Daniel Joranko and Joyce Joranko

Joyce Joranko speaks about her family background and about her parents. Joyce describes her childhood and an early experience with class differences.

Joyce describes her school life and social life growing up. Joyce moves to describe her college years.

Daniel Joranko asks Joyce about her husband (Frank) and how they met. Joyce describes married life with her husband.

Daniel asks Joyce about family life and his early childhood years. Joyce speaks about her son, who lived separately from their family due to his unique medical needs. Joyce describes her other children and their career trajectories.

Daniel asks Joyce about her professional life. Joyce speaks about her career in education. Joyce describes riots in Detroit while her family lived there, and her own journey learning about race in America.

Joyce talks about moving to the town of Albion, Michigan to teach at Albion College. Joyce describes leading an alternative education program at Albion High School.

Daniel asks Joyce about her relationship with her United Methodist church. Joyce describes her leadership positions within her church and its changes over time. Joyce emphasizes her commitment to the church’s charitable mission and the beginnings of a new program she helped to form.

Joyce describes memories of a cabin in Michigan near a lake. Joyce describes her travels with her husband and her interests and hobbies in reading, baking, and cooking.

Joyce describes how she came to Nashville to be closer to her son.

Joyce describes what has grounded her amidst the changes in her life. Joyce describes finding her strengths and passions over time, specifically her creative spirit. Joyce emphasizes the importance of faith in her life and her interracial friendships.

Daniel describes what he appreciates and admires about his mother’s story.

Joyce tells stories about the students she’s worked with in her alternative learning program for students with behavioral and educational challenges and being disregarded by other educators. Joyce talks about being recognized for her work over time and lessons learned from her teaching.

Joyce talks about her husband’s athletic coaching career in football and baseball.

Joyce revisits her son’s career in tribal law. Both Joyce and Daniel talk about Joyce’s grandchildren.

Joyce talks about staying active and being supportive of her husband’s athletic career.

Daniel thanks his mother and she reflects on her life. Joyce tells a story about her husband.