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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    Tanecia Davis
    Diane Gayle

    Human resources director and law student

    Tulsa, OK

    Caleb Gayle
    Collection

    Tanecia Davis
    Diane Gayle

    Gayle reflects on her move to Tulsa from New York, discussing cultural adaptations and evolving perceptions of home. Davis discusses her North Tulsa upbringing, evolving career, community shifts, and the changing face of the city.

    Caleb Gayle collection

    Tulsa, OK

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    Norman Gayle

    Hospital operations executive and community activist

    Tulsa, OK

    Caleb Gayle
    Collection

    Norman Gayle

    Gayle reflects on his move from New York to Tulsa with his family in pursuit of a better life. He discusses adapting to a new community, the city's changing face, and the virtues of raising a family in Tulsa.

    Caleb Gayle collection

    Tulsa, OK

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    Lyle Harris

    Multimedia artist

    New York, NY

    Jenna "J" Wortham
    Collection

    Lyle Harris

    Harris reflects on his upbringing in the Bronx, transformative years in Tanzania, his family and their involvement in anti-apartheid activism, experiences in Provincetown and Martha's Vineyard, and evolution as a photographer.

    Jenna "J" Wortham collection

    New York, NY

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    Sara Johnson

    Literature and history professor, author, and mentor

    Los Angeles, CA

    Robin Coste Lewis
    Collection

    Sara Johnson

    Johnson reflects on her exploration of the Caribbean’s linguistic and cultural histories, her journey from Baltimore to San Diego, her transnational work in academia, and commitment to unveiling the interconnectedness of diaspora.

    Robin Coste Lewis collection

    Los Angeles, CA

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    # Addiction and Recovery

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    Yolanda Medina

    Literacy activist and nonprofit founder

    Murphy, TX

    April Reign
    Collection

    Yolanda Medina

    Medina shares her origins in Puerto Rico, navigating single motherhood in Texas, and her dedication to education. Medina also discusses language acquisition, financial hardship, and honoring her mother's legacy through service.

    April Reign collection

    Murphy, TX

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    Dion Morrow

    Civil rights lawyer, acclaimed orator, and historian

    Los Angeles, CA

    Robin Coste Lewis
    Collection

    Dion Morrow

    Morrow discusses his early life, education, becoming a father during law school, balancing career and family, his journey from oratory contests to practicing law, and the communal and familial support that shaped his path.

    Robin Coste Lewis collection

    Los Angeles, CA

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