Mr. Estes was born in a small town in Texas. He spent time in the military before coming to Lufkin in the 1970s. He then worked for Lufkin Industries. His interview focuses on life in small-town Texas, his time in the military, labor activism at Lufkin Industries, and how Lufkin has changed over time.

Mr. Kegler was born in Lufkin and raised in North Lufkin. In eleventh grade, his parents forced him to be part of voluntary integration; he was one of six African-American children to enter Lufkin ISD in his grade. He then spent time in the military before returning to Lufkin to work at the State School. He served as city councilman and on the school board. In his interview, Mr. Kegler describes segregation in Lufkin, the long process of integration, life as an African-American in the military, and his politician and civic activism.