Interviews - I See My Light Shining

Interviews

836 Hours

Oral history interviews are firsthand testimonies of people’s experiences of history. These interviews invite narrators (interviewees) to talk about their own histories, giving unparalleled insights into life decisions, actions, and experiences that may not already be part of the public record.

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    Carol Adams

    Educator, researcher, and Chicago leader

    Chicago, IL

    Eve L. Ewing
    Collection

    Carol Adams

    Adams discusses moving from Louisville to Chicago, her pivotal role in activism and community work, her fusion of sociology with social justice, and her transition toward capturing her rich life experiences through writing.

    Eve L. Ewing collection

    Chicago, IL

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    Felicia Anderson

    Educator, speech pathologist, and GEAR UP program administrator

    Los Angeles, CA

    Robin Coste Lewis
    Collection

    Felicia Anderson

    From Compton to Carson, Anderson details her upbringing amidst segregation, her parents' influence, her career in education, her mother's work with the American Cancer Society, and her father's path from a janitor to a curator.

    Robin Coste Lewis collection

    Los Angeles, CA

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    Denise Avant

    Retired attorney and National Federation of the Blind leader

    Chicago, IL

    Eve Ewing
    Collection

    Denise Avant

    Avant reflects on her life journey, growing up with a visual impairment, and navigating independence. She discusses her passion for public service through law, advocacy, and her leadership in the National Federation of the Blind.

    Eve Ewing collection

    Chicago, IL

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    Ellery Bakaitis

    Brooklyn-raised graffiti artist advocating for queer communities of color

    Brooklyn, NY

    Jenna "J" Wortham
    Collection

    Ellery Bakaitis

    Bakaitis delves into their journey from Brooklyn graffiti artist to New Orleans drag wrestler, their queer identity, the impact of waterfront graffiti, and navigating life's changes amid familial and societal challenges.

    Jenna "J" Wortham collection

    Brooklyn, NY

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    Armando Banchs

    Educator and social justice advocate

    Dallas, TX

    April Reign
    Collection

    Armando Banchs

    Banchs reflects on his upbringing as an army brat with Puerto Rican roots, the dynamics of racial identity in Texas, his dedication to education and community work in Dallas, and his hopes for his children's future.

    April Reign collection

    Dallas, TX

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    Ada Bello

    Activist, founder of Philadelpha Daughters of Bilitis chapter

    Philadelphia, PA

    Denice Frohman
    Collection

    Ada Bello

    Bello reminisces about her early life in Cuba, moving to the US for education, and navigating life as a gay Cuban immigrant. She also discusses her activism and experiences co-editing the Daughters of Bilitis newsletter.

    Denice Frohman collection

    Philadelphia, PA

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    Joan Benoit

    Indigenous activist, community organizer, and Pride Grand Marshall

    Oakland, CA

    Carolina De Robertis
    Collection

    Joan Benoit

    Benoit shares her experiences as an Anishinaabek Ojibwe woman, activist, and mother, discussing identity, Indigenous rights, community and LGBTQ+ activism, and her visions for future liberation and care inspired by her ancestors.

    Carolina De Robertis collection

    Oakland, CA

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    Ken Berry

    Educator, arts advocate, and founder of MLK tribute in Portland

    Portland, OR

    Renée Watson
    Collection

    Ken Berry

    Berry shares his journey, beginning with moving to Portland as a child, evolving through education, music, and activism, and eventually forging a legacy in the city's Black community through education and the MLK celebration.

    Renée Watson collection

    Portland, OR

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    Shereen Beverly

    OB-GYN turned financial services professional

    Los Angeles, CA

    Robin Coste Lewis
    Collection

    Shereen Beverly

    Beverly discusses her experience as a Black OB-GYN navigating inequities in healthcare, her childhood marked by activism, and her leap from medicine to financial planning, aspiring to empower Black financial literacy and wealth.

    Robin Coste Lewis collection

    Los Angeles, CA

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    Rafaela Billini

    Public health activist, real estate professional, and arts enthusiast

    New York City, NY

    Denice Frohman
    Collection

    Rafaela Billini

    Billini reflects on her AIDS activism and housing advocacy, airline work, law school dreams, and facing pandemics. She shares her Puerto Rican roots, storytelling passion, real estate career, and finding love with Nitza.

