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Document Type
Oral History
Abstract
In this interview, Ms. Verna L. Elliott is interviewed by Clarice Hall-Black, Vickie Graham and Mara Kozelsky at Ms. Elliott’s home. The interview begins with a discussion of Ms. Elliott’s childhood in rural Daphne, AL during Jim Crow. During the interview, Ms. Elliott describes the strength of community bonds, growing up on a farm, and negotiating racism. She describes her early education at Turkey Branch School near Malbis, and working at the Malbis restaurant. Her story continues with her life in Michigan, and comparisons between life in the North and the South. Ms. Elliott also describes the many barriers that she and family members broke in their lifetimes. Ms. Elliott was Daphne’s first Black city councilwoman, and integrated several volunteer organizations. She owned multiple businesses and initiated Daphne’s Arts and Crafts festival. The interview also addresses the integration of the Dogwood Trailmaids, and what that meant to the local community.
Publication Date
4-21-2025
Recommended Citation
Elliott, Verna L.; Graham, Vickie; Hall-Black, Clarice; and Kozelsky, Mara, "WAH 009 Verna L. Elliott" (2025). We Are Here (WAH). 19.
https://jagworks.southalabama.edu/oral_hist-wah/19