Mr. Booty was born in Carthage, grew up in the Third Ward of Houston, and moved to Tamina when he was 16. He graduated from Booker T. Washington High School. He is the former president of Tamina's water supply and a current minister. In his interview, Mr. Booty described life in Tamina under segregation, how the community has changed over time, the threats Tamina has faced, and the strategies he and Mr. Leveston have used to preserve Tamina. Mr. Leveston also grew up in Tamina, Texas, a small African-American community near the present-day The Woodlands. He attended Booker T. Washington school in Conroe. Leveston joined the military after school and returned to Tamina after some time in Houston. He is currently the president of Tamina's water supply company. In his interview, Mr. Leveston described growing up in Tamina, segregation, his experience at Conroe's school, and his struggle to preserve the small community against the encroachment of surrounding cities.

Mr. Carl White was born in Conroe and Mrs. Gloria White was born in Willis, Texas in 1957 respectively. After attending segregated schools, both Whites ultimately graduated from desegregated schools. Both Whites experienced workplace discrimination in their careers in a local factory and at the postal office. Mr. White also served as a reserve police officer in Conroe while his father served as one of the first Black police officers in Conroe. Mr. White described being targeted by police in Conroe and other issues with the local criminal justice system. Both Whites were also involved in the efforts to free Clarence Brandley which included marches and other demonstrations. Also, the Whites discussed issues with discrimination in the school system.