    Denice Frohman collection

    New York City, NY

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    Alcena Boozer

    Portland native, educator, pioneering Black priest, and activist

    Portland, OR

    Renée Watson
    Collection

    Alcena Boozer

    Boozer reflects on her upbringing in Portland's mixed community during segregation, her family’s resilience, her journey as a teacher and principal at Jefferson High School, her activism, and her calling to the priesthood.

    Renée Watson collection

    Portland, OR

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    Carl Bracy

    Retired insurance industry leader and advocate for North Tulsa's rejuvenation

    Tulsa, OK

    Caleb Gayle
    Collection

    Carl Bracy

    Bracy shares his life story, from growing up in segregated Arkansas to becoming a trailblazer at State Farm Insurance. He discusses the Tulsa Race Massacre, the struggle for racial equality, and his push for development in Tulsa.

    Caleb Gayle collection

    Tulsa, OK

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    Velynn Brown

    Faith & Equity founder, anti-racist facilitator, and community healer

    Portland, OR

    Renée Watson
    Collection

    Velynn Brown

    Brown recounts her life in Portland, Oregon, highlighting her family's deep roots in the community, struggles with maintaining identity amidst gentrification, efforts to preserve Black culture, and finding joy despite grief.

    Renée Watson collection

    Portland, OR

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    # Politics

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    Nicky Calma

    AIDS/HIV advocate, trans rights activist, and community leader

    San Francisco, CA

    Carolina De Robertis
    Collection

    Nicky Calma

    Calma charts her path from the Philippines to San Francisco, reflecting on transgender identity, familial challenges, navigating life in the US, her activism, struggles with substances, and HIV's personal and community impacts.

    Carolina De Robertis collection

    San Francisco, CA

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    Margaret Carter

    First Black woman elected to the Oregon State Legislature

    Portland, OR

    Renée Watson
    Collection

    Margaret Carter

    From a disciplined, hope-driven upbringing in Shreveport, Louisiana, to breaking barriers as the first Black woman in Oregon's Legislature, Carter reflects on overcoming systemic racism, her faith, advocacy, and community service.

    Renée Watson collection

    Portland, OR

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    Nivea Castro

    Social justice attorney, educator, writer, and city council member

    Atlanta, GA

    Denice Frohman
    Collection

    Nivea Castro

    Castro shares her experiences as a Puerto Rican lesbian in the Bronx, her advocacy as a lawyer for LGBTQ+ rights, and her artistic endeavors in writing and photography while emphasizing the importance of mentorship and community.

    Denice Frohman collection

    Atlanta, GA

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    Lydia Coleman

    Civil rights activist, pastor, mentor, and writer

    Tulsa, OK

    Caleb Gayle
    Collection

    Lydia Coleman

    Coleman revisits her journey from the cotton fields of Arkansas to pastoring in Tulsa. She reflects on Civil Rights marches, the impact of race on education, and eventually finding her calling in ministry alongside her husband.

    Caleb Gayle collection

    Tulsa, OK

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    Stanley Coleman

    Pastor, veteran, civil rights activist, and church founder

    Tulsa, OK

    Caleb Gayle
    Collection

    Stanley Coleman

    Coleman shares his journey through the Civil Rights Movement in Arkansas, detailing struggles against segregation, the pivotal march to a white school, arrests, and the fight for respect and equality.

    Caleb Gayle collection

    Tulsa, OK

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    Gwenn Craig

    Civil rights activist and advocate for LGBTQ+ rights

    Daly City, CA

    Carolina De Robertis
    Collection

    Gwenn Craig

    An African American lesbian activist, Craig reflects on growing up in the segregated South, her move to San Francisco, mentorship by Harvey Milk, leading a historic media campaign, embracing identity, and her ongoing advocacy.

    Carolina De Robertis collection

    Daly City, CA

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    Vincent Crisostomo

    AIDS activist and LGBTQ+ rights advocate

    San Francisco, CA

    Carolina De Robertis
    Collection

    Vincent Crisostomo

    Crisostomo shares his journey as a Chamorro gay man living with HIV since 1987, reflecting on loss, activism, breaking barriers, embracing his identity, advocating for LGBTQ+ rights, and his vision for the future.

    Carolina De Robertis collection

    San Francisco, CA

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    Juanita Croft

    Belle Haven native, educator, technology teacher

    Menlo Park, CA

    Caleb Gayle
    Collection

    Juanita Croft

    Croft shares insights into East Palo Alto's transformation through her own experiences at Ravenswood High School, the significance of Nairobi College, and her community's resilience and struggle against systemic barriers.

