Black Portland: Historical Exclusion and Displacement

 
 

An Oral History Project Conducted by John Robert Lewis Leader Donovan Bonner

 

Project Description

When I mention that I live in Portland, I'm often met with the question, "Do Black people really live there?" The demographics of Portland and greater Oregon often raise curiosity about the scarcity of Black residents. To comprehend this issue today, it's essential to delve into Oregon's history. This Oral History Project consists of a series of interviews aimed at illuminating the context behind exclusionary laws and discriminatory practices that have deeply shaped Oregon's history. Ultimately, it seeks to answer the question: Why are there so few Black people in Oregon?

 

Oral History Interview with Dr. Darrell Millner - 06/26/2024

Dr. Darrell Millner is a distinguished scholar, mentor, teacher, and lifelong learner. He served as Department Chair of Black Studies at Portland State University from 1984 to 1995 and currently holds the title of Professor Emeritus while continuing to teach as an adjunct faculty member. Dr. Millner's expertise extends to numerous local, regional, and national boards and organizations.

He is a renowned expert in African American history within the western movement, focusing specifically on the Oregon and California trail experiences, early Black history in Oregon and California, and the role of Black Buffalo soldiers in the Indian wars. Additionally, Dr. Millner is an authority on Black cinema history, particularly in the development and persistence of negative racial stereotypes.

Oral History Interview with Wilson Smith - 06/27/2024

A Portland native and Nike's first Black designer, Wilson Smith understands that Oregon's Black population has historically been small, but this never deterred him. Smith joined Nike's product design team in the 1980s, rising to senior designer for Nike Tennis footwear by 1990, and later assuming the role of senior designer for the Jordan Brand. Over his 34+ years at Nike, Smith's portfolio spans diverse realms of the design profession—retail, graphics, architecture, footwear, experience, and apparel. He has created and developed products for iconic athletes in Nike's history, including Michael Jordan, Serena Williams, Andre Agassi, and Roger Federer.

Beyond his professional achievements, Smith is distinguished by his deep commitment to coaching, teaching, and community service. He is a dedicated advocate for Portland's Black community, driven by a belief that its future success should not be constrained by its past.

 

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An Interview with Chidinma Ume

 
 

An Oral History Project Conducted by John Robert Lewis Leader Kevin Miller

 

Project Description

Chidinma Ume is the Senior Director of Community Justice for the Center for Justice Innovation and leads CJI’s west coast operations in Los Angeles, CA. This oral history interview explores how Chidinma’s family, community, and personal experiences as a self-identified Nigerian-American have shaped her career and contributions to the field of the criminal justice reform with a particular emphasis on her work on restorative justice.

 

Oral History Interview with Chidinma Ume - 04/22/2024

 

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An Interview with Denise Jackson Ford

 
 

An Oral History Project Conducted by John Robert Lewis Leader Marcus Washington

 

Project Description

For my Oral History project, I have interviewed Denise Jackson Ford, my aunt and a lifelong resident of Natchez, Mississippi. Denise is the daughter of the late American civil rights activist Wharlest Jackson, Sr at the time of his death in 1967, Wharlest Jackson was a 36-year-old Korean War veteran, husband, and father of five. Jackson served as the treasurer of the local Natchez, Mississippi chapter of the NAACP branch. He also worked at a manufacturing factory, the Armstrong Rubber and Tire Company in Natchez. In recognition of his hard and consistent work, management of the company had recently promoted Jackson, over two white applicants, to a new position — one that had never previously been held by a Black employee. Tragically, Jackson was murdered by a car bomb, with evidence of involvement by a white supremacy organization. This crime has been an unsolved murder since the 1960s.

The focus of my interview is a discussion with Denise Jackson Ford on how it was to grow up as the daughter of a respected, and well-known activist in her hometown city. . I posed questions about the horrible incident that transpired on the day her father was killed and she reflects on the impact of that event on her family and the town. Denise shared her thoughts as the case has caught national attention and been reopened. A key component of our talk involved her thoughts on meeting and having deep conversations with the late Congressman John Lewis. Lastly, during this interview, I gained her perspective on the history of the civil rights movement, was where we stand now as a country, and current efforts to continue the fight for equality for African Americans and others.

