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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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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‘Give them all the truth.
They can make the determination on their own.’
Damon Jackson
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