Yes Ma'am collection, 1979-1981 | Amistad Research Center

Scope and Contents: This collection contains the raw footage and interviews for the documentary Yes Ma'am: Household Domestic Workers in New Orleans, which was directed and produced by Gary Goldman and was sponsored by the Amistad Research Center. The film provides an in-depth look at the profession of domestic service, race relations, injustice, and the importance of religion in the lives of domestic workers. The old order is contrasted with the new, in which the more militant members of the profession formed the Household Technicians of Louisiana union.  Persons interviewed for the film included Wilma Holmes Bass, Evelyn Bennett, Jarline Bordelon, Mabel Butler, Margaret Butler, Mildred Costa, Ann Dangerfield, Birdie Edward, Clara Fisher, Alberthe Flashy, Josie Govan, Jean Hartzen, Maura Hartzen, Virginia Holland, Cathy Howard, Mary Jackson, Lora Lu King, Mrs. Alfred Livaudais, Esther Knox, Mrs. LeBreton, Lottie Mae, Mrs. Olin Mess, Maude Mingo, Elaine Mosely, Jessie Mae Muse, Sonny Norman, Mary Pierce, Rosie Pierce, Wilma Sarazin, Caroline Sontheimer, and Shirley Washington, and Marion White. The collection also includes a preliminary cut and final cut of the film.