Betty Adams Jones

Betty Adams Jones

Betty Adams Jones talks about her home in Texas City, her family, and being an only child, (though she had two stepsisters.) She discusses what it was like to live with both of her grandfathers who were complete opposites in personality, and the effect that had on the family. Jones talks about her experiences with the Church and the influence of Pastor Reynolds. Jones talks about her father, Wise Adams, owner of Wise’s Barbershop. He was a political activist that encouraged voting and due to his efforts, sidewalks were installed throughout the neighborhood. She talks about the different establishments that Blacks could or could not frequent in Texas City and how dinner conversations mainly revolved around political discussions. Jones attended both Booker T. Washington School and Texas City High School. She describes the differences in teachers and students at both schools. Jones talks about attending Texas City High School for the first time and how students from Booker T. Washington School who integrated failed English that first year and had to attend summer school. Jones also talks about her college experiences in Portland, Oregon and how she “needed to get out of the bubble”. She makes a comparison of her different experiences with racism in Portland and Texas City.

2022-03-09

video

2022OH_AAE002

Theresa Mayfield

Betty Adams Jones