The Junction: Stories From Ensley, Alabama – An Integration Pioneer
The Ensley High School Grand Alumni Association recently established a new scholarship in honor of the school’s first African-American graduate – Carolyn Houston Crumbley Major, who passed away in 2009. Producer Mary Quintas spoke with Carolyn’s son, Rafaael Crumbley, and sister, Janice Houston Nixon, about Carolyn’s contributions as an integration pioneer – and what her legacy means today.
https://soundcloud.com/the-junction-255824059/an-integration-pioneer
Carolyn Houston Crumbley Major
For the 50th anniversary of her graduation from Ensley High School, Carolyn’s family held an event in her honor, and performed songs that represented both her hardships and triumphs.
Carolyn’s son, Rafaael Crumbley, says, “Music was an important part of my mother’s life. And I think singing was a part of that whole (Civil Rights) era where people connected through music, and that sense of community.”
Carolyn’s sister, Janice Houston Nixon, and Janice’s daughter Kimberly sang one of Carolyn’s favorite songs: “I Can See So Much.”
Carolyn’s brother-in-law, Reverend Donald Nixon, performed with his singing group, The Birmingham Male Chorus (Clifton Mayfield, James Davis, Marcello Frazier, and Jeffrey Cotter).
Bradley Spears,WBHM
Carolyn Houston Crumbley Major’s son, Rafaael Crumbley.
More photos from the anniversary celebration are available on The Junction.
The Junction is produced by Mary Quintas and brought to you by WBHM and Finding America, a national initiative produced by AIR, the Association of Independents in Radio, Incorporated. Financial support comes from the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, the Wyncote Foundation, the John D and Catherine T MacArthur Foundation, and the National Endowment for the Arts.
5 takeaways from the 2026 Oscar nominations, where ‘Sinners’ made history
Sinners landed a record number of nods, while Avatar: Fire and Ash and Wicked: For Good fell short of their franchise predecessors.
5 takeaways from the 2026 Oscar nominations, where ‘Sinners’ made history
Sinners landed a record number of nods, while Avatar: Fire and Ash and Wicked: For Good fell short of their franchise predecessors.
The Taiwanese president’s proposal to hike defense spending faces gridlock at home
Opposition parties are slamming the brakes on billions in defense funding as the China escalates military pressure.
‘The White Hot’ asks: If men can go find themselves, why can’t women?
Quiara Alegría Hudes' novel was inspired by Siddhartha and other classic tales of men seeking enlightenment. It's about a mother in Philadelphia who buys a bus ticket, leaving her daughter behind.
‘Even the Dead’ wraps up John Banville’s smart, moody mystery series
Originally published under a pseudonym, Banville's Quirke mystery series follows a troubled Dublin coroner who dwells in the basement morgue of a hospital.
See the full list of 2026 Oscar nominations
Horror movie Sinners has a record 16 nominations this year, including for best picture, actor Michael B. Jordan and a new category: achievement in casting.
