From: Martha PARRAVANO <MPARRAVANO>
Date: Wed, 25 Feb 1998 10:00:12 -0700

Not that this in any way makes up for the loss of an extensive oral history . . . but in 1995 (May issue) The Horn Book published an interview with Augusta Baker, conducted by Henrietta Smith, that is full of rich moments (the child Augusta, secure in her all-black community, conducting mock funerals with her friends--less elaborate ones for white people because they were who waited on her in stores; the young woman Augusta being denied entrance to a prestigious teachers' college--her first taste of open discrimination--until Eleanor Roosevelt stepped in; etc.).

I was actually involved in the oral history project as a member of the committee. Augusta was assigned to an interviewer, but I believe was already so infirm that it just wasn't possible to carry through. You're right: this does dramatize how important it is to be timely. I was to interview Ethel Heins, who was in excellent health, and unfortunately delayed until a visit we'd planned last summer, which turned out tragically to be too late -- a stern reminder to honor and treasure those we still have among us. Augusta's deceptively laid?ck storytelling style, her humor, her uncompromising standards provided were inspirational; what a privilege to have known her. At 04:34 PM 2/24/98 00, you wrote: they evening away.
Received on Wed 25 Feb 1998 11:00:12 AM CST