Anne Byrd, Carol Raymond, and Tonnette Jackson Interviewed by Mays Qasem, Owen Longacre, and Michael Terrones, 2023
This oral history is an interview with Anne Byrd, Carol Raymond, and Tonnette Jackson conducted by Mays Qasem, Owen Longacre, and Michael Terrones for the Lucy F. Simms School Oral History Project. Mays was a student in Owen Longacre’s African American history course at Spotswood High School and Michael was a student teacher in the same course. The interview was conducted on February 28, 2023, at the Simms Center.
Anne Byrd attended the Lucy F. Simms School from 1956 to 1964, completing grades from kindergarten through eighth. Tonnette Jackson also attended Simms from kindergarten until seventh grade.
In this oral history, Anne Byrd, Carol Raymond, and Tonnette Jackson share their experiences growing up in Harrisonburg and attending the Lucy F. Simms School. They recount memories of community gatherings, school traditions like May Day and Kite Day, and the impact of their dedicated teachers. The sisters reflect on how the Simms School served as a pillar in their tight-knit community, fostering a strong sense of togetherness and respect. They discuss the challenges of integration, the school’s closure, and how these events affect friendships and community bonds. They also highlight the school’s legacy, expressing pride in their roots and the continued importance of the Simms School in preserving their community’s history.
Interview and Transcript
Click here to download a copy of the transcript.
The transcript presented here has undergone a rigorous review and editing process undertaken by Kayleigh Bishop, Mariam Ismail, and Sean McCarthy to ensure its accuracy and authenticity. After the completion of the oral history interview, we provided Anne Byrd, Carol Raymond, and Tonnette Jackson with the opportunity to review the initial transcript and offer feedback, corrections, and additional insights. This collaborative effort between them and our team at James Madison University has resulted in a final version that faithfully reflects the participant's own words and recollections.