Interviews - I See My Light Shining

Interviews

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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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    Phil Armstrong

    Tulsa Race Massacre Centennial Project Director

    Tulsa, OK

    Caleb Gayle
    Collection

    Phil Armstrong

    Armstrong shares his journey from Bidwell, Ohio, to becoming a key figure in preserving the history of Black Wall Street in Tulsa. He discusses his upbringing, growth, and pivotal role in the Greenwood Rising History Center.

    Caleb Gayle collection

    Tulsa, OK

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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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    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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    Vincent Brown

    Award-winning author and historian specializing in Atlantic slavery

    Los Angeles, CA

    Robin Coste Lewis
    Collection

    Vincent Brown

    Brown examines his journey from an imaginative child in Del Mar to becoming a distinguished historian at Harvard. He discusses his engagement with performing arts and his influential work on slavery and rebellion in the Caribbean.

    Robin Coste Lewis collection

    Los Angeles, CA

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    # Activism and Organizing

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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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    Joana Clayton

    Artist, educator, and UNM Women’s Center director

    Albuquerque, NM

    Ellery Washington
    Collection

    Joana Clayton

    Clayton discusses moving from Texas to New Mexico, recounting her evolution from a young, imaginative child to a pioneering force in arts and community healing, creating inclusive spaces for marginalized voices.

    Ellery Washington collection

    Albuquerque, NM

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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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    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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    Raymond Doswell

    Public historian, educator, and museum executive

    Tulsa, OK

    Caleb Gayle
    Collection

    Raymond Doswell

    Doswell discusses his upbringing in East St. Louis and career transitions, from teaching history, to his pivot to public history to the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum in Kansas City to leading Greenwood Rising in Tulsa.

    Caleb Gayle collection

    Tulsa, OK

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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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    Lemmel Fields

    Entrepreneur, world-touring road manager, and nightclub founder

    Tulsa, OK

    Caleb Gayle
    Collection

    Lemmel Fields

    Fields shares insights on his life’s journey, from growing up in Tulsa's Greenwood, to road managing for renowned bands, to military service. Fields also shares his vision for a revitalized Black business district in Tulsa.

    Caleb Gayle collection

    Tulsa, OK

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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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    # New Mexico

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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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    Avel Gordly

    First Black woman elected to Oregon Senate

    Portland, OR

    Renée Watson
    Collection

    Avel Gordly

    Gordly discusses growing up in Portland's, navigating racial and gender barriers in education, her path to becoming the first Black woman elected to the Oregon Senate, activism, and the power of women's networks.

    Renée Watson collection

    Portland, OR

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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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    Marcus Hammons

    Plumber and advocate for Black history education

    Garland, TX

    April Reign
    Collection

    Marcus Hammons

    Raised primarily by his mother and grandmother in Texas, Hammons shares insights from his childhood to present. He reflects on single parenting, memories of segregation, and his evolving understanding of Black history.

    April Reign collection

    Garland, TX

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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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    Michell Houston

    Professor of nursing and Juneteenth historian

    McKinney, TX

    April Reign
    Collection

    Michell Houston

    Having journeyed from Chicago to Texas, Houston reflects on her family's history and her nursing career. She also discusses raising an adopted son, her transition to academia, and understanding Juneteenth's significance.

    April Reign collection

    McKinney, TX

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    # Performing Arts

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    Damon Jackson

    Texas native advocating for Juneteenth awareness and truthful education

    McKinney, TX

    April Reign
    Collection

    Damon Jackson

    Raised in Texas, Jackson reflects on the personal significance of Juneteenth and the importance of passing down cultural and historical knowledge. He also discusses his law enforcement career, his identity, and his children.

    April Reign collection

    McKinney, TX

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    Sandra Jackson-Opoku

    Author, journalist, poet, screenwriter, and novelist

    Chicago, IL

    Eve Ewing
    Collection

    Sandra Jackson-Opoku

    Jackson-Opoku reflects on her formative years in Chicago, the impact of her African journey on her writing and worldview, her insights into the Black Arts Movement, and the evolution of her identity and creative expression.

    Eve Ewing collection

    Chicago, IL

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    Sharon Jones

    Educator, musician, and family historian

    Houston, TX

    April Reign
    Collection

    Sharon Jones

    Jones traces her Texan heritage back generations, discussing the importance of family, education, and legacy. She sets her family's roots against a backdrop of racial history and social progress, emphasizing resilience and pride.

    April Reign collection

    Houston, TX

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    Sylvester Harvey Jr.

    Chicago native and retired park police officer

    Chicago, IL

    Eve Ewing
    Collection

    Sylvester Harvey Jr.

