Rick Hamilton and Lelia Pendleton

Rick (R) shares his life story. He says he is a lifelong Richmonder. He says his father was in the military. R shares that he lost his dad when he was ten years old and desperately wanted to return to Richmond but his grandparents forbade it because the school system was being integrated and they held some racist beliefs. R talks about his family and grandchildren. He details his career in education.

Lelia (L) shares her life story. She says her father was also in the service. L says both her parents were singers. L details all the states her family lived in growing up. She recalls going to school in Richmond during integration. L talks about having the opportunity to work with Cambodian child refugees. She describes how she was able to maintain a relationship with these children and witness how their lives unraveled and progressed.

R talks about his work as a school counselor. He says that children more than anything needed someone to be there and listen to them.

L speaks about encouraging children to practice art. She says she told the children though it wouldn’t make them any money, it could teach them something.

R says he has close to forty years in education. He says he feels that kids have changed. R expresses concern over the shootings and violence that children regularly experience.

L and R discuss the importance of role models for young boys.

R says right now he is teaching although many times he has to play the counselor role or principal role.

L and R discuss the different mechanisms they use when working with kids, ranging from humor to a calming presence.