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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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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# Gender Identity

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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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# Disability

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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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# HIV/AIDS

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Thomas Kaulukukui

Former judge, Hawaiian warrior, teacher, and advocate

Honolulu, Hawaii

Natalie Diaz
Collection

Thomas Kaulukukui

Thomas Ka’auwai Kaulukukui Jr. recounts his journey, sharing Hawaiian culture, lore, and personal history, while reflecting on education, martial arts, and the island's transformation post-statehood.

Natalie Diaz collection

Honolulu, Hawaii

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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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# Safety

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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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