    Caleb Gayle collection

    Menlo Park, CA

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    # Queer Kinship

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    Alexis De Veaux

    Multigenre writer and activist

    New York City, NY

    Jenna "J" Wortham
    Collection

    Alexis De Veaux

    De Veaux retraces her life from childhood struggles in Harlem to becoming a queer artist and writer. She recounts forming a Black queer artists collective, navigating the publishing world, and liberating experiences at Riis Beach.

    Jenna "J" Wortham collection

    New York City, NY

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    Diana Dorn-Jones

    Affordable housing advocate and former COO of Albuquerque

    Albuquerque, NM

    Ellery Washington
    Collection

    Diana Dorn-Jones

    Dorn-Jones reflects on her childhood in New Mexico, advocacy work in California, and return to Albuquerque to continue her parents' legacy in community activism. Her work includes housing reform and combating neighborhood crime.

    Ellery Washington collection

    Albuquerque, NM

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    Ceyenne Doroshow

    Trans rights activist, author, and founder of G.L.I.T.S.

    New York City, NY

    Jenna "J" Wortham
    Collection

    Ceyenne Doroshow

    Doroshaw reflects on her survival journey from homelessness and sex work to becoming a staunch advocate for LGBTQ+ rights, as well as her transformative experiences at Riis Beach, community organizing, and visions for the future.

    Jenna "J" Wortham collection

    New York City, NY

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    Scott Ellsworth

    Historian, Tulsa Race Massacre researcher, author

    Ann Arbor, MI

    Caleb Gayle
    Collection

    Scott Ellsworth

    Ellsworth describes first learning about the Tulsa Race Massacre and eventually becoming an influential historian on the subject. He reflects on his investigations, interviews with survivors, and hidden histories.

    Caleb Gayle collection

    Ann Arbor, MI

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    Laura Esquivel

    Chicana lesbian activist and community advocate

    Philadelphia, PA

    Denice Frohman
    Collection

    Laura Esquivel

    Esquivel shares her journey as a Chicana lesbian activist and mother in Los Angeles, including discussions of gang life, organizing with Gay and Lesbian Latinos Unidos, co-founding LLEGÓ, her own legacy, as well as her mother's.

    Denice Frohman collection

    Philadelphia, PA

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    Raina Evans

    Rose Festival Queen, housing advocate, and community TV host

    Portland, OR

    Renée Watson
    Collection

    Raina Evans

    Evans reminisces about her life set against an evolving Portland, detailing her vibrant childhood, struggles within the Black community regarding housing and displacement, and her impactful work in rental education.

    Renée Watson collection

    Portland, OR

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    Kent Ford

    Black Panther leader, walking tour guide, and children's advocate

    Portland, OR

    Renée Watson
    Collection

    Kent Ford

    Ford recounts his evolution from a Louisiana native to a critical figure in Portland's Black Panther Party. He details Party initiatives, reflects on personal experiences with police brutality, and shares his hopes for the future.

    Renée Watson collection

    Portland, OR

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    Reuben Gant

    Retired NFL player and community leader

    Tulsa, OK

    Caleb Gayle
    Collection

    Reuben Gant

    Gant discusses growing up in segregated Tulsa, the Tulsa Race Massacre's impact on his family, his NFL career, becoming a cable television executive, working with the Greenwood Chamber of Commerce, and his vision for the future.

    Caleb Gayle collection

    Tulsa, OK

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    Brendalynn Goodall

    Oakland native and LGBTQ+ rights activist

    Oakland, CA

    Carolina De Robertis
    Collection

    Brendalynn Goodall

    Goodall discusses her work as a Black lesbian activist and reflects on her family's dynamics, battles for LGBTQ+ and elder rights, personal transformations, and the importance of community engagement, representation, and love.

    Carolina De Robertis collection

    Oakland, CA

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    Sharyn Grayson

    Longtime trans rights activist and TGI Justice Project leader

    San Francisco, CA

    Carolina De Robertis
    Collection

    Sharyn Grayson

    As a Black trans woman, Grayson reflects on her life, emphasizing the resilience and strength she honed from her upbringing. She discusses self-identity, activism for trans rights and health equity, and the power of chosen family.

    Carolina De Robertis collection

    San Francisco, CA

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    Tatia Green-Goodwin

    Community advocate

    Dallas, TX

    April Reign
    Collection

    Tatia Green-Goodwin

    Born in Dallas, Green-Goodwin's story spans generations, from Juneteenth activism to changes in education and policing. Green-Goodwin also discusses her family history, activism, and the harsh realities of systemic inequality.

