Oral History Commons^™

Aguaaaa!!!, Cory Villegas

Theses and Dissertations

“AGUA” is a call for new models of learning and sharing, celebrating the diasporic as a place of global revolution. Salsa, rooted in Latin American and Afro-Caribbean histories, is choreographer Cory Villegas’s expression of cultural legacy. As an Afro-diasporic dance, Salsa carries the wealth and variety of African and Indigenous roots. Villegas contextualizes her thesis event “Las Leyendas: An Afro Cuban Suite,” presenting herself and her troupe Soul Dance Co. as evidence that contradicts the erasure of Latin & Caribbean Culture in US dance history. The paper uses English and Spanish, written, visual, and oral materials with an accompanying webpage.

Bengal Memory, Fahim Hamid

Theses and Dissertations

Bengal Memory is a documentary short film, told through an expository and personal lens, about a forgotten genocide that occurred in Bangladesh during its Liberation War, the controversial role that the U.S. government played in it, and how the lives of Bengali people in both the homeland and in the American diaspora were shaped by these events. As a Bangladeshi American and narrator of this story, I traveled to my native country to investigate. My father, Mohammed, had lived through the 1971 war and recounts his memories of the atrocities committed by West Pakistan, which claimed the lives of a …

Musselwhite: A Case Study In The Development Of Modern Legend In The American South, Ella J. Lauderdale

Honors Theses

The development of modern legend is widely researched, and there are many theories on the involvement of rumor and truth in the creation of folk stories. However, there are often few opportunities to look at the development of a modern legend in detail from beginning to end. The legend of Luther Musselwhite is unique in that it begins at a relatively fixed time, and the generations present during that time are still available to interview. This case study traces the development of this modern legend in Mississippi and analyzes the possible motivations for the spread and development of modern legends …

Stories Of Motivation And Values Of Small-Scale Farmers In Jamaica And The United States, Raquel Taylor

Dissertations and Doctoral Documents, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, 2023–

Small-scale farmers add to global and local food systems through various means such as connecting communities to local food and support economies. Small-scale farms can address issues related to food and nutritional security. However, farming can be a challenging career to engage in, especially for those who are small-scale farmers. Matters related to succession, higher paying off-farm employment, policies, and more can make it challenging to engage in farming. Leaving the question of what would motivate someone to engage in small-scale farming. Motivation can be viewed through multiple lenses; this study chose to use self-determination theory to understand the motivations …

The U.S. Greek Cypriot Community: An Oral History From 1974, Diana Violaris Minakakis

Seton Hall University Dissertations and Theses (ETDs)

The 1974 occupation of Cyprus has been discussed and analyzed by government officials, political scientists and diplomatic relations experts for half a century but a substantial, documented narrative history is lacking. An oral history of those who journeyed to the United States during this time has not been collected. This paper includes interviews with members of the Greek Cypriot Community in the United States who were willing to share their stories for the purposes of documenting their experiences as part of an oral history. For the purposes of this thesis, Turkish Cypriots were not sought for participation.

In addition to …

The Contributions Of Nuevomexicanas To New Mexico Lowrider Culture, Traditions, And Rituals: The Significance Of Young Chicana Cultural Pachuca And Chola Aesthetics And Identity Expression In The Albuquerque Lowrider Community, Valerie J. Chavez

Chicana and Chicano Studies ETDs

The lowrider community in Albuquerque creates a space for families and individuals to gather and express themselves within Chicana/o/x culture. Nuevomexicanas have played a significant role in the teaching and preservation of the New Mexican traditions and rituals of lowriding. This research project is a visual and plática-based study. It explores how young Nuevomexicanas express their Chicana identity through la pachuca and chola cultural aesthetics and identity while actively participating in lowrider culture. This project utilizes the research methods of la resolana, querencia, and plática to understand, discover, and document the roles of young Nuevomexicanas in the Albuquerque …

Voices On The Mountain: Beaver Mountain Oral History Project, Jasmine Lowe, Cedar Williams, Zoe'swanna Mcgee, Cassie Evans

Student Research Symposium

Through oral history interviews with a wide variety of people with connections to Beaver Mountain, we explore the memory and significance of Beaver Mountain to the community of Cache Valley from multiple perspectives.

