The Simmons Black Oral History Project, led by Professor Tatiana M.F. Cruz, seeks to document the lives and experiences of Black Simmons alumnae/i, shedding light on issues of race and identity on and off campus that can encourage us to think about similar themes and issues faced by current Black students.

Narrators are listed in chronological order by graduation date.

Linda (Wells) Clarke ‘71

Mrs. Linda (Wells) Clarke discusses student activism and her experiences with the Black Student Organization.

Cheryl (Doddy) Howard ‘71

Mrs. Cheryl E (Doddy) Howard discusses mentorship and career choices.

Adunni Anderson ‘73

Dr. Adunni Anderson recalls elective options and a course with Professor (later Dean) Elizabeth Rollins.

Gerri Williams ‘73

Ms. Gerri Williams discusses Black student life, courses at other colleges, and studying abroad in Brazil.

Beverly Byron ‘75

Ms. Beverly Byron explains the circumstances that caused her to change majors and graduate a year later than planned.

Zita Cousens Brown ‘75

Ms. Zita Cousens Brown discusses family history and her experiences growing up in Billerica, Massachusetts.

Pamela Moran Dashiell ‘75

Justice Pamela Moran Dashiell describes student teaching at schools in Roxbury, Massachusetts.

Brenda Mitchell-Powell ‘75, ‘08, ‘15

Ms. Brenda M. Mitchell-Powell shares her memories of the Ten Demands and the Simmons library.

Leslie Morris ‘75

Ms. Leslie Morris discusses friendship and the Big Sisters student mentorship program.

Karen Thomas ‘77

Dr. Karen Thomas discusses changes over time in the Communications Program at Simmons.

Theresa Brewer ‘78

Mrs. Theresa Brewer discusses maintaining friendships through different stages in life.

Beryl Irene Bailey ‘81

Dr. Beryl Irene Bailey discusses diversity, women's rights, and civil rights.

Additional Narrators

The following narrators also participated in oral history interviews in 2022. Although audio clips are not currently included on this site, we will add them as they become available.