom went into labor, the baby came out still-born. To Mrs. Johnson’s knowledge she did not know what happened in order for her mom to lose that child.

6.      What was your life like growing up as a black girl in_______?

Growing up in Courtland, MS was awesome. It was filled with joy and laughter. Mrs. Johnson stated that she loved it.

7.      Did you ever encounter racism? Explain

Not by knowledge

8.      What privileges or setbacks do you feel that you experienced growing up a black female in the North/South?

Mrs. Johnson experienced many privileges. She felt that getting a good education while in school was a privilege and also being able to attend Barzeon, which was a modeling school, was a privilege.

9.      What, if anything, do you remember your parents telling you about race?

Mrs. Johnson didn’t remember her parents telling her anything about race. It never was an issue to talk about.

10.  What did your parents tell you or instill in you regarding being a woman, specifically a black woman?

She instilled in her values and mortality. She also told her to do her best in whatever she does.

11.  Did you attend school? Yes or No, why or why not?

Yes: Her mother made her attend to further her education for a better life.

12.  Talk a little about those days…

She could remember going to HeadStart in a car. A lady by the name of Ms. Daisy would come by every morning and pick up the children around the small community at the time, and take them to school. Mrs. Johnson also remembered that some children would receive a bag with different school supplies and she never received one because both her parents were working and their income over exceeded the amount that was recommended for low-income families. In high school, she also remember the proms as being segregated.

13.  What was it like in school for you as a black female?

Mrs. Johnson did not have any problems during this time.

14.  Did you graduate and attend college?

Yes: graduated from high school, but did not attend college

15.  Did you get married? To who? When?

Yes she did get married- Ricky Johnson- Got married on May 11, 1980

16.  Where you ready to get married or were you forced? How did your parents feel about this?

Mrs. Johnson felt that she was ready to get married. She was 17years old and her husband was 18 years old at the time. Her parents and his were quite happy about it.

17.  Did you have any children? Yes or NO? How many? Why? Was this a choice or just happened?

Yes: she had 4: she felt that she was a bit ready for one at the time: it was not a choice it just happened, but after the first one, she tried to get pregnant only to have one so her first child would have someone to play with.

18.  Where did you work as an adult?

Mrs. Johnson worked at a shirt factory and then later at Panola Mills.

19.  Tell about your adult life and what was it like living as a black woman?

It was a great life. It was a time of happiness and fun. She was also proud of herself for being able to take care of her children and not having to depend on others and the government.

20.  Are there any specific stories that you would like to share regarding your adulthood life and being a black woman?

There weren’t any stories that she wanted to share.

21.  What were your relationships like with other women? Specifically white and black women.

They were the same with everyone else. She didn’t discriminate and basically treated everyone the way she wanted to be treated.

22.  Would you consider yourself friends with white women? Do you have friends that are of another race?

Yes: and do not have friends that are of another race

23.  What type of relationship do you have with black men?

She has a relationship with men that stay on a friendship level.

24.  What do you think is the role of both black men and women in relationships and what should their role be inside the home?

Mrs. Johnson thought that he role should be equal. If the man works and the wife doesn’t then the wife should be able to at least take care of the home. She was once a housewife and didn’t mind housework, but she would only go so far with it. She felt that sometimes men could go too far with the role of the woman.

25.  What do you think about people dating outside of their race?

She has no problem with people dating outside of their race. She felt that if a person meets someone who respects them and treats them right then that is all that matters.

26.  What issues do you think most affect black Americans today?

She felt that an issue that is affecting black Americans today is the lack of blacks not being able to find good jobs. Many people prefer mostly whites to receive the job.

27.  What advice could you give to young girls today?

The advice that Mrs. Johnson gave was not to get married while you are young. She said to finish school and get a good education and find yourself first. She stated to do what you want to do first in life before committing to someone else.