Barbara Williams-Skinner (Finding Aid)

Barbara Williams-Skinner

1943 -

Favorite Color: Red

Favorite Food: BBQ Tofu

Favorite Time of Year: Fall

Favorite Vacation Spot: Baja California

Interview Length: 153 minutes

Interview Date(s): September 15, 2003

Interview Location(s): Skinner Leadership Institute, Tracys Landing, Maryland

Abstract

Barbara Williams-Skinner talks about her family's background, specifically telling about her grandfather's authoritarian role in her life. She introduces her mother and father, gives details about their personalities and then tells about how they met at a young age and migrated to California. Williams-Skinner explains her reasons for leaving the church even though her father was the minister. She then discusses her early home life in California and cites examples of family camaraderie. She talks about being a middle child and her relationship with her sisters. Barbara Williams-Skinner remembers the community she grew up in and describes the social climate in North Richmond, California. She then gives further details on why she disliked church as a youth. Barbara Williams-Skinner explains her early relationship with church and some of the reasons she questioned the church's role in the community. She then lists the elementary, middle and high schools she attended. Williams-Skinner mentions a history teacher and speaks about how he positively affected her educational experience. She also talks about how she faced racial discrimination from a high school counselor and how her mother was quick to respond to the situation. Williams-Skinner then talks about her high school experience and tells about some of her interests and activities as a student. She explains her ideas on leadership and states that she's always considered herself for the role, but in a more behind-the-scenes fashion. Williams-Skinner discusses civil rights activism during her college years and tells how she was involved with the Civil Rights Movement. Then, she considers the efforts of the Black Panthers, citing examples of how she agreed and disagreed with their actions. Barbara Williams-Skinner discusses the racial and political climate of California's Bay Area in the 1960s. She goes in depth describing her thoughts on the role of leadership within movements. Then, she explains how she became involved with the Congressional Black Caucus through her work with Ron Dellums. Williams-Skinner talks about the 1972 Presidential election and how the Congressional Black Caucus dealt with the choice to support Shirley Chisholm or George McGovern. Next, she remembers the pioneers of the Congressional Black Caucus and cites the names that she felt were most important. Williams-Skinner talks about how the Caucus responded to Richard Nixon's actions regarding poverty and affirmative action. Finally, she tells about her husband Tom Skinner's background and religious beliefs. Barbara Williams-Skinner speaks in depth about her husband Tom Skinner. She tells the story of how they were introduced, their first date and how he ultimately impressed her with his intellectualism and faith. She then discusses her husband's religious awakening and talks about his former life as a gang member of the Harlem Lords. Next, she explains how, upon marriage, she left the Congressional Black Caucus to work for Tom Skinner's ministry and describes the differences that came with the career change. She discusses the ministry's goals in developing leaders. Williams-Skinner and interviewer Larry Crowe engage in a conversation about the many different denominations of which blacks are a part. She explains the Skinner Leadership Institute's philosophy on working with members outside of the Christian realm. She then talks about her decision to pursue studies in divinity at Howard University and remembers influential divinity scholars. Barbara Williams-Skinner considers the role of women in the black Barbara Williams-Skinner discusses the women's role within the church and cites examples why she feels women deserve more positions of power. Then, she talks about cultural interpretations of the Bible and states her own religious beliefs. Williams-Skinner then tells how religion ties into politics and the dangers that can arise when one adheres to a broad religious-based belief system in their picking of candidates. She talks about the role of Christianity in the creation of the United States. Barbara Williams-Skinner discusses her hopes and concerns for the black community. Barbara Williams-Skinner considers post-slavery reconciliation in the United States. Then she discusses the relationship between Africans and African Americans. Williams-Skinner considers her legacy. She then states her opinion on congregation size and explains the advantages of small ministries. Barbara Williams-Skinner considers what she might do differently had she the chance and then tells how she would like to be remembered.

45 Stories (See Ordered Story Set)