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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    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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    Ruth Boirie

    Brooklyn barber shop owner and LGBTQ+ advocate

    Brooklyn, NY

    Denice Frohman
    Collection

    Ruth Boirie

    Drawing from her life experiences in Brooklyn, Boirie shares her journey as a pioneering gay barber, reflecting on opening her own shop, creating sanctuary, and the importance of community, mentorship, and staying true to oneself.

    Denice Frohman collection

    Brooklyn, NY

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    Ken Carson

    Banking commissioner turned entrepreneur

    Albuquerque, NM

    Ellery Washington
    Collection

    Ken Carson

    Born in New Mexico, Carson reflects on his family's migration, his upbringing in Albuquerque, his successful banking career, and his eventual venture into the restaurant industry, which blends his Black and New Mexican heritage.

    Ellery Washington collection

    Albuquerque, NM

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    Ralph Hopkins

    Lindy hop champion and beach party organizer

    New York City, NY

    Jenna "J" Wortham
    Collection

    Ralph Hopkins

    From Newark to the dance floors and beaches of New York, Hopkins shares stories of his childhood, his passion for cooking, his achievements as an award-winning lindy hop dancer, and bringing people together at Riis Beach.

    Jenna "J" Wortham collection

    New York City, NY

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    Glenda Howard

    Tulsa native, integration influencer, entrepreneur, and ministry leader

    Tulsa, OK

    Caleb Gayle
    Collection

    Glenda Howard

    Howard discusses her life journey, including her family's roots in Oklahoma, memories of racial integration, her entrepreneurial ventures, the legacies of Tulsa's Black community, and her hopes for Tulsa's future.

    Caleb Gayle collection

    Tulsa, OK

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    # Military

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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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    Beverly Thompson

    Former Tulsa pastor, entrepreneur, and public school administrator

    Tulsa, OK

    Caleb Gayle
    Collection

    Beverly Thompson

    From Tulsa to Dallas, Thompson charts her journey across decades, discussing the realities of growing up impoverished, conflicting narratives, embracing entrepreneurship, and navigating dual roles as a pastor and businesswoman.

    Caleb Gayle collection

    Tulsa, OK

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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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    Joseph Wignarajah
    Jeya Wignarajah

    Retired engineer, Unitarian Church member, and world travelers

    Tulsa, OK

    Caleb Gayle
    Collection

    Joseph Wignarajah
    Jeya Wignarajah

    Wignarajah recounts their tumultuous journey from Sri Lanka to Tulsa, detailing memories of childhood, immigration, and building a multifaceted life in the United States, underscored by resilience, adaptation, and family.

    Caleb Gayle collection

    Tulsa, OK

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