Oscar Benoit and Mitzi Moss Duhon
Recorded
December 21, 2023
Archived
December 21, 2023
37:19 minutes
0:00 / 0:00
Id:
mby023424
Description
Oscar Benoit (70) speaks with their friend Mitzi Moss Duhon (69) about their experience integrating Northside High School in Lafayette, Louisiana, where Mitzi attended, in 1970.Subject Log / Time Code
Mitzi provides background on her relationship to Oscar and context behind the desegregation of their high school Northside High School in Lafayette, Louisiana.
Oscar provides background on Lafayette and its system of racial segregation.
Oscar and Mitzi talk about the context of desegregation and how Mitzi felt about the process.
Oscar describes the first day of school at Northside when it was desegregated.
Mitzi reflects on the beginning of the desegregation process at Northside.
Mitzi reflects on her lack of awareness of the segregated systems she lived around and the ways her parents raised her.
Oscar describes the differences between their old school, Paul Breaux High School, and Northside, as well as their athletic career. Oscar tells a story of eating at McDonald's with their newly integrated sports team.
Mitzi describes the changes at Northside through her cheer squad and the changes that needed to be made.
Oscar remembers the way school rules changed to disadvantage Black students. Oscar recalls the police presence on campus and student unrest.
Oscar describes unspoken rules Black students followed to combat stereotypes.
Oscar describes a memorable school fundraiser.
Mitzi talks about a memorable moment and quote with Oscar after their high school graduation. Mitzi shares her current observations.
Oscar and Mitzi talk about the significance of their friendship to them.
Participants
- Oscar Benoit
- Mitzi Moss Duhon