Preserving the Bottoms

by Emily and Morgan

"Preserving the Bottoms" highlights an African American community in Murfreesboro, Tennessee, a community that grew amongst poverty and racial segregation in the Jim Crow era South.  We hope to encourage community engagement and education of the efforts being made to preserve what is left of this community today. This podcast highlights efforts of historic preservation in African American communities in Middle Tennessee. We wil ...   ...  Read more

Podcast episodes

  • When an Elder Dies, a Library is Buried

    When an Elder Dies, a Library is Buried

    Episode 3: This episode provides an intimate look at what it was like to grow up in Murfreesboro during the Jim Crow era. Featuring interviews from community members Mary Watkins and Margret McKinley, the two women share their stories of going to school in the bottoms during the height of segregation.

  • "Everybody Knew Their Place"

    "Everybody Knew Their Place"

    Episode 2: This episode dives into the rich history of the Bottoms community. We discuss the influence of segregation and integration, as well as other major influences in the community. This episode features an interview with Dr. Louis Woods from MTSU.

  • Welcome

    Welcome

    Episode 1: Introduction to "Preserving the Bottoms" including a brief introduction to the history of the community and why we are creating this project