    April Reign collection

    Dallas, TX

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    # HIV/AIDS

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    Martha Hanks

    Educator, church advocate, and community archive builder

    East Palo Alto, CA

    Caleb Gayle
    Collection

    Martha Hanks

    Hanks shares her journey spanning decades in East Palo Alto, touching on her experiences as a child in segregated Louisiana, her significant involvement in education and activism, including her connection to the Black Panther Party.

    Caleb Gayle collection

    East Palo Alto, CA

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    Linda Harris

    Former superintendent, accomplished educator, and volunteer

    Portland, OR

    Renée Watson
    Collection

    Linda Harris

    From Texas to Oregon, and from classrooms to executive offices, Harris reflects on her life's journey—her family's move, navigating segregated schools, embracing education, and rising through academia.

    Renée Watson collection

    Portland, OR

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    Pamelya Herndon

    New Mexico representative, attorney, and advocate

    New York, NY

    Ellery Washington
    Collection

    Pamelya Herndon

    Herndon reflects on her family history, the importance of fighting for social justice, her college experience, and her work as a New Mexico State Representative focused on gun safety, Indigenous rights, and children's welfare.

    Ellery Washington collection

    New York, NY

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    Angela Jewell

    Retired New Mexico judge and Family Advocacy Center co-founder

    Albuquerque, NM

    Ellery Washington
    Collection

    Angela Jewell

    Jewell shares her journey from childhood in Alabama, to becoming one of the first African American judges in New Mexico, touching on her family, education, navigating race and gender dynamics, and her contributions to the field.

    Ellery Washington collection

    Albuquerque, NM

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    Karen Johnson

    Daycare owner, librarian, and educator

    Plano, TX

    April Reign
    Collection

    Karen Johnson

    Johnson, a care coordinator from Texas with a passion for helping others, reflects on her journey through fashion and education. Johnson also discusses spirituality, making a positive impact, and giving and receiving grace.

    April Reign collection

    Plano, TX

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    Afua Kafi-Akua

    Professor and multimedia artist

    New York City, NY

    Jenna "J" Wortham
    Collection

    Afua Kafi-Akua

    Kafi-Akua discusses her journey from music and media to activism and education, involvement in New York's art and LGBTQ+ communities, connection with Fire Island, and commitment to celebrating diversity through her work.

    Jenna "J" Wortham collection

    New York City, NY

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    Juba Kalamka

    Trailblazing musician, queer hip hop pioneer, and activist

    Oakland, CA

    Carolina De Robertis
    Collection

    Juba Kalamka

    Kalamka offers insight through his experiences as a queer Black man, discussing the challenges and complexities of navigating bisexuality, parenthood, art, and activism while highlighting the importance of community and love.

    Carolina De Robertis collection

    Oakland, CA

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    Owen Lawson

    Documentary photographer and former history teacher

    Chicago, IL

    Eve Ewing
    Collection

    Owen Lawson

    Born on Chicago's South Side, Lawson reflects on becoming politically conscious, the Civil Rights Movement, teaching in Mississippi, meeting Fannie Lou Hamer, and his lifelong work as a revolutionary journalist and photographer.

    Eve Ewing collection

    Chicago, IL

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    Michelle Lewis

    Wellness practitioner and co-founder of Portland's only Black-owned bookstore

    Portland, OR

    Renée Watson
    Collection

    Michelle Lewis

    Lewis recounts her journey from a childhood in Portland to awakenings through military service and motherhood. She also details becoming a light worker and bookstore founder, inspired by ancestral wisdom and recovered histories.

    Renée Watson collection

    Portland, OR

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    # Illinois

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    Crystal Mason

    Activist, artist, and pioneering Bay Area community leader

    San Francisco, CA

    Carolina De Robertis
    Collection

    Crystal Mason

    Mason shares their journey as a Black genderqueer elder, exploring their evolution from a Southern upbringing to activism in San Francisco, co-founding Queering Dreams, and expressing their identity through art and performance.

    Carolina De Robertis collection

    San Francisco, CA

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    Kevin Matthews

    Senator, former fire chief, and founder of Greenwood Rising History Center

    Tulsa, OK

    Caleb Gayle
    Collection

    Kevin Matthews

    Matthews discusses his roots in Tulsa, discovering his biological father, and becoming a pivotal figure in Tulsa's fire department. He reflects on overcoming addiction, his entry into politics, advocacy, and Black excellence.

