Carlos Salcedo/Arizona Republic

Millye Carter-Bloodworth shares her story at the Crescent Ballroom in Phoenix on June 28, 2017.

KJZZ partners with the Arizona Republic to bring you the Arizona Storytellers series. We record the live events and share them with you on the radio. In Phoenix, the storytellers sometimes share stories about our community or the life events that have shaped them in general. Megan Finnerty is the creator of the series. 

Millye Carter-Bloodworth grew up in East St. Louis as Milton Bernie Carter.

When she was young, she would climb over the neighbors' fences to steal their curtains and lace tablecloths to make them into dresses. And even though some would say this was unusual behavior, Carter-Bloodworth's family was understanding.

When she was a teenager, Carter-Bloodworth's mother got divorced and the family moved to Detroit.

Carter-Bloodworth shares a story about how her mother helped her become the woman she is today.

Millye Carter Bloodworth is a retired teacher, public speaker, activist and author living in Phoenix.

The next Storytelling event is Jan. 24, 2018, at The Peoria Center for the Performing Arts in Peoria.

→ Hear More Arizona Storytellers