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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Lemmel Fields

Entrepreneur, world-touring road manager, and nightclub founder

Tulsa, OK

Caleb Gayle
Collection

Lemmel Fields

Fields shares insights on his life’s journey, from growing up in Tulsa's Greenwood, to road managing for renowned bands, to military service. Fields also shares his vision for a revitalized Black business district in Tulsa.

Caleb Gayle collection

Tulsa, OK

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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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Ralph Hopkins

Lindy hop champion and beach party organizer

New York City, NY

Jenna "J" Wortham
Collection

Ralph Hopkins

From Newark to the dance floors and beaches of New York, Hopkins shares stories of his childhood, his passion for cooking, his achievements as an award-winning lindy hop dancer, and bringing people together at Riis Beach.

Jenna "J" Wortham collection

New York City, NY

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Mellanique Robicheaux
Tei Okamoto

Roomates, healthcare advocates, DJs, and community organizers

Fire Island, NY

Jenna "J" Wortham
Collection

Mellanique Robicheaux
Tei Okamoto

Robicheaux and Okamoto share tales of building a vibrant underground queer community in San Francisco, navigating love and loss, overcoming addiction, creating party spaces, and the evolution of their identities over decades.

Jenna "J" Wortham collection

Fire Island, NY

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Sheree Ross

Financial wealth literacy coach, author, and screenwriter

New York City, NY

Jenna "J" Wortham
Collection

Sheree Ross

Journeying from Ohio to New York, Ross' story reflects on experiences in the LGBTQ+ club scene, the importance of community spaces, financial literacy work, creative pursuits, and personally significant queer spaces.

Jenna "J" Wortham collection

New York City, NY

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# Visual Arts

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Joycetta Woods

Arkansas-born telephone operator and Chicago resident

Chicago, IL

Eve Ewing
Collection

Joycetta Woods

Woods narrates her life path, from her childhood on an Arkansas farm to her move to Chicago during the Great Migration. She discusses the challenges of segregation, her education, work experiences, and the changes she witnessed.

Eve Ewing collection

Chicago, IL

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Shereen Beverly
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