Power of Home (Part3): School Integration in Caruthersville, Missouri

In the final episode of our Power of Home 3-part podcast series, we explore the untold stories of school integration in Caruthersville, Missouri. Trailblazer Brenda Cooke Hundley, who integrated Caruthersville High School in 1964, is joined by Willie Will Campbell Jr., a 2025 graduate of the same school, for a powerful cross-generational conversation. Guiding the dialogue is Dr. Gerceida Jones, one of threeBlack children chosen to integrate the white elementary school at the time Brenda was breaking barriers at the high school.This episode blends personal history, civil rights reflection, and modern perspective, offering listeners an eye-opening discussion on how education, resilience, and community shape lives across generations. About Brenda Cooke Hundley Integrated Caruthersville High School in 1964Earned a bachelors in European History from Wichita State University30+ year career as a property manager in New York CityLongtime docent and interpreter of slavery in Northern colonies at Philipsburg Manor, Philipse Manor Hall, and the American Museum of Natural HistoryRetired in 2024; continues museum interpretation work in New York About Dr. Gerceida JonesBorn and raised in Caruthersville, MOSelected as one of three Black children to integrate the white elementary schoolGraduated from Caruthersville High School in 1973Earned a bachelors degree in Engineering from the University of Michigan, becoming the first African American to concentrate in Physical OceanographyHolds both a Masters and a Doctorate in Fluid Dynamics from New York UniversityCurrently teaches Astronomy at NYU and resides in Queens, NY About Willie Will Campbell Jr.2025 graduate of Caruthersville High SchoolPassionate about podcasting and filmPlans to attend Jackson State University (Mississippi) to pursue a bachelors in Journalism and Film Studies Join the ConversationDo you have a similar story of school integration, resilience, or community history? Share it with us on our website: Women of the Word. Or email us at [email protected] forget to subscribe to Emunah Podcast to keep receiving inspiring stories that explore the many ways to live God-honoring lives. Catch Up on the SeriesEpisode 1 Growing Up Bootheel: Eight Stories of StrengthWatch hereEpisode 2 Faith in the Bootheel: Segregation, Survival, and StrengthWatch here