Life-long Midway resident Willie Buggs shares memories and anecdotes of life in small-town Gadsden County. A professional film crew records Buggs as part of the Oral History Project, an initiative aimed at telling the story of Gadsden County through the words of community elders. Buggs, 74, is just one of dozens of local elders filmed for the project, which will culminate in a video documentary produced with support from the Florida Department of State. Over the past week, project organizers have criss-crossed their way through the municipalities and unincorporated villages of Gadsden County, seeking residents willing to share their rich personal histories. The focus is on black life and culture in early 20th century Gadsden County, but Jon Brown, one of the project’s organizers and interviewers, said “all walks of life” are welcome and encouraged to speak. “If we don’t capture this history now, it’ll disappear forever,” Brown said. For more information, email Gadsden@ColorfullyMoved.com or call (904) 567-6080.
Photos by Brian Dekle
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