 

Oral History Interview with Denise Jackson Ford - 06/16/2024

 

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Amplifying Asian American Voices: An interview with Stephanie Drenka, Founder of the Dallas Asian American Historical Society

 
 

An Oral History Project Conducted by John Robert Lewis Leader Veronica Mak

 

Project Description

Despite a rich history dating back to the 18th century, Asian Americans seem to vanish from national narratives. Civil rights heroes like Yuri Kochiyama (1) and Larry Itliong (2) personify how our contributions remain largely ignored. This invisibility is worsened by stereotypes like the "model minority" and "perpetual foreigner" myths – which erase our struggles and suggest we will never truly belong. Further, the pervasive exoticism and fetishization of Asian women fuels violence and normalizes discrimination against our community.

These stereotypes weaken our collective voice and make fighting for equality an uphill battle. However, by sharing our rich history and diverse stories, we can challenge these stereotypes and ensure our experiences are recognized in the fight for an inclusive America.

My oral history project highlights a current changemaker in this space – Stephanie Drenka, co-founder of the Dallas Asian American Historical Society. Together, we explore her journey of being adopted from South Korea into a “very white” family to becoming a prominent activist combating anti-Asian hate. Drenka shares of her experiences with racism, and the challenges and successes of her work as an “accidental” historian – including overcoming imposter syndrome and tackling narrative change through community engagement. This interview also touches on the importance of storytelling in preserving one’s heritage, and Drenka's personal connection to historical figures and events that have shaped her activism and advocacy work today.

 1. Yuri Kochiyama (1921-2014) was a Japanese American activist who defied exclusion. Witnessing her family's internment during World War II sparked a lifelong fight for justice. She became a powerful voice for civil rights, standing alongside figures like Malcolm X and advocating for equality for all.

2.  Larry Itliong (1913-1977), a Filipino American labor organizer, was a champion for farmworker rights. He co-founded the United Farm Workers with Cesar Chavez and led the historic Delano grape strike, demanding better wages and working conditions.

 

Oral History Interview with Stephanie Drenka - 05/24/2024

 

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Voices of Change: The Life and Legacy of Ms. Gwendolyn Reed

 
 

An Oral History Project Conducted by John Robert Lewis Leader Josh Peters

 

Project Description

The purpose of this oral history project is to capture and preserve the experiences and contributions of Ms. Gwendolyn Reed from St. Louis, Missouri. Through a video interview, we aim to document her journey from growing up during the Civil Rights Movement to becoming a trailblazing educator and a key figure in local political history.

The video interview explores the following key aspects of Ms. Reed's life and career:

  • Early Life and Influences: Ms. Reed's childhood and formative years during the Civil Rights Movement in St. Louis.

  • Civil Rights Involvement: Her active participation in the movement and the personal motivations behind her involvement.

  • Pioneering Educator: Her experience as the first black teacher in the Hazelwood School District, an all-white community.

  • Political Career: Her role as a congressional staSer for Missouri's first black congressman and later his son, highlighting her contributions and impact.

  • Legacy and Reflections: Ms. Reed's reflections on her journey, the changes she witnessed, and her hopes for future generations.

 

Oral History Interview with Gwendolyn Reed - 06/29/2024

 

Presentation Recording

Law & Politics: Roadblocks on a Path Toward Beloved Community

 
 

An Oral History Project Conducted by John Robert Lewis Leader Roger Gousse

 

Project Description

A discussion with legal scholar Professor Neil G. Williams about his personal life experiences and the role of U.S. law and politics in perpetuating racial injustice.

Professor Williams, the Nathaniel R. Jones Jr. Professor at Loyola School of Law, was born in Jacksonville, Florida, and raised in 1960s Atlanta, a period marked by the tail end of Jim Crow and the civil rights movement. With a mother who was a dedicated third-grade teacher and a father who was among the first licensed Black veterinarians in Georgia, Williams grew up in a household deeply connected to the civil rights struggle, including personal ties to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Despite the challenges of segregation, Williams excelled academically, becoming the first Black valedictorian of his integrated high school and graduating summa cum laude from Duke University. Inspired by civil rights heroes and the impactful narrative of “Simple Justice” by Richard Kluger, Williams pursued a career in law, clerking for Judge George Leighton and practicing at Sidley & Austin, where he famously introduced Barack Obama to Michelle Robinson. Since 1989, Williams has been a transformative figure at Loyola, deeply involved in mentoring and promoting diversity as the faculty advisor for the Black Law Students Association. His innovative “step” method of teaching and commitment to an anti-racist mission continue to shape the next generation of legal professionals.

