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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# Disability

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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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# Nightlife

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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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# Performing Arts

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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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# Entrepreneurship

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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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# Housing and Gentrification

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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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# Addiction and Recovery

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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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# Policing

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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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# Oklahoma

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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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‘These are little victories that are worth celebrating.’
Nancy Rosado & Myrna Villalobos
curtain