    Caleb Gayle collection

    Tulsa, OK

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    Cathryn McGill

    Performer and founder of New Mexico Black Leadership Committee

    Albuquerque, NM

    Ellery Washington
    Collection

    Cathryn McGill

    McGill reflects on her upbringing in Oklahoma, navigating racial tension, finding her voice in church choirs, and transitioning from artist to advocate, emphasizing the importance of visibility for Black communities in New Mexico.

    Ellery Washington collection

    Albuquerque, NM

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    Renee Mitchell

    Educator, poet, youth advocate, and former journalist

    Portland, OR

    Renée Watson
    Collection

    Renee Mitchell

    Becoming a beacon of hope through her work with I AM M.O.R.E. and the Soul Restoration Center, Mitchell reflects on racial trauma and bullying, hardships and triumps, her career, and reclaiming spaces for Black joy and healing.

    Renée Watson collection

    Portland, OR

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    Frances Negrón-Muntaner

    Puerto Rican artist, professor, and cultural critic

    Philadelphia, PA

    Denice Frohman
    Collection

    Frances Negrón-Muntaner

    Negrón-Muntaner discusses her role in documenting and preserving Puerto Rican LGBTQ+ history, the transformative power of community currencies, and her interdisciplinary work spanning film, writing, and academia.

    Denice Frohman collection

    Philadelphia, PA

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    Alondra Nelson

    Renowned scholar, teacher, policy strategist, and award-winning author

    Los Angeles, CA

    Robin Coste Lewis
    Collection

    Alondra Nelson

    Alondra Nelson reflects on her path from San Diego to DC, discussing Black Panther Party health activism, Afrofuturism, DNA testing, AI's social impact, and advocating for equitable innovation.

    Robin Coste Lewis collection

    Los Angeles, CA

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    Achy Obejas

    Lesbian novelist, poet, translator, and trailblazing journalist

    Benicia, CA

    Carolina De Robertis
    Collection

    Achy Obejas

    Hailing from Cuba, Obejas reflects on finding vibrant queer and activist scenes in the US, her path as a writer and journalist, race and cultural dynamics, activism during the AIDS crisis, and her role in the lesbian separatist movement.

    Carolina De Robertis collection

    Benicia, CA

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    Trinity Ordona

    Activist, scholar, and foremother of the API lesbian movement

    Seattle, WA

    Carolina De Robertis
    Collection

    Trinity Ordona

    Ordona discusses growing up in a large Filipino family in San Diego, becoming a figure in the Asian queer community, family acceptance, her activism, healing from sexual violence, and the significance of queer identities.

    Carolina De Robertis collection

    Seattle, WA

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    Ray Owens

    Pastor, ethics professor, and advocate for education reform

    Tulsa, OK

    Caleb Gayle
    Collection

    Ray Owens

    Owens reflects on his journey, from being invited to Tulsa for an academic role to becoming a pivotal community leader. He discusses revitalizing Metropolitan Baptist Church as well as his involvement in education reform.

    Caleb Gayle collection

    Tulsa, OK

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    # Military

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    Eleanor Payne

    Former associate dean, community volunteer, and education advocate

    Tulsa, OK

    Caleb Gayle
    Collection

    Eleanor Payne

    Payne shares her journey from a small town in Louisiana, through her college years at Grambling State University, to her roles in education and community service, to her involvement in local leadership and philanthropy.

    Caleb Gayle collection

    Tulsa, OK

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    Rita Powdrell

    Historian, family business co-founder, and community researcher

    Albuquerque, NM

    Ellery Washington
    Collection

    Rita Powdrell

    Powdrell shares her journey from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, to Albuquerque, reflecting on her family history, early life, educational pursuits, and her work in highlighting Black history and contributions in New Mexico.

    Ellery Washington collection

    Albuquerque, NM

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    Jae Rice

    Deputy CEO of Brave Space Alliance

    Chicago, IL

    Eve Ewing
    Collection

    Jae Rice

    Rice recounts their journey, including transitioning in their 30s and becoming a prominent voice in Chicago's queer and trans communities. They also reflect on their activism, chosen family, and work with archives and Brave Space.