    Harvey discusses his upbringing in Chicago and Brookhaven, Mississippi, detailing his experiences with racial tension, family dynamics, personal growth amidst societal shifts and finding oneself through service and travel.

    Eve Ewing collection

    Chicago, IL

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    Valerie Leonard

    Community developer, financial consultant, and Illinois redistricting advocate

    Chicago, IL

    Eve Ewing
    Collection

    Valerie Leonard

    Leonard details her early life, academic pursuits, advocacy for equitable community development, battles against discriminatory corporate practices, and her influential role in influencing tax increment financing policies.

    Eve Ewing collection

    Chicago, IL

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    John Love

    Historian, councilman, tennis enthusiast, and Juneteenth advocate

    Midland, TX

    April Reign
    Collection

    John Love

    Love discusses his upbringing, Masonic affiliation, and city council tenure, revealing his dedication to community service, fight against racial injustice, political aspiration, and maintaining a family lineage tied to Juneteenth.

    April Reign collection

    Midland, TX

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    Rudolph Malveaux

    Texas-born political consultant

    Austin, TX

    April Reign
    Collection

    Rudolph Malveaux

    Malveaux narrates his life story, tracing his intellectual upbringing, key influences, and his journey into political consulting. Malveaux highlights extraordinary encounters and experiences that shaped his activism and career.

    April Reign collection

    Austin, TX

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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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    Patric McCoy

    Retired environmental scientist, art collector, and documenter of Black gay life

    Chicago, IL

    Eve Ewing
    Collection

    Patric McCoy

    McCoy details his experiences as a civil servant, inadvertent photojournalist, and prominent art curator and collector. He reflects on his childhood in Chicago as well as the profound impact of his father's artistic dreams.

    Eve Ewing collection

    Chicago, IL

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    Lydia Moore

    Civil rights pioneer, educator, and local history advocate

    Manor, TX

    April Reign
    Collection

    Lydia Moore

    Moore reflects on growing up in a multi-generational home in Texas, tracing her family's history back to enslavement. She reflects on her education, activism during the Civil Rights Movement, and the significance of Juneteenth.

    April Reign collection

    Manor, TX

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    # Queer Kinship

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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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    Larry Payne

    Veteran, energy industry executive, and community servant

    Tulsa, OK

    Caleb Gayle
    Collection

    Larry Payne

    Born in segregated Louisiana, Payne discusses his path to becoming a significant figure in the oil and gas industry, highlighting his experiences with school, military service, and challenging racial dynamics in corporate America.

    Caleb Gayle collection

    Tulsa, OK

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    Richard Pettiford

    Educator, mentor to Black youth, and DJ

    Portland, OR

    Renée Watson
    Collection

    Richard Pettiford

    As a beloved figure at Jefferson High School, Pettiford reflects on his childhood, career, the role Black women played in his journey, navigating fatherhood, and witnessing the impacts of gentrification in Portland.

    Renée Watson collection

    Portland, OR

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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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    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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    Anthony Scott

    Senior pastor, social worker, activist for Tulsa Race Massacre remembrance

    Tulsa, OK

    Caleb Gayle
    Collection

    Anthony Scott

    Scott traces his life from childhood in North Tulsa to his calling into ministry, touching on experiences of racial discrimination in education, the importance of Black history, and advocacy for reparations and investment.

    Caleb Gayle collection

    Tulsa, OK

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    Peggy Sostand

    Beaumont native and advocate for family history and community connection

    Garland, TX

    April Reign
    Collection

    Peggy Sostand

    Sostand shares her story, starting with her Texas roots, upbringing, and family history. Sostand emphasizes the importance of Black history, community, and Juneteenth, and advocates for education, mentorship, and preservation.

    April Reign collection

    Garland, TX

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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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    # Texas

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    Ruby Watkins

    Great Migration participant, community elder, and kindness advocate

    Los Angeles, CA

    Robin Coste Lewis
    Collection

    Ruby Watkins

    Born in Fort Worth, Watkins reflects on segregation, moving to California as a teen, working in a fish cannery, marrying, nurturing a family of seven in Compton, the power of walking, and the importance of respect and community.

    Robin Coste Lewis collection

    Los Angeles, CA

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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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    Robert Williams

    Teacher, writer, and photographer

    Los Angeles, CA

    Robin Coste Lewis
    Collection

    Robert Williams

    Williams details his upbringing in Pasadena, his experiences growing up as a Black man, exploring his sexuality, artistic endeavors, friendships, and his family's history—including connections to the Tuskegee Airmen.

    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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    ‘You’re always aware of your Blackness.
    No matter where you go or what you do.’
    Angela Jewell
    curtain