Durham, Bruce

Interview 212a : In this interview with Patsy Colbert, friends Mark Shepherd and Bruce Durham reminisce about their Diboll school days. As 5th graders, Shepherd and Durham experienced the racial integration of Diboll schools. They recall very few problems with integration, and as children, just accepted that it was happening. The sons of community leaders (Mark Shepherds parents were C.H. and Margorie Shepherd; Bruce's parents were Paul and Jimmie Beth Durham), they were expected to behave in school and treat all students and teachers with respect. Both men were involved in sports and played on integrated teams from Junior High through High School. They were especially complimentary of the African American teachers that came into their lives after integration, especially Coach Porter and Mr. Massey.