    Eve Ewing collection

    Chicago, IL

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    Rosie Riddick

    Civil rights activist, union founder, and city library board member

    Pflugerville, TX

    April Reign
    Collection

    Rosie Riddick

    Riddick shares reflections on her life, emphasizing the importance of education, activism, and cultural heritage. She discusses her participation in SNCC, overcoming discrimination, and oral history's role in preserving truth.

    April Reign collection

    Pflugerville, TX

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    Shruronda Robinson

    Entrepreneur and community advocate

    Austin, TX

    April Reign
    Collection

    Shruronda Robinson

    Robinson traces her personal and professional growth through experience with activism, management, singlemotherhood, and helping found the Black Leaders Collective. Robinson also discusses community engagement and systemic change.

    April Reign collection

    Austin, TX

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    Omowale Satterwhite

    Community-building specialist, nonprofit founder, and Kellogg Fellow

    Palo Alto, CA

    Caleb Gayle
    Collection

    Omowale Satterwhite

    Satterwhite delves into his Michigan roots, pivotal involvement in grassroots education, the formation of Nairobi College, and advocacy for community control, equity, and combating gentrification in East Palo Alto.

    Caleb Gayle collection

    Palo Alto, CA

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    Jah Sayers

    PhD candidate, researcher, Riis Beach historian

    New York, NY

    Jenna "J" Wortham
    Collection

    Jah Sayers

    Sayers shares their path to Riis Beach and environmental psychology, discussing the importance of physical spaces for queer communities, challenges in academia, evolving language on gender, and envisioning a future for Riis Beach.

    Jenna "J" Wortham collection

    New York, NY

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    Calvin Stephens

    Texas-born teacher

    Dallas, TX

    April Reign
    Collection

    Calvin Stephens

    Stephens reflects on his upbringing, building a legacy as an entrepreneur and advocate for minority business development, military service, education, the genesis of Juneteenth rodeos, and the importance of family and community.

    April Reign collection

    Dallas, TX

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    # Literature and Writing

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    Wendy Thomas

    Tulsa arts promoter and community development advocate

    Ann Arbor, MI

    Caleb Gayle
    Collection

    Wendy Thomas

    Thomas shares her journey from New York, to Oklahoma, her studies at the University of Tulsa, and her rise in the arts and nonprofit sector. She also discusses commitments to community advancement, diversity, and inclusivity.

    Caleb Gayle collection

    Ann Arbor, MI

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    Francisco Treviño

    Nonprofit leader and former head of Tulsa Hispanic Chamber of Commerce

    Tulsa, OK

    Caleb Gayle
    Collection

    Francisco Treviño

    Born in Monterrey, Treviño reflects on culturally adapting to Oklahoma, challenges in the education system, and his extensive community work focusing on immigrant rights, preservation, and cross-community understanding.

    Caleb Gayle collection

    Tulsa, OK

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    Kitty Tsui

    Poet, activist, former bodybuilder, and API lesbian movement pioneer

    Oakland, CA

    Caro De Robertis
    Collection

    Kitty Tsui

    Having journeyed from Hong Kong to the US, Tsui reflects on her identity as a lesbian, her work as an author and activist, her experiences with discrimination, BDSM, aging, authenticity, and making a mark on her community.

    Caro De Robertis collection

    Oakland, CA

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    Nitza Tufiño

    Muralist, activist, and founder of El Museo del Barrio

    New York City, NY

    Denice Frohman
    Collection

    Nitza Tufiño

    Tufiño shares her life journey as a visual artist, educator, and activist. She reflects on her Puerto Rican and Mexican heritage, her transformative love story with her wife, and the career challenges and triumphs she has faced.

    Denice Frohman collection

    New York City, NY

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    Lana Turner-Addison

    Educator, advocate for equity in education, and non-profit leader

    Tulsa, OK

    Caleb Gayle
    Collection

    Lana Turner-Addison

    Addison shares her journey from growing up in North Tulsa's projects to becoming a community advocate. She discusses founding the North Tulsa Economic Development Initiative, visions for equitable education, and gentrification.

    Caleb Gayle collection

    Tulsa, OK

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    Don Tyler

    Pastor and community activist

    Tulsa, OK

    Caleb Gayle
    Collection

    Don Tyler

    From engineering to pastoral leadership, Tyler details his career progression and efforts to transform North Tulsa through education, safety, and fostering community development despite racism and economic disparity.

