Southside Oral History Project
Preserving the Black history of Collierville. Recording the stories of our elders. Bringing generations together.
Jackie Bogard
Collierville Community Justice members Emily Fulmer, Annette Key, and Sydney Rehm interview Jackie Bogard who grew up on the southside of Collierville in the Alcorn Village subdivision. Jackie speaks about her earliest memories growing up in the "Alcorn House" on Harris Street, church life at St. James CME Church, attending Collierville Elementary (Rosenwald) School, and Mt. Pisgah High School during segregation. She shares memories of her family members and what it was like growing up in a segregated small town. Jackie is a great storyteller who weaves a colorful narrative that will have you next to tears one moment and laughing out loud the next.
Annette Key
Collierville Community Justice members Emily Fulmer, Aditi Mishra, Aarshitha Chandran, and Anthony Hoang interview CCJ steering committee member, Annette Key about her life experiences growing up in Collierville. Annette moved to Collierville around the age of 7 or 8 from her grandfather's farm in Fayette County. As a child she lived in several segregated neighborhoods in Collierville while her mother worked doing domestic labor for prominent white families. Annette now lives in Alcorn Village Subdivision in the home her mother built. In loving detail, Annette shares what it was like growing up in Collierville, how it has changed, and what she hopes for the future of her community.
Virginia “Fay” Green Strickland
CCJ Members Emily Fulmer, Amelia Roberts, and Anila Fariab interview Virginia (aka "Fay") Green Strickland about growing up in Collierville. Born in the late 1950s, Fay was one of the first Black students to attend the white Collierville Elementary school. She recalls participating in the civil rights protests at town square in the 1960s, and a successful "walk out" protest at the old Collierville High School in the 1970s. Her mother purchased one of the last homes to be built in Alcorn Village Subdivision where Fay and her family still live today. Her interview is a testament to her passion for this community and the important role that her faith and her church have played in her life.