Willie Parker
Photo Courtesy: Media Collections, John D. Rockefeller Jr. Library, The Colonial Williamsburg Foundation
"The teachers [at Bruton Heights], they let us know that if you, you know, everyone has certain rights and privileges, and of course we, as Black people, were not being given, you know, all of our rights and there was term that, you know, we were second-class citizens because we did not enjoy the full benefits of a citizen...We grew up knowing that and they impressed upon us the importance of, you know, you get an education. And not only was it impressed in school, but the families would impress the importance of an education."
Parker-Willie-42017.mp3Audio of interview with Mr. Willie Parker | Conducted by Ben Bowery | April 20, 2017 | Williamsburg Documentary Project Collection | Special Collections Research Center | William & Mary Libraries
Mr. Willie Parker provided the reflections below as part of the Oral History Community Nights hosted by Colonial Williamsburg during the late 1980s and early 1990s. The clips are excerpts from The Freedom Years, one of several films produced from these oral history nights. The full film can be viewed here.
Film Credit: Media Collections, The Colonial Williamsburg Foundation
Mr. Parker explains how the Black community felt pushed out of the historic area with the establishment of Colonial Williamsburg.
Mr. Parker explains that Black students did not think the schools were equal under segregation.
Mr. Parker recalls learning that Black students could begin to attend white schools.
Mr. Parker recalls little interest on the part of Black parents and students to integrate the schools before it was made mandatory.
Mr. Parker discusses how integration prepares people for the diversity in the world.
Mr. Parker discusses the need for teachers that care about all students.
Mr. Parker discusses the lack of Black pride in the younger generation.
Mr. Parker recalls navigating segregated spaces in Williamsburg.
Mr. Parker remembers the Black community's response to a KKK rally in Williamsburg.
Mr. Parker discusses the role of the tourism industry in Williamsburg in shaping how integration unfolded.
Mr. Parker insists there have always been Black leaders in Williamsburg.