    Caleb Gayle collection

    Tulsa, OK

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    Myrna Villalobos
    Nancy Rosado

    Orlando, FL

    Denice Frohman
    Collection

    Myrna Villalobos
    Nancy Rosado

    Villalobos and Rosado share their unique love story, weaving through careers in the NYPD and US Army, coming to terms with their identities, navigating challenging spaces, and finding resilience through their relationship.

    Denice Frohman collection

    Orlando, FL

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    Linda Villarosa

    Author and journalist spotlighting healthcare inequalities

    New York City, NY

    Jenna "J" Wortham
    Collection

    Linda Villarosa

    Villarosa reflects on growing roots in Chicago, facing racial hostility in Denver, evolving as a Black lesbian in New York, her journalism career with a focus on health, and fighting against the invisibility of Black narratives.

    Jenna "J" Wortham collection

    New York City, NY

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    # Oregon

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    Leonard Waites

    Former D1 athlete, corporate manager, and MLK Commission director

    Albuquerque, NM

    Ellery Washington
    Collection

    Leonard Waites

    Waites discusses growing up in Albuquerque, his family's migration from Texas, his athletic pursuits, and his career path from manufacturing to becoming the Executive Director of the Martin Luther King Jr. State Commission.

    Ellery Washington collection

    Albuquerque, NM

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    Donna Washington

    Health researcher, professor, and advocate for underserved populations

    Los Angeles, CA

    Robin Coste Lewis
    Collection

    Donna Washington

    Donna Washington discusses her journey from a childhood in Queens to a renowned medical career, touching on her education, female veterans and health equity, as well as the joys and challenges of adoption for same-sex couples.

    Robin Coste Lewis collection

    Los Angeles, CA

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    Rose Washington-Jones

    Educator and federal reserve deputy chair

    Tulsa, OK

    Caleb Gayle
    Collection

    Rose Washington-Jones

    Washington-Jones reflects on her upbringing in rural Mississippi and her path to becoming a transformative leader in Tulsa's economic development. She also discusses heritage, education, banking, academia, and community.

    Caleb Gayle collection

    Tulsa, OK

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    Floyd Webb

    Film professional, photographer, and founder of Blacklight Festival

    Chicago, IL

    Eve Ewing
    Collection

    Floyd Webb

    Webb reflects on witnessing the Great Migration, becoming a photojournalist and filmmaker influenced by social movements, his encounters with Fred Hampton, and the impact of historical figures and events on work and philosophy.

    Eve Ewing collection

    Chicago, IL

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    Joy West

    Chicago native and physician

    Chicago, IL

    Eve Ewing
    Collection

    Joy West

    West discusses growing up in Altgeld Gardens, discovering her passion for medicine and becoming an OB-GYN focused on maternal health disparities, her commitment to community service, and the importance of love and support.

    Eve Ewing collection

    Chicago, IL

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    Edra Widener

    Retired teacher and family matriarch

    Los Angeles, CA

    Robin Coste Lewis
    Collection

    Edra Widener

    Widener recounts her early days in Los Angeles, educational ventures, and roles as a teacher, parent, and grandparent. She also discusses her family's migration history, her racial identity, and her spirituality.

    Robin Coste Lewis collection

    Los Angeles, CA

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    Roxy Williamson

    Teacher and Juneteenth advocate

    Galveston, TX

    April Reign
    Collection

    Roxy Williamson

    Williamson recounts her Texan roots, discovering her Black identity at Savannah State, her activism preserving Juneteenth's legacy and combating gerrymandering, battling cancer, family influence, and the importance of community.

    April Reign collection

    Galveston, TX

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    Robin LaVerne Wilson

    Filmmaker, activist, and choir member

    Converse, TX

    April Reign
    Collection

    Robin LaVerne Wilson

    Wilson shares her journey from Texas to New York and back, exploring identity, activism, and the complexities of family relationships. She discusses academic pursuits, work as a political artist, and caring for her mother.

    April Reign collection

    Converse, TX

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    # Disability

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    Quito Ziegler

    Activist, photographer, and advocate for trans rights

    Brooklyn, NY

    Jenna "J" Wortham
    Collection

    Quito Ziegler

    Ziegler discusses their experiences as a nonbinary individual, deep connection to Riis Beach, and efforts towards community safety and land stewardship, highlighting the importance of queer sanctuary and preservation.

    Jenna "J" Wortham collection

    Brooklyn, NY

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    ‘If you want to learn about the history of the place,
    learn about its ocean, as well as the land.’
    Thomas Kaulukukui Jr.
    curtain