 

Oral History Interview with Niel G. Williams - xx/xx/xxxx (date)

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The Buffalo Soldiers: An Interview with Floyd Gray

 
 

An Oral History Project Conducted by John Robert Lewis Leader Cedric Smith

 

Project Description

Throughout American history while experiencing racial discrimination and disparity, the so-called Negro, Colored, Black American, African American, American Descendant of Slavery, have fought in every United States war, conflict, and military operation with little to no reward or acceptance into full citizenship. Patriotism ran and still runs deep within my people.  These are just a few reasons why I chose to do an oral history report on the Buffalo Soldiers. Specifically, the Greater Southern Arizona Area, Chapter of The National 9th and 10th (Horse) Calvary Association. The Tucson Buffalo Soldier Memorial/Plaza, which was completed late April 2021, is in the famous Quincie Douglas Neighborhood Center in Tucson, Arizona. 

The oral history report will consist of an interview with Mr. Floyd Gray, in which he will address the beginnings of the Buffalo Soldiers on how they were Civil War veterans and park rangers.  Then we will transition into the operations they were assigned out west. The report will also speak on the challenges the Buffalo Soldiers faced involving racial discrimination, lack of supplies, and how they were still instrumental in protecting the west.  This will be a history that is often missed and rarely celebrated by all Americans. I am grateful to have this opportunity to share this history and keep the name of the Buffalo Soldiers alive.

 

Oral History Interview with Floyd Gray - 05/23/2024

 

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George A. Smith, Founder, National Society of Black Engineers

 
 

An Oral History Project Conducted by John Robert Lewis Leader Osyria Webster

 

Project Description

This project dives into the origins of the National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE) through a firsthand account. The centerpiece is a heartfelt interview with George Antoine Smith, a founding member of NSBE. As a fellow Lifetime NSBE member, I have a unique opportunity to explore Mr. Smith's perspective on the organization's inception. I'll explore Mr. Smith's experiences and motivations behind creating this crucial organization. Through his voice, I'll gain insight into the challenges faced by Black engineers and how NSBE has empowered future generations.

 

Oral History Interview with George Smith - 06/04/2024

 

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Civil Rights and the Black Studies Movement

 
 

An Oral History Project Conducted by John Robert Lewis Fellow Terrance L. Thomas

 

Project Description

The Civil Rights Movements of the 1950s-60s had a profound impact on the lives of Black Americans specific and the American social order in general. One of the ways this movement shifted this lived reality was through education, in particular the push for an education that sought to empower and ultimate liberate millions of Black Americans and bring into community countless others. One of the ways this push took place was the creation of the discipline of Black Studies. 

Born in the aftermath of Stokely Carmichael’s call for Black Power (which dramatically shifted the Civil Rights Movement) Black Studies was birthed at San Francisco State College in late 1966. Under the direction of Dr. Nathan Hare, this academic discipline sought to remedy centuries of miseducation of American people on issues of race, class and gender. Over the next 5 years, this new academic discipline would explode and spread, and one of those places was a junior college in Chicago: Olive Harvey College.

Being the only Black Studies Department at a junior college for decades, Olive Harvey’s College’s Department was one of the leading voices in the Black Studies Movement. One of the ways this was demonstrated was through the created of its Annual Black Studies Conference, which for a time was the longest running conference of its type. The brainchild behind this conference was Professor Armstead Allen. 

This oral history project will explore how the Civil Rights Movement impacted Professor Allen and how those experiences lead him to the field of Black Studies and the creation of the Annual Black Studies Conference.

 

Oral History Interview with Armstead Allen - 06/17/2024

 

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Berkeley as a Place of Resistance: An Oral History of the Palestine Liberation Camp from a Student’s Perspective

 
 

An Oral History Project Conducted by John Robert Lewis Fellow Katie Wysong

 

Project Description

The University of California, Berkeley has long been a site of resistance and protest from the birth of the Free Speech Movement to development of the Disability Rights Movement. This history has attracted many students to the school. One of the most recent examples was the Palestine Liberation Encampment at the end of spring 2024 as part of larger protests on campus against the War in Gaza. 

Within my Jewish community, there has been lots of misinformation and demonization of campus protests, including at Berkeley. For my oral history, I chose to talk to one of my close friends from my graduate program about her involvement in the protests and how faith has been a defining factor in organizing.

