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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    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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    Tressa Gunnels

    Retired lieutenant, veteran, detective, and mental health advocate

    Corona, CA

    Robin Coste Lewis
    Collection

    Tressa Gunnels

    Gunnels reflects on her upbringing, military service, becoming a lieutenant in law enforcement, her work's physical and psychological impacts, the dynamics of policing, her transition into retirement, and her passion for travel.

    Robin Coste Lewis collection

    Corona, 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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    James Lewis

    New Mexico's first Black countywide elected official and state treasurer

    Albuquerque, NM

    Ellery Washington
    Collection

    James Lewis

    Lewis chronicles his life's work in public service, from overcoming segregated schooling to becoming the state's first black state treasurer, as well as his commitment to education and community betterment.

    Ellery Washington collection

    Albuquerque, NM

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    # California

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    Eleanor Payne

    Former associate dean, community volunteer, and education advocate

    Tulsa, OK

    Caleb Gayle
    Collection

    Eleanor Payne

    Payne shares her journey from a small town in Louisiana, through her college years at Grambling State University, to her roles in education and community service, to her involvement in local leadership and philanthropy.

    Caleb Gayle collection

    Tulsa, OK

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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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    Calvin Stephens

    Texas-born teacher

    Dallas, TX

    April Reign
    Collection

    Calvin Stephens

    Stephens reflects on his upbringing, building a legacy as an entrepreneur and advocate for minority business development, military service, education, the genesis of Juneteenth rodeos, and the importance of family and community.

    April Reign collection

    Dallas, TX

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    Donna Washington

    Health researcher, professor, and advocate for underserved populations

    Los Angeles, CA

    Robin Coste Lewis
    Collection

    Donna Washington

    Donna Washington discusses her journey from a childhood in Queens to a renowned medical career, touching on her education, female veterans and health equity, as well as the joys and challenges of adoption for same-sex couples.

    Robin Coste Lewis collection

    Los Angeles, CA

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    ‘We want to see rainbows look different.’
    Ceyenne Doroshaw
    curtain