Milford “Moose” Murray has many great memories of growing up in Kent County, with a number of them associated with Chestertown’s remarkable history of attracting some of the 20th century’s greatest jazz and blues performers as part of the famed Chitlin‘ circuit. During its golden years, Ray Charles, B.B. King and Little Richard, among many others, all made their way to town to play at the now abandoned Armory building and later the Uptown Club on Calvert Street.
And while those memories are sweet, Moose also remembers the cruelty of local racism and discrimination that marked his childhood and teen years. While he believes progress is being made in race relations, with such things as the World Cafe project sponsored by Mayor Margo Bailey, he also worries the town is still pushing African Americans out with high housing costs. He also is worried about his community’s young people and their ability to use education as a gateway for opportunities that he never had.
Liza Brocker says
Fantastic interview!
Hope Clark says
Thanks! I want to hear more about MIlford Merry.
Hope Clark says
Just had a nice conversation with Milford Murray. Sorry to have copied the wrong version of his last name the first time I commented. Excellent conversation. Beautiful stories.
Billie says
Thank You, Thank You, Thank You!!! Finally someone else that knows what the “real” Chestertown was like that nobody ever wants to talk about or maybe it’s just that they don’t have a clue. I also agree with you about the high housing costs.