Interview No. 1792, Osvaldo Velez

Combined Interviews

Mr Velez grew up in Segundo Barrio during the 1970s, 1980s, and 1990s. He associates those times with gang warfare because of the introduction of guns. He also remembers that in Segundo Barrio, many families lived in tenements. With the number of people living in the tenements, there were a lot of activities in the community, including social gatherings, parties, and family parties. In the absence of technology, most time was spent outside, whether it was hearing local gossip, visiting family and friends, or socializing; that was life in a small community. He lived in a tenement on the corner …

Bo Prosser Interviewed By Thomas Duke, Bo Prosser, Thomas Duke, Stephanie Opperman

Collecting the Past

Thomas Duke interviews Bo Prosser on his experience attending seminary school and living on the grounds of Central State Hospital.

Listen to the podcast version here:

YouTube

https://youtu.be/NnzIkUnii9k

Spotify

https://spotifyanchor-web.app.link/e/qybewWATwNb

Sister Kathleen Feeley Interviewed By Audrey Burney, Kathleen Feeley, Audrey Burney, Stephanie Opperman

Collecting the Past

Audrey Burney interviews Sister Kathleen Feeley on advice for teachers and the impact of education.

Listen to the podcast version here:

YouTube

https://youtu.be/VKstrVEkArU?si=8st7R4Vc-JBN7whG

Spotify

https://spotifyanchor-web.app.link/e/yx8pAZATwNb

Sandra Worsham Interviewed By Aggie Markwalter, Sandra Worsham, Aggie Markwalter, Stephanie Opperman

Collecting the Past

Aggie Markwalter interviews Sandra Worsham on growing up in segregated Milledgeville and her extensive teaching background.

Listen to the podcast version here:

YouTube

https://youtu.be/-fLgkc8sLYo

Spotify

https://spotifyanchor-web.app.link/e/RlAnPfsdpMb

Sherrill Jones Interviewed By Luke Young, Sherrill Jones, Luke Young, Stephanie Opperman

Collecting the Past

Luke Young interviews Sherrill Jones on becoming a teacher and preserving memories.

Listen to the podcast version here:

YouTube

https://youtu.be/2vHnKQOvJCk

Spotify

https://spotifyanchor-web.app.link/e/HxYE1qiTwNb

Sandra Rosseter Interviewed By Juliann Mackiewicz, Sandra Rosseter, Juliann Mackiewicz, Stephanie Opperman

Collecting the Past

Juliann Mackiewicz interviews Sandra Rosseter on beginning her journey at Georgia State College for Women and the impact of Flannery O’Connor.

Listen to the podcast version here:

YouTube

https://youtu.be/7aCyKiL9Sxo

Spotify

https://spotifyanchor-web.app.link/e/oKjIu9iRgMb

El Nacimiento Del Rock En Español: ¿Cómo Fue Que Este Género De Música Latina Tuvo Éxito?, Alejandro V. Martinez

World Languages and Cultures

This paper titled El nacimiento del rock en español: ¿Cómo fue que este género de música latina tuvo éxito? will cover information regarding the Spanish rock movement. This essay compares what is written in this paper to that of prior scholars to show that although they do bring valid points, there is a lot more than many of us realize. There are various articles and reports written about the movement, but many do not explain the creation of the movement, let alone its survival in the music industry as a new genre that some had never heard of or had …

Craig Amason Interviewed By Sydney Underhill, Craig Amason, Sydeny Underhill, Stephanie Opperman

Collecting the Past

Sydney Underhill interviews Craig Amason about his time working at Andalusia: the Home of Flannery O'Connor, being first introduced to O’Connor’s work, and working on an oral history project of his own.

Listen to the podcast version here:

YouTube

https://youtu.be/LeHMbBQAjOw?si=EAdgsmdK8HUc1NEZ

Spotify

https://spotifyanchor-web.app.link/e/iru9aZATwNb

Mary Dean Lee Interviewed By Victoria Riva, Mary Dean Lee, Victoria Riva, Stephanie Opperman

Collecting the Past

Victoria Riva interviews Dr. Mary Dean Lee about growing up in Milledgeville Georgia.

Listen to the podcast version here:

YouTube

https://youtu.be/a-VjHJIZ05A?si=sPAJgc_EMHEuE0TV

Spotify

https://spotifyanchor-web.app.link/e/nElxuuiTwNb

Gwynedd Webster Interviewed By Dawson Cowart, Gwynedd Webster, Dawson Cowart, Stephanie Opperman

Collecting the Past

Dawson Cowart interviews Dr. Gwynedd Webster about moving to Milledgeville at a young age and exploring the O'Connor estate.

