Linda and Theodis Beck discuss growing up in Asheville and beginning their careers in the city before relocating to Raleigh in the early 1990s.

Born in Birmingham, Alabama, Mr. Beck's family moved to Asheville when he was two years old. His father served in the military but was discharged because of tuberculosis, and the family moved to Asheville so he could be treated for the condition in a sanitarium. Mrs. Beck was born in Asheville and grew up on Rector Street. Both recall how neighbors in the Black neighborhoods looked out for one another, participating in picket lines with their parents at places like the supermarket chain Winn-Dixie and using the segregated facilities in Asheville like the Plaza Theater.

Mr. Beck had a long career in the North Carolina Department of Corrections (now the Department of Adult Correction), while Mrs. Beck spent much of her career with the United States Forest Service.

Interview by Michael S. Williams | Photos, videos by Julia Wall

Linda and Theodis Beck

The Becks discuss their early life in Asheville.

"Don't embarrass us. And don't disrespect the elders."

The neighborhood offered accountability and protection.

"Let's taste this white water and see what it tastes like. It was the same!"

There wasn't much anyone "could say" about Urban Renewal.

"We had teachers who were committed to our learning."

Asheville's "feel" is different from when Mrs. Beck was growing up.

Not "a good feeling" seeing your mother clean the homes of white people.

"When you lose your cool, you lose your focus."

Mr. Beck speaks on how self-determinism can manifest.

"You can go home again."

The Block was "the hub of a lot of Black businesses."

The Becks remember when "The Open Cut" occurred in Asheville.

Mrs. Beck enjoyed her time at South French Broad High School.

"The class of '65 ... that was the end of Stephens-Lee."

"… kids who are growing up there now may not be able to stay."

"The near goal post is not mine. ... I'm going to have to work harder."

"It ain't all about quitting all the time."

"I wouldn’t take nothing from my journey. I’ve been blessed."

The Becks talk about boycotting Winn-Dixie.

Matthew Bacoate, Jr.

Roy R. Harris