Dothan‘s Black History preserved: Wiregrass Archives Project Captures Oral Histories with SAA Grant
Dothan, Alabama – May 15, 2024 – A recently completed project funded by a $5,000 grant from the society of American Archivists (SAA) Foundation has resulted in a valuable collection of oral histories documenting the experiences of nine prominent African American residents of Dothan, Alabama. The project, spearheaded by the Wiregrass Archives at Troy University’s Dothan Campus, aims to safeguard local history before it’s lost to time.
The initiative, formally known as the Wiregrass Black History project (WBHP), involved in-depth interviews conducted by Mit Kirkland, creator of the Wiregrass Black History Channel, adn edited into individual stories available on YouTube. The unedited footage and full transcripts are permanently archived at the Wiregrass Archives as Collection 298 and accessible online through the Troy University website.
Among those featured in the project are Dr. W. Charles Lewis, author of “28 Black History Makers: Dothan, Alabama,” presented at the April 2025 John Woodham Memorial Lecture; and Themar Long, who shared memories of his father, Ted Long, a celebrated hairstylist with 23 film credits, including work on iconic movies like “The Wiz,” “Dead Presidents,” and “Hustle and Flow.” Other interviewees include Dr. Myland Brown, Curley Bruner, Jr., Elmaree Gordon, Charles R. hayes, Delois Lee, Robert “Cookie” Potter, and Dorothy Taylor-Muhammad. Billy Causey, Jr. conducted the interview with Themar Long.
Dr. Marty Olliff, Director of the Wiregrass Archives, emphasized the critical importance of oral history preservation. “Local history that stays locked in the memories of residents gets lost,” he stated. “Capturing those memories first-hand and making them available to the public is notable for institutions like the Wiregrass Archives.” The SAA Foundation Catalyst Grant program, formerly the Strategic Grant Fund, supports complex archival projects that benefit both the profession and the broader public.
The project’s impact extends beyond simply documenting the past. Kirkland’s work on the Wiregrass Black History Channel, combined with the Wiregrass Archives’ preservation efforts, creates a lasting resource for researchers, educators, and the community. The availability of both edited and unedited materials allows for diverse interpretations and further investigation.
olliff noted the project’s potential to inspire future initiatives. “projects like this are rarely ‘one-and-done.’ Thay connect communities and cultural institutions in ways that spark more work and other projects,” he said, adding that proposals are already underway to capture additional at-risk historical narratives.
Resources:
- Wiregrass Archives: https://www.troy.edu/about-us/dothan-campus/wiregrass-archives/index.html
- Wiregrass Black History Channel (YouTube): https://www.youtube.com/@WiregrassBlackHistoryChannel
- Wiregrass Black History Project Website: https://spectrum.troy.edu/wbhp
- Collection 298 Online Inventory: https://www.troy.edu/about-us/dothan-campus/wiregrass-archives/inventories/298.html
- Society of American Archivists (SAA) foundation: https://www.saa.org/foundation/