Lee M. Waid: An Oral Historical Case Study of Students from an All-Black Rural Virginian School between 1963 and 1970

This qualitative study reflects the researcher's aim to capture the oral histories of students who attended Lee M. Waid, an all-Black rural Virginian school, between 1963 and 1970. This purpose lies in the researcher's attempt to thoroughly and accurately capture a time in history after desegregation was mandated, Freedom of Choice plans were implemented or being created, and integration was occurring across the nation, Virginia, and Franklin County. This study is guided by the research question: What were the experiences of students and staff who were part of Lee M. Waid School during the years 1963 to 1970? The researcher followed the 10-step interview protocol of Creswell and Poth (2018) and adapted 15 interview questions from Johnson's (2015) dissertation The Addisonians: The Experiences of Graduates of the Classes of 1963-70 of Lucy Addison High School, An All-Black High School in Roanoke, Virginia. The interview questions were slightly adapted to suit the researcher's study to gain insight about student experiences at Waid School. The researcher purposefully selected 14 participants by looking at existing data through the use of primary documents and snowball or chain methodology. Fourteen of the participants were former students of Waid School and two were former faculty members of Franklin County Public Schools. The exploration of student experiences during desegregation is vital to preserving the history, legacy, and influence of Black education.