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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    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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    Felicia Anderson

    Educator, speech pathologist, and GEAR UP program administrator

    Los Angeles, CA

    Robin Coste Lewis
    Collection

    Felicia Anderson

    From Compton to Carson, Anderson details her upbringing amidst segregation, her parents' influence, her career in education, her mother's work with the American Cancer Society, and her father's path from a janitor to a curator.

    Robin Coste Lewis collection

    Los Angeles, CA

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    Denise Avant

    Retired attorney and National Federation of the Blind leader

    Chicago, IL

    Eve Ewing
    Collection

    Denise Avant

    Avant reflects on her life journey, growing up with a visual impairment, and navigating independence. She discusses her passion for public service through law, advocacy, and her leadership in the National Federation of the Blind.

    Eve Ewing collection

    Chicago, IL

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    # Oklahoma

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    Jan Bell

    Acclaimed public speaker, community leader, and family matriarch

    Los Angeles, CA

    Robin Coste Lewis
    Collection

    Jan Bell

    Bell reflects on her life in Los Angeles, childhood, debate competition accomplishments, motherhood, marriage, surviving racial violence, navigating grief, and lessons learned from engaging with different cultures through travel.

    Robin Coste Lewis collection

    Los Angeles, CA

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    Ken Berry

    Educator, arts advocate, and founder of MLK tribute in Portland

    Portland, OR

    Renée Watson
    Collection

    Ken Berry

    Berry shares his journey, beginning with moving to Portland as a child, evolving through education, music, and activism, and eventually forging a legacy in the city's Black community through education and the MLK celebration.

    Renée Watson collection

    Portland, OR

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    Kim Black

    Pastor, community service provider, and bereavement minister

    Portland, OR

    Renée Watson
    Collection

    Kim Black

    With roots in Mississippi and Texas, Black details her journey to Portland. Reflecting on experiences of racism, gentrification, and displacement, she finds strength in her upbringing, education, and passion for music and poetry.

    Renée Watson collection

    Portland, OR

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    Nora Brooks Blakely

    Educator, writer, and playwright

    Chicago, IL

    Eve Ewing
    Collection

    Nora Brooks Blakely

    Blakely shares her unique upbringing as the daughter of Gwendolyn Brooks, her journey from educator to children's playwright, and her ambitions as steward of her mother's literary legacy.

    Eve Ewing collection

    Chicago, IL

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    Patricia Calhoun

    Interior designer, showroom manager, and youth development advocate

    Austin, TX

    April Reign
    Collection

    Patricia Calhoun

    Calhoun discusses her prolific career in interior design, experiences with discrimination, and pioneering Texas’ Juneteenth understandings. She also reflects on Austin's transformation and her commitment to youth programs.

    April Reign collection

    Austin, TX

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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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    Nina Farrow

    Black hair educator and empowerment advocate

    Albuquerque, NM

    Ellery Washington
    Collection

    Nina Farrow

    From a military brat childhood to setting roots in Albuquerque, Farrow reflects on raising African American children, fostering community, her growth as a beauty professional, and her dedication to education and empowerment.

    Ellery Washington collection

    Albuquerque, NM

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    Emma Ford

    Retired teacher, librarian, and host of Black Book Talk

    Portland, OR

    Renée Watson
    Collection

    Emma Ford

    Ford discusses her Arkansas roots, family, journey to Portland, career in education, and her passion for literacy and community building. She also discusses Portland's evolution and her roles as a librarian and radio co-host.

    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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    # Literature and Writing

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    Lynell George

    Los Angeles journalist, essayist, author, and educator

    Los Angeles, CA

    Robin Coste Lewis
    Collection

    Lynell George

    George shares insights into her evolution as a writer, exploring the tapestry of Black Los Angeles through intimate narratives, her personal connection to Octavia Butler's legacy, and a commitment to uncovering overlooked stories.