 

Oral History Interview with ‘SI’ - 05/16/2024

 

A Poem for Tomorrow

By Katie Wysong

Composed using SI’s Oral History (May 2024)

Yesterday.

I'm just one small,
very, very, very small,
person in this movement

Dallas:

There was a Black Lives Matter march…

there was a shooting that happened there…

five police officers died…

I would go to these Palestine protests. 

pretty small 

and I would always be really 

scared

Today.

To be a part of this movement is probably the most important thing I'll ever do in my life. 

Palestine.

there's so much grief to process that I feel like I haven't even grieved the genocide fully

seeing all of the carnage 

all of the violence 

nightmares

swept under the rug

Sproul Steps.

going to pray at the camp in the morning, 

in the dawn 

the most peaceful I have felt since October 

seeing the sunrise, 

feeling the breeze on my face, 

just feeling content and feeling still, 

and just enjoying the silence and the quiet on campus

Undercurrent of anxiety or stress 

if an agitator would come and try to harm us. 

if the cops would come.

Friday.

an outdoor prayer

a whole ring of people surrounding us and making sure that no one bothers us while we pray. 

just one person trying to intimidate us 

versus hundreds of people in the community focusing on prayer. 

Radical solidarity is very possible.

Tomorrow.

what's the next step?

should we decamp or should we stay?

Just hearing poetry about the future

that vision of a future is closer to reality than it is not.

 

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Interviews with Juan Puac and Hilaria Perez

 
 

An Oral History Project Conducted by John Robert Lewis Fellow Jennifer Puac

 

Project Description

This oral history project is dedicated to the lives of Juan Puac and Hilaria Perez who both survived the political times of Guatemala during the 80s and migrated to the United States during the early 90’s. Both were born in a small agrarian town called Totonicapan, Guatemala in the late 60s and early 70s. Both discuss what it was like growing up in Guatemala, what the genocide was like for their indigenous population, and what the pressures (i.e., mental health) were for them when they arrived in the United States. 

This oral history aims to address the narrative of what being an immigrant in the United States means from one aspect of the Latino community. With a lot of noise in the media and a shifted negative portrayal of immigrants today, as there was a negative portrayal in the 90s and into the 2000’s with the policies of Bill Clinton and presidents thereafter, there is a need to inform the American society of what migration means for citizens of countries outside the border and what the main goal is for them when seeking citizenship in the United States.

 

Oral History Interview with Juan Puac and Hilaria Perez - 05/19/2024

 

Presentation Recording

Interviews with Garrison Tahmahkera, Eula Dean, and Dr. Gloria Montiel

 
 

An Oral History Project Conducted by John Robert Lewis Fellow Ivan Quintana

 

Project Description

My oral history project will focus on the impact that civil rights has had on the educational journeys of three resilient and talented individuals from different backgrounds that have become changemakers in their communities. At the forefront of this project I wanted to ensure that I did not just focus on the “Hispanic perspective” and also focus on one of the project guidelines which is “to preserve important stories that future generations must know about.” At first, I wanted to focus on civil rights stories in Arizona, but through my network realized that many of the people that were referred to me did not originate from Arizona. That is when it hit me that I am not the arbiter of what “good” stories are, but rather an instrument for the preservation of them.

 

Oral History Interview with Garrison Tahmahkera - 06/20/2024

A Comanche Elder and current Elder-in-Residence at Mesa Community College. Mr. Tahmahkera was the founding director of the American Indian Institute at the Mesa Community College, an innovative program designed to create community for Native American students and fund dedicated staff and programming to support them in their educational journey. He grew up in Oklahoma and attended an Indian boarding school. As a young adult, he served his country honorably as an airman in the (back then) newly established United States Air Force.

Oral History Interview with Eula Dean - 06/13/2014

Growing up in an rural area of Georgia, Ms. Dean’s family experienced poverty as both of her parents were sharecroppers. Nevertheless, growing up in a household that valued education, she was able to be the first-generation in her family to attend college and eventually graduate from law school. As a college student she became with Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc. which became the first intercollegiate African American sorority in the country. Ms. Dean eventually rose to a high leadership position at the national level of the organization focused on increasing the college graduation rates of African American women and developing professional opportunities for them. Ms.Dean learned the importance of service from her mother and has lived a meaningful life of service by leading community organizations through COVID-19 responses and continuing to expand access to postsecondary education for women in the State of Arizona.

