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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Milton Adams

Theater teacher, basketball coach, and youth mentor

Portland, OR

Renée Watson
Collection

Milton Adams

Adams shares his journey from a challenging childhood in Albuquerque to becoming a beloved teacher in Portland, reflecting on pivotal moments of growth, the power of faith and community, and his impact in education and sports.

Renée Watson collection

Portland, OR

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Billie Frazier

Retired Portland educator and dedicated community mentor

Portland, OR

Renée Watson
Collection

Billie Frazier

Frazier discusses growing up in Portland, overcoming challenges in a single-parent household, forging a career in education as a history teacher and dean, and his faith, marriage, and vision for future Black educators in Portland.

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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Thomas Kaulukukui

Former judge, Hawaiian warrior, teacher, and advocate

Honolulu, Hawaii

Natalie Diaz
Collection

Thomas Kaulukukui

Thomas Ka’auwai Kaulukukui Jr. recounts his journey, sharing Hawaiian culture, lore, and personal history, while reflecting on education, martial arts, and the island's transformation post-statehood.

Natalie Diaz collection

Honolulu, Hawaii

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# Gender Identity

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James Lewis

New Mexico's first Black countywide elected official and state treasurer

Albuquerque, NM

Ellery Washington
Collection

James Lewis

Lewis chronicles his life's work in public service, from overcoming segregated schooling to becoming the state's first black state treasurer, as well as his commitment to education and community betterment.

Ellery Washington collection

Albuquerque, NM

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Marla Mayberry

Pastor, resource center manager, and education development leader

Tulsa, OK

Caleb Gayle
Collection

Marla Mayberry

Mayberry discusses growing up in North Tulsa and becoming the senior pastor of a Baptist church founded by her grandfather. She reflects on a changing Tulsa and sense of self, her husband's NBA career, and future hopes for Tulsa.

Caleb Gayle collection

Tulsa, OK

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Joe Powdrell

Veteran, Albuquerque community leader, and NAACP President

Albuquerque, NM

Ellery Washington
Collection

Joe Powdrell

Powdrell reflects on life in segregated rural Texas, his family's move to Albuquerque, his education and athletic achievements, and the establishment of a successful family business intertwined with cultural heritage and activism.

Ellery Washington collection

Albuquerque, NM

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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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‘We want to see rainbows look different.’
Ceyenne Doroshaw
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