    Robin Coste Lewis collection

    Los Angeles, CA

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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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    Mary Hamilton

    Retired educator and longtime North East Portland resident

    Portland, OR

    Renée Watson
    Collection

    Mary Hamilton

    From a childhood in a large West Virginian family with modest means to moving to Portland, Hamilton reflects on her life experiences, including motherhood, work in education and fitness, and her role in church communities.

    Renée Watson collection

    Portland, OR

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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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    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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    Joseph Hawkins

    Louisiana native, Texas local, and general contractor

    Lancaster, TX

    April Reign
    Collection

    Joseph Hawkins

    Coming from a large family in Beaumont, Texas, Hawkins recounts his experiences with college life, entrepreneurship, and overcoming professional setbacks. Hawkins emphasizes the personal significance of community in his journey.

    April Reign collection

    Lancaster, TX

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    Garrett Hongo

    Hawaiian-born poet, memoirist, and creative writing professor

    Los Angeles, CA

    Robin Coste Lewis
    Collection

    Garrett Hongo

    Garrett Hongo reflects on his multicultural upbringing in Los Angeles, his journey as a poet, his experiences with influential teachers and literature, his family stories, and his connection to his Japanese-American heritage.

    Robin Coste Lewis collection

    Los Angeles, CA

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    Angela Jewell

    Retired New Mexico judge and Family Advocacy Center co-founder

    Albuquerque, NM

    Ellery Washington
    Collection

    Angela Jewell

    Jewell shares her journey from childhood in Alabama, to becoming one of the first African American judges in New Mexico, touching on her family, education, navigating race and gender dynamics, and her contributions to the field.

    Ellery Washington collection

    Albuquerque, NM

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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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    # Queer Kinship

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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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    Renee Mitchell

    Educator, poet, youth advocate, and former journalist

    Portland, OR

    Renée Watson
    Collection

    Renee Mitchell

    Becoming a beacon of hope through her work with I AM M.O.R.E. and the Soul Restoration Center, Mitchell reflects on racial trauma and bullying, hardships and triumps, her career, and reclaiming spaces for Black joy and healing.

    Renée Watson collection

    Portland, OR

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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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    Taura Musgrove

    Oakland school founder and multi-award-winning filmmaker

    Baltimore, MD

    Robin Coste Lewis
    Collection

    Taura Musgrove

    Musgrove details founding an arts school in Oakland, becoming a film producer, navigating Sundance and Pixar, and a beekeeping sabbatical, all while never losing sight of her mission to uplift and inspire the next generation.

    Robin Coste Lewis collection

    Baltimore, MD

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    Adrienne Nelson

    First Black female federal judge in Oregon

    Portland, OR

    Renée Watson
    Collection

    Adrienne Nelson

    Nelson shares her journey from Kansas City to Portland, reflecting on overcoming racial barriers, transformative encounters with Black leaders, her career as Oregon's first Black female judge, and her commitment to community.

    Renée Watson collection

    Portland, OR

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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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    Janetta Pegues

    Chicago native, librarian, and community advocate

    Chicago, IL

    Eve Ewing
    Collection

    Janetta Pegues

    Pegues discusses her early life in Chicago's ABLA Homes, transformative experiences in Wisconsin and Haiti, becoming a respected librarian, the role of faith and community in her life, and her contributions to library services.

    Eve Ewing collection

    Chicago, IL

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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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    # Segregation and Desegregation

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    Brenda Shaughnessy

    Award-winning poet and professor of English and creative writing

    Los Angeles, CA

    Robin Coste Lewis
    Collection

    Brenda Shaughnessy

    Drawing from her experiences as an Okinawan-Irish American, Shaughnessy discusses identity, loss, love, and artistic expression. She reflects on her upbringing, personal challenges, turns in her career, and her journey as a poet.

    Robin Coste Lewis collection

    Los Angeles, CA

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    Joy Simmons

    Renowned art collector, philanthropist, physician, and mentor

    Los Angeles, CA

    Robin Coste Lewis
    Collection

    Joy Simmons

    Simmons reflects on becoming a notable art collector, radiologist, and advocate for African and African-American art, from her upbringing in Los Angeles to her commitment to mentoring future collectors.

