In this episode of the Mississippi Happenings Podcast, hosts David Olds and Jim Newman engage in a profound conversation with Lovie West and Virginia Tolliver, two women who share their personal experiences growing up during segregation in Mississippi. They discuss the impact of segregation on education, the role of caring teachers, the significance of sororities and fraternities in empowering the Black community, and the ongoing challenges of racism and inequality. The conversation also touches on the Great Migration, the struggles of sharecropping, and the importance of acknowledging and addressing racism in today's society.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Mississippi Happenings Podcast
03:07 Meet the Guests: Lovey West and Virginia Tolliver
05:04 Growing Up in Rural Mississippi: Lovey's Story
11:09 Virginia's Experience in Segregated Schools
19:49 The Role of Education and Community Support
24:24 The Impact of Jim Crow Laws
31:39 Reflections on Racial Dynamics Today
36:42 Confronting the Legacy of the KKK
38:45 Navigating Fear and Survival in a Hostile Environment
42:04 The Impact of Integration on Community Dynamics
44:23 Current Challenges and the Erosion of Civil Rights
47:16 Racism: A Persistent Underlying Issue
52:06 The Great Migration: Seeking Better Opportunities
57:19 The Reality of Sharecropping and Economic Struggles
01:00:07 The Strength of Black Women in Adversity
01:03:20 Reflections on Progress and Regression in Racial Equality