Oral History Interview with Dr. Gloria Montiel - 06/11/2024

Originally from Mexico, Dr. Montiel’s family moved to the United States in search of the American dream. Her household held a strong and deep belief that education would provide the opportunities necessary to achieve that dream. However, as an undocumented student there were several barriers that made it difficult to obtain an education and a fulfilling career. Nevertheless, through persistence and dedication she finished her undergraduate degree moving on to obtaining a master’s degree from Harvard University and a doctoral degree from Claremont University. Dr. Montiel belongs to one of the first generation of Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA), which was a program established by the Obama Administration to grant temporary status to undocumented immigrants. Currently, she is a research scientist for one of the largest health corporations in the country.

 

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Following the Footsteps of Giants: Interview with Dr. Robert Higgins

 
 

An Oral History Project Conducted by John Robert Lewis Fellow Ibraheem Hamzat

 

Project Description

Since childhood, I have always imagined that I would become a cardiac surgeon. I would look up everything I could about the career, ranging from the anatomy of the heart to the lives of the surgeons themselves. It was within this context that I first learned about Dr. Robert Higgins when I was in high school.

My presentation seeks to give a detailed overview of the life, challenges, and achievements of my mentor, Dr. Higgins. He is a man who has played a crucial role in the careers of many cardiothoracic surgeons and in the lives of thousands of patients and their families. This project aims to serve as a living tribute to his contributions and to inspire future generations of cardiac surgeons on their journey toward achieving health equity.

 

Oral History Interview with Dr. Robert Higgins - 06/20/2024

 

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A Story 33 Years in the Making: Interview with Joy Han

 
 

An Oral History Project Conducted by John Robert Lewis Fellow Grace Han

 

Project Description

The oral history project I am pursuing is born out of a personal passion project of mine: archiving my family’s history in America. As my parents immigrated to the States throughout the 80s and 90s, most if not all of our family records were left behind. I see this project as a first step, an opportunity to begin building this out now. 

I will be sitting for an interview with my mother, Joy Han, who recently became a U.S. citizen this year. I would like to engage with her on her story of immigrating to the States in the 90s, living and working here the past thirty years, and then deciding to commit to the months-long naturalization process in time to vote in this election year. I see my mother as not only a changemaker in my family but also a reaffirming example of what a person can do to help safeguard our democracy.

 

Oral History Interview with Joy Han - 06/07/2024

 

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Pathways to Movement Lawyering

 
 

An Oral History Project Conducted by John Robert Lewis Fellow Arianna Chen

 

Project Description

Between the perfect plaintiff dilemma, structures which uplift figures responsible for decisions like SFFA and Daubert, and continual access gap to the law by communities most marginalized by its misusage, modern day movements are reconciling what the role of lawyers are in furthering justice. In my project, I interview talented lawyers who have dedicated their careers to community-building and social justice, in order to learn more about their professional journeys and how that may inform thematic priorities for today’s budding generation of lawyers. 

Specifically, each lawyer interviewed walked a different path toward supporting their respective communities: direct services, impact litigation, and community organizing. I’ve listed each participant below for reference:

Nan Hunter: Current Scott K. Ginsburg Professor of Law at Georgetown University Law Center and former Director of the AIDS Project at ACLU NYC

Anonymous 1: Former Senior Attorney and union and community organizer

Anonymous 2: Assistant Director at a Law Center’s Office of Public Interest and Community Service (OPICS) and former Supervising Attorney at a Legal Aid Society

 

Oral History Interview with Nan Hunter - 05/28/2024

 

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An Interview with Vincent Wu

 
 

An Oral History Project Conducted by John Robert Lewis Fellow Annie Li

 

Project Description

I will interview Vincent Wu, a Chinese American who participated in the Selma to Montgomery marches in 1965. Wu immigrated from China to New York City. While a graduate student at the University of Illinois, he responded to a call to join the Southern Christian Leadership Conference at Selma. Wu went to the South on two other occasions for voting rights work, in Greene County, Alabama, in 1966 and Jackson, Mississippi, in 1968. I will interview him about his upbringing, experiences in the Movement, and reflections on his racial, religious, and political consciousness. This interview, while conducted for the JRL oral history assignment, is part of my larger project on Chinese Americans in the Civil Rights and Asian American Movements of the twentieth century.

