Our Day in History: Alabama to Rhode Island to Indiana Civil Rights Memories

Increase in prison violence due to short staffing because of stress, working conditions

By Roberta Ridley & Ngozi Rogers
For Fort Wayne Ink Spot

The African American Genealogical Society of Fort Wayne (AAGSFW) had the honor of discussing the Civil Rights memories of Fort Wayne resident Carolyn Anderson Jones.

Raised in Alabama, Carolyn attended school in Rhode Island during the 1960's Civil Rights Movement as an exchange student before her family migrated to Fort Wayne, Indiana. She appeared on the “Ancestors and Answers” television program produced by AAGSFW on Access Fort Wayne TV.

The following information is being shared from that interview.

What was your personal civil rights experience in Marion, Alabama?

We had a leader there by the name of Albert Turner (who is deceased now) and a Methodist minister who allowed our group to meet at the fellowship hall. We were afraid to be a part of it because of the KKK, but my grandmother had this drive for right and standing up for yourself. She was convinced that this path was the way to go (and) that we deserved. If you have the ability and if you have the will to do as everybody else does and not live in the shadow. We ventured off fearful and willing.

Was it a good experience?

I think it was a good experience because it allowed us to want to be in a different place emotionally and mentally and we fought. We listened to the leadership on how to survive and protect ourselves. They taught us about the possibility of jail and whatever fatality that man could put upon you. It wasn't going to be easy but we were willing.

What did you learn?

I was grateful that I had someone that was willing to share those experiences that there was another world that the race or our people were not allowed to be a part of… Our race was always to be second. Second to go to school, second for books, and second for the food line. Church was the place where we could rejoice and let loose. It was at church and in training that we learned if you can vote, you can have a life. If you can vote, you can make a difference.

How old were you when you became aware that you needed to get involved?

Between 13 to 14 years old. We were sharecroppers. We worked hard and didn't have the opportunity to go to school all the time.

You walked in the march from Selma to Montgomery. What was that like?

I still can't imagine how they managed to organize that march, the camps, food, and protection. We slept on the side of the highway. I got the bridge and the bridge got me!

How did the exchange program where students from the deep South were sent to live and go to school in the Northeast begin?

There was a gentleman by the name of Al Lingo Jr. and he worked with Project Upward Bound. That was his calling to come to Alabama to support the movement. He was a field secretary for SCLC (Southern Christian Leadership Conference). Following the marches he came up with this creative idea to send a few people to a summer camp in Vermont, the Shawnee Institute, to experience a different lifestyle.

In 1966 you traveled from Marion, Alabama to Barrington, Rhode Island to live with a white host family who were also your guardians. Were you prepared in any way for the exchange?

No, but it was a great experience. We did horseback riding for fun. Not to get the horse to the pasture or not behind it with a plow.

There is much more to share from this interview but space is limited. To watch the complete interview please visit the society Facebook page @AAGSFW. This is a really great share of a life worth living and experience to build upon. What are your Civil Rights Movement memories?

The AAGSFW is collecting personal civil rights memories from Fort Wayne and Allen County residents to be preserved, shared and celebrated. Our African American experiences, our voices are largely missing from Fort Wayne history books. Volunteers can share their memories by video, audio recording or written account. Share your unique life story for history with the AAGSFW. Contacts us at aagsfw@gmail.com, (260) 206-8757 or on Facebook: @aagsfw.

“Our Day in History” is presented by and in celebration of the 10th anniversary of the African American Genealogical Society of Fort Wayne (AAGSFW) and the 20th anniversary of the African/African-American Historical Society and Museum (AAAHSM)! This monthly column highlights Fort Wayne’s rich African American history. Learn more at facebook.com/aagsfw