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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    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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    # Entrepreneurship

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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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    ‘Give them all the truth.
    They can make the determination on their own.’
    Damon Jackson
    curtain