 

Oral History Interview with Vincent Wu - 06/14/2024

 

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Presentation Recording

An Interview with Anna Del Castillo

 
 

An Oral History Project Conducted by John Robert Lewis Fellow Alejandra Salemi

 

Project Description

I have been so deeply inspired by the commitment to liberation and justice that has been displayed by both the members of the FPI community and the historical leaders that we have learned about throughout our year with FPI. However, one of the things I have noticed through my own circle is that many students often navigate college, post-grad and their early careers with a commitment to justice and liberation yet that commitment can easily fall off once we enter the workforce and have to really put our morals on the line  when we enter a capitalism-centered workforce.

I think this became even more pronounced to me after our Alabama pilgrimage in February when it became clear that there are many companies and their respective employees who might theoretically and ideologically align with visions of justice and liberation but are wrapped up in actions that harm. 

Anna Del Castillo is one of my dear friends and soul sisters who I met during my time at Harvard  Divinity School. She has been one of my greatest teachers in living a life and vocational calling that aligns with my values. I have watched her navigate through these very questions in her early career and I wanted to highlight her story. She was recently hired for the Biden administration where she was Deputy Director of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Accessibility (DEIA) at the White House. As she began her tenure there, the events of October 7th unfolded and she was once again left having to make difficult decisions about her career and her morals. 

Earlier this year, she decided to step down from her role, noting discontent and disappointment with the response to the bombing of Gaza. As a first-gen Latina from Jackson, Mississippi, the decision to walk away from the White House was not an easy one but a necessary one. I hope to highlight her story and stir the hearts of my fellow colleagues as we come face to face with these similar moments where we are reminded that standing my our morals for liberation and justice means that it will more often than not, cost us something. 

 

Oral History Interview with Anna Del Castillo - 06/19/2024

 

Presentation Recording

The Unyielding Spirit of Elmore Bryant: A Beacon For Civil Rights in the Florida Panhandle

 
 

An Oral History Project Conducted by John Robert Lewis Scholar Rodney Wells

 

Project Description

My oral history project will delve into the intertwined histories of Marianna, Florida, focusing on the 1934 lynching of Claude Neal and the impactful life of Elmore Bryant, the city's first black mayor. This project aims to explore the legacy of racial violence and its long-lasting effects on the community, tracing how the brutality of Neal's lynching influenced the social and political climate in Marianna for decades. Through the lens of Bryant's experiences and activism, the project will highlight the evolution of civil rights efforts in the area, showcasing his role in challenging segregation, promoting equality, and reshaping the town's governance.

 

Oral History Interview with Elmore Bryant - 05/30/2024

 

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An Interview with Roxanne Chang

 
 

An Oral History Project Conducted by John Robert Lewis Scholar Nelson Lin

 

Project Description

For my oral history project, I will interview Roxanne Chang, a core member of Gongming Collective, a collective of Chinese interpreters based in New York City whose work centers around language justice. New York City contains the largest Chinese diaspora of any city in the United States; here, struggles for equity amongst immigrant communities are front and center.

Language justice is loosely defined as “the right everyone has to communicate in the language in which we feel most comfortable”. Amid struggles in contemporary Chinatowns against gentrification, Gongming Collective’s work has supported the advocacy of monolingual immigrant communities through bridging language barriers within our English-centric society. I will interview Chang about her initial work with Gongming Collective, their current initiatives, and her perspectives as an interpreter and translator fighting towards language justice.

 

Oral History Interview with Roxanne Change - 06/27/2024

 

Presentation Recording

The Heroes of Hurricane Katrina

 
 

An Oral History Project Conducted by John Robert Lewis Scholar Luz Escobar Zapata

 

Project Description

In the Fall of 2021, I read The Undocumented Americans by Karla Cornejo Villavicencio, which opened my eyes to the United States’ most forgotten heroes—workers who rebuild after natural disasters. She briefly mentioned Hurricane Katrina, and I realized I had never heard this story before. Determined to tell the stories of the heroes who helped rebuild the city, I wanted to empower their narratives. These leaders are at the forefront of environmental justice, fighting for BIPOC families near chemical plants, lacking clean water, and displaced by violence. This inspired me to interview my parents, Steven Mathews from Chicago and my mom, Indira Mathews, a Nicaraguan immigrant, both of whom helped rebuild New Orleans. Through these interviews, I uncovered the intersection of race, ethnicity, and class during Hurricane Katrina, discovering my parents' heroism not just to me, but to the city of New Orleans.

 

Oral History Interview with Indira Matthews - 06/24/2024

 

Oral History Interview with Steven Matthews - 06/24/2024

 

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Presentation Recording