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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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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‘But I would never want to live in a world
with one race. I just wouldn’t.’
Glenda Love
curtain