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Oral History Interview with Jamila Jones

  • Date and Location: The interview was conducted on Wednesday, April 27, 2011, at the Artmore Hotel in Midtown Atlanta, Georgia.
  • Interviewers: The interview was conducted by Joe Monnier from the Southern Oral History Program at UNC Chapel Hill, and filmed by videographer John Bishop.

Introduction

  • The purpose of the interview is to collect oral histories as part of the Civil Rights History Project for the Smithsonian's National Museum of African American History and Culture.

Family Background

  • Family Structure:

    • Jamila Jones lived with her mother and grandmother.
    • She has a sister, Doris Crenshaw, and a younger brother, John Allen McLeod.

  • Experiences:

    • Jones shares her experiences of riding the Montgomery bus line, facing daily harassment from the bus driver, which instilled a connection to the struggles of the Montgomery Bus Boycott.

Involvement in the Civil Rights Movement

  • Connection to Rosa Parks:

    • Jamila was introduced to Rosa Parks by her sister, who was the vice president of their NAACP youth group, where Jamila was a member.
    • Parks would invite the youth to her home, where she imparted essential lessons about life, civil rights, and personal responsibility.
    • Jones reminisces about the significant advice from Parks regarding the importance of knowing one’s rights and participating in the voting process.

  • Influence of Sister Doris:

    • Doris Crenshaw was portrayed as a leader, driving Jamila towards activism.
    • While Jamila had a keen interest in music, Doris took on a more active role in civil rights leadership and education.

Memories of the Montgomery Bus Boycott

  • Age During the Boycott: 11 years old when the boycott started; she stated they walked for 361 days to avoid using buses.

  • Youth-led Initiatives:

    • Jones emphasized the organization among youth, separate from adults, to navigate around the city by walking when buses were not an option.

  • Joy at Success:

    • The conclusion of the boycott brought joy as the community felt empowered to stand against abuse.
    • Jones reflects on the piercing experiences of forced segregation on the bus which shaped her understanding of injustice.

  • Experiences with Racial Segregation:

    • Jones described shocking moments of having to give up their seats for a white passenger, which left a lasting impression.
    • The curiosity about racial distinctions led her to physically explore perceived differences, which contributed to her understanding of racial inequality.

Singing and Cultural Expression

  • Initiation of Singing:

    • Jones began singing in elementary school, forming a group that sang freedom songs at various events, including talent shows.
    • The group was known for performing freedom songs during the burgeoning Civil Rights Movement.

  • Names of Fellow Singers:

    • The group originally included four girls, later becoming known as the Montgomery Trio (Miss Jones, Gladys Carter, and Minnie Hendricks). They would perform at social events to raise awareness and funds for the movement.

  • Church Participation:

    • Although they sang at schools and events, the girls also sang in their respective churches, although Jones noted they varied in church affiliations.

Experiences at Highlander Folk School

  • Cultural Exchange:

    • At a young age, Jones had the opportunity to attend workshops and share music with individuals from around the world.
    • Their participation in music programs helped to raise funds for the Civil Rights Movement and allowed them to perform at significant venues, including Carnegie Hall.

  • Creation of the Montgomery Gospel Trail:

    • The group eventually named themselves the Montgomery Gospel Trail during the documentation of their song performances.