Ruth Foote and Grace Hamilton-Mayfield
Recorded
December 17, 2023
Archived
December 17, 2023
39:40 minutes
0:00 / 0:00
Id:
mby023403
Description
Friends Ruth Foote [no age given] and Grace Hamilton-Mayfield (63) discuss Grace’s journey to opening the Hamilton Academy of the Arts, a performing arts academy for children of color in Lafayette and St. Landry parishes.Subject Log / Time Code
Ruth describes how they know Grace and provides background information on St. Landry Parish.
Grace describes their life and upbringing and early interests in dance. Grace details her family background.
Grace talks about the barriers she faced growing up and pursuing dance. Grace expresses gratitude for her parents' investment in her education and experiences.
Both Ruth and Grace continue to talk about the impact of early childhood exposure to the arts and travel on their lives.
Grace describes her educational journey. Grace talks about her father and his entrepreneurial streak.
Grace and Ruth talk about Black entrepreneurship and generational changes in attitudes around pursuing business as a career.
Grace describes the beginnings of her arts academy for children of color and a memorable mentor that helped her build her academy.
Grace describes the growth of her business and continued community support.
Grace details the depth of her connection to the arts and arts education.
Ruth and Grace talk about the impact of The Reverend A.J. McKnight ("Father McKnight") in St. Landry Parish.
Ruth and Grace introduce the idea of "playing catch-up" in telling underrepresented stories.
Grace talks about the impact of her work and the legacy that she sees.
Grace mentions an upcoming project she is working on with Ruth. Ruth describes life lessons from their work.
Grace asks Ruth to revisit how many interviews they have conducted so Ruth can see their own impact of their work.
Participants
- Ruth Foote
- Grace Hamilton-Mayfield