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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    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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    # Migration

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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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    ‘You’re responsible for your own happiness.’
    Shereen Beverly
    curtain