    Robin Coste Lewis collection

    Los Angeles, CA

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    Thomas Starke

    LA native, former commercial driver, and case manager at Midnight Mission

    Los Angeles, CA

    Robin Coste Lewis
    Collection

    Thomas Starke

    Starke discusses his journey through addiction, incarceration, and recovery, as well as the transformative power of acceptance and love and his impactful role as a case manager at the Midnight Mission.

    Robin Coste Lewis collection

    Los Angeles, CA

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    Wendy Thomas

    Tulsa arts promoter and community development advocate

    Ann Arbor, MI

    Caleb Gayle
    Collection

    Wendy Thomas

    Thomas shares her journey from New York, to Oklahoma, her studies at the University of Tulsa, and her rise in the arts and nonprofit sector. She also discusses commitments to community advancement, diversity, and inclusivity.

    Caleb Gayle collection

    Ann Arbor, MI

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    Lowell Thompson

    Movie producer, artist, writer, and advertising pioneer

    Chicago, IL

    Eve Ewing
    Collection

    Lowell Thompson

    Thompson recounts his journey through the world of advertising, from his beginnings in Robert Taylor Homes to becoming an influential creative in major agencies, sharing insight on his creative process and campaigns.

    Eve Ewing collection

    Chicago, IL

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    Lana Turner-Addison

    Educator, advocate for equity in education, and non-profit leader

    Tulsa, OK

    Caleb Gayle
    Collection

    Lana Turner-Addison

    Addison shares her journey from growing up in North Tulsa's projects to becoming a community advocate. She discusses founding the North Tulsa Economic Development Initiative, visions for equitable education, and gentrification.

    Caleb Gayle collection

    Tulsa, OK

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    Nellie Ward

    Trailblazing optician, cybersecurity professional, and educator

    Albuquerque, NM

    Ellery Washington
    Collection

    Nellie Ward

    Ward details her journey from Memphis to Albuquerque, sharing her struggles and successes, including overcoming discrimination, advancing from custodial work to a top cybersecurity position, and her community involvement.

    Ellery Washington collection

    Albuquerque, NM

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    Clarence Washington

    Retired engineer, faith-based author, and pastor

    Albuquerque, NM

    Ellery Washington
    Collection

    Clarence Washington

    Washington shares his journey from Chicago to Albuquerque in 1964, discussing his work at Sandia Labs, efforts to enhance the local Black community, the joy of fishing in New Mexico's lakes, and his work as an author and pastor.

    Ellery Washington collection

    Albuquerque, NM

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    Patricia Welch

    Retired library head, African American Read-In founder, and radio co-host

    Baltimore, MD

    Renée Watson
    Collection

    Patricia Welch

    Welch fondly reflects on her Baltimore childhood, surrounded by a tight-knit Black community, as well as her career as a librarian, and North Portland Library's growth into a hub of Black culture amidst gentrification.

    Renée Watson collection

    Baltimore, MD

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    Mary White

    Educator and university chair

    Houston, TX

    April Reign
    Collection

    Mary White

    White discusses her experiences raising two sons as a single mother in Texas, navigating educational challenges and societal stigmas, building a career as an educator, and advocating for student-centered learning.

    April Reign collection

    Houston, TX

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    Mike Widener

    History professor of Black studies

    Los Angeles, CA

    Robin Coste Lewis
    Collection

    Mike Widener

    Widener shares his life journey, from growing up in Oroville and Watts to his 42-year tenure at Compton College. He discusses his family history, experiences with racism, his career in education, and reuniting with his wife, Edra.

    Robin Coste Lewis collection

    Los Angeles, CA

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    ‘If you want to learn about the history of the place,
    learn about its ocean, as well as the land.’
    Thomas Kaulukukui Jr.
    curtain