Interviews with the Durham Colored Library

Oral History Interview with Meredythe Holmes, 8.14.24

Meredythe Holmes Oral History

Topics covered include Irwin Holmes’ early life in Durham, his introduction to tennis, his high school tennis career, and his experiences competing against Arthur Ashe. Other key points include his time at North Carolina State University as one of the first Black ACC student athletes, and his work at RCA and IBM. The conversation also highlights his deep connection to NC State, his recognition with the naming of Holmes Hall, and his reflections on the support he received throughout his career.

Interview with Irwin Holmes, 09/03/2024

Topics covered include McCrae’s upbringing in rural North Carolina, her career as a special education teacher, and her commitment to ensuring equal opportunities for her students. She reflects on raising six daughters, her recognition as Mother of the Year, and her emphasis on education as a path to success. McCrae also discusses her deep faith, involvement in White Rock Church, and the generational impact of her dedication to learning and community service​.

Interview with Iva McRae, 10/19/2024

Topics covered include what it was like living in Durham in the 60s, advocacy work as a Duke undergraduate, Beth's career in education and Parks and Rec, the progress of Durham relative to race relations, and Durham's LGBTQ Community.

Interview with Beth Timson, 09/30/2024

Topics covered include Carolyn's education at the Women's College, her career as a secretary, and Duke Memorial United Methodist Church, reminiscing over family, church, and community in her life in Durham.

Interview with Carolyn Thomas, 09/30/2024

1st of 2 interviews with Bill Bell, former mayor of Durham. 

Interview with Bill Bell, 10/24/2024

Former Mayor Bill Bell reflects on his pivotal role in merging Durham’s city and county school systems to address funding inequities and improve educational outcomes, emphasizing the long-term benefits despite the rise of charter schools and voucher programs. He also recounts his efforts to revitalize distressed neighborhoods through affordable housing initiatives, mixed-income developments, and strategic partnerships—highlighting projects like Barnes Avenue and Rolling Hills. Throughout the conversation, Bell underscores the importance of youth engagement, community activism, and preserving equity amid gentrification and urban transformation.

Interview with Bill Bell (Part 2), 02/06/2025

Miguel Chirinos, originally from Venezuela, has spent decades in Durham promoting Latino history and culture through educational projects, historical research, and community exhibits—highlighting figures like Simón Bolívar and Francisco de Miranda and their connections to the U.S. He’s also documented the contributions of Latinos in Durham, including their roles in education, architecture, and sports, while fostering cultural pride and historical awareness across generations.

Interview with Miguel Chirinos, 02/26/2025

Dr. Paula Harrell shares her remarkable journey as a pioneering African American woman with a Doctor of Musical Arts in organ performance, tracing her lifelong dedication to music from childhood piano lessons to church performances and academic achievements. She also recounts a traumatic encounter with the Ku Klux Klan in Durham during her youth, reflecting on its lasting emotional impact and the healing power of music throughout her life. Her story weaves together themes of resilience, heritage, and the pursuit of artistic excellence.

Interview with Paula Harrell, 07/15/2025

Gwen Bookman shares a rich family history rooted in Durham, highlighting her parents’ journey from rural North Carolina to becoming educators and entrepreneurs. She recounts her mother’s determination to pursue higher education despite segregation, her father’s role in the military and local grocery business, and the family’s lasting legacy through community service, education, and the arts. Their impact continues today through her sister’s bistro and art space, her brother’s pharmacy, and Gwen’s own career in law and academia.

Interview with Gwen Bookman

Steve Chalmers, former Durham police chief, shares his journey from growing up in the “Bottom” neighborhood to leading community-focused policing initiatives that emphasized prevention, mentorship, and public service over enforcement. He recounts the deep influence of his upbringing, education, and the “village” concept that shaped his values, ultimately inspiring programs like Men of Vision and the Hayti Reborn Justice Movement to support justice-involved individuals through holistic, collaborative community care. His story is a testament to the power of grassroots leadership and the enduring impact of community-driven solutions.

Interview with Steve Chalmers, 06/25/2025

Dr. Linda Hubbard Curtis, a native of Durham, shared her family's deep roots in the community, tracing back to her grandfather, Dr. James Madison Hubbard Sr., and her grandmother, Mrs. Grizzle Hubbard. Her grandfather's significant contributions included serving on the board of North Carolina Central University and distributing Bibles at graduations. Dr. Curtis recounted her family's move to Los Angeles due to racial discrimination and their return to Durham. She detailed her educational journey, including her degrees from North Carolina Central University and Southern Illinois University, and her career in education, including roles at Durham Public Schools, Shaw University, and Meredith College. Dr. Curtis also discussed her establishment of Hope and Courage Agency, which provides holistic support for children aged 5-9, emphasizing academic, emotional, and cultural growth.

Interview with Linda Curtis, 08/19/2025

Stories recorded by the Museum of Durham History staff, volunteers, and partners. See www.museumofdurhamhistory.org/blog/story for more.

Interview with Irwin Holmes, 09/03/2024

Museum of Durham History

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