Listen to the podcast version here:

YouTube

https://youtu.be/jgZjJsUjviI?si=nmRpB_VmtKUU5Wmb

Spotify

https://spotifyanchor-web.app.link/e/xj7pg0ATwNb

Sarah Gordon Interviewed By Taylor Swords, Sarah Gordon, Taylor Swords, Stephanie Opperman

Collecting the Past

Taylor Swords interviews Dr. Sarah Gordon, who was a Professor of English at Georgia College for 35 years, on her time teaching and living in Milledgeville and getting to know Regina O’Connor.

Listen to the podcast version here:

YouTube

https://youtu.be/HU0Tp8q2zJo

Spotify

https://spotifyanchor-web.app.link/e/YlxgxhsdpMb

Meldra Harris Panchelli Interviewed By Jacob Lewis, Meldra Harris Panchelli, Jacob Lewis, Stephanie Opperman

Collecting the Past

Jacob Lewis interviews Meldra Harris Panchelli on what it's like living and growing in Milledgeville Georgia.

Listen to the podcast version here:

YouTube

https://youtu.be/fHjZpqUSxCU?si=6MPh41SJWBCGmniB

Spotify

https://spotifyanchor-web.app.link/e/ot8nHtATwNb

Joanne Battle Interviewed By Sydney Harris, Joanne Battle, Sydney Harris, Stephanie Opperman

Collecting the Past

Sydney Harris interviews Joanne Battle on being born in Milledgeville and attending Georgia State College for Women

Listen to the podcast version here:

YouTube

https://youtu.be/tdTg0BdtzZQ

Spotify

https://spotifyanchor-web.app.link/e/53XRZVATwNb

Cops/Metro Alliance - Stmu Oral Histories With Sister Gabriella Lohan, Gabriella Parra

COPS/Metro

Sister Gabriella Lohan discusses her background in education. She explains how she became involved with COPS and some initiatives she has worked on. She discusses what she has experienced in her time with COPS.

Cops/Metro Alliance - Stmu Oral Histories With Lizzy Gore, Gabriella Parra

COPS/Metro

Lizzy Gore discusses her time with COPS and the extended network of social organizations as well as her background in education. She explores how her education has affected her role as an organizer and what she has learned through organizing. She also discusses her personal background and future hopes for COPS initiatives.

Cops/Metro Alliance - Stmu Oral Histories With Sister Rita Nealon, Barbara Ortiz

COPS/Metro

Rita Nealon shares her experiences with COPS/Metro over her years in San Antonio. She talked about COPS success and the key role women played in challenging the status quo and advocating for the needs of their community. She talked about actively working within her community for affordable housing, gun control and voter turnout. She hopes the organization will continue to focus on local issues and empower marginalized communities.

Cops/Metro Alliance-Stmu Oral Histories With Rose Araujo-Iracheta, Barbara Ortiz

COPS/Metro

Rose Araujo-Iracheta shared some of her experiences with COPS/Metro advocating for community needs, focusing on persistence, collaboration and resilience. She emphasized the role that social justice plays in her motivation to assist co-workers, neighbors, school districts and all communities of San Antonio.

Cops/Metro Alliance-Stmu Oral Histories With Sister Gabriella Lohan, Kensley Dieckow

COPS/Metro

In the oral history interview of Sr. Gabriella Lohan, she discusses San Antonio’s social and political history, as well as the role COPS / Metro Alliance has played in reaching marginalized communities across the city. Over time, COPS / Metro has adapted to new issues like education and fair banking, reflecting changing community needs while staying true to its core mission of empowering citizens and promoting democracy. Throughout the interview, Sr. Lohan explored the role her faith has played throughout her life’s work in social justice.

Cops/Metro Alliance - Stmu Oral Histories With Linda Davila, Kensley Dieckow

COPS/Metro

In the oral history interview of Linda Davila, she reflects on her involvement with COPS, starting from its early days in 1974 when the organization tackled issues like flooding, to her recent efforts, as a leader from St. Timothy Parish, in advocating for affordable housing. Linda discusses the importance of community listening sessions and the role personal stories played in her passion for social justice. Despite changes in community support and expansion of COPS / Metro's reach across San Antonio, the organization remains dedicated to listening to community needs and relationship building. Looking ahead, Linda