Mary Jones Worley is interviewed by Lorraine Crittenden on April 30, 1984 as a part of the Western North Carolina Tomorrow Black Oral History Project. Worley traces her family lineage from her great grandparents living in Jackson and Macon County.…
Julia Ray Miller is interviewed by Edward Clark Smith on March 26, 1987 as a part of the Western North Carolina Tomorrow Black Oral History Project. Born in 1907, Miller discusses growing up in Yancey County, North Carolina, attending school, and…
Alverta Lowman is interviewed by Edward Clark Smith on March 24, 1987 as a part of the Western North Carolina Tomorrow Black Oral History Project. Lowman describes cleaning houses for different families in Asheville. She recalls church services,…
Taylor, a dancer, discusses her different experiences growing up on a farm in Amish country and working as a stripper. She talks about feminism, sexuality, and her views on people in the industry as a whole. This interview was conducted to supplement…
Ashton Woody, a senior English student at WCU, discusses her experiences growing up in Appalachia as a musician and storyteller. This interview was conducted to supplement the traveling Smithsonian Institution exhibit “The Way We Worked,” which was…
Susan Pepper, a musician, songwriter and music teacher, discusses her experiences playing Appalachian music in western North Carolina and beyond. She talks about her passions and the perspective she has gained of Appalachia through music. This…
Makayla, a dancer and pole fitness instructor, discusses her experiences in different clubs, as well as her perspective on the industry, and male and female sexuality. This interview was conducted to supplement the traveling Smithsonian Institution…
Phil Drake, a born and raised Franklin native, discusses his past, from being a math teacher to an accountant, to a tax software retailer and owner of the Smoky Mountain Performing Arts Center. He talks how he has worked to better his community, as…
Walt Worek, a strip club DJ, discusses his career, the industry and different roles within it, and how he works with the girls at his club to create an experience for their customers. This interview was conducted to supplement the traveling…
Rob Gasberro, an entrepreneur, discusses the work and life experiences that led up to his decision to co-open a local outdoor store. He talks about the benefits and challenges of owning his own business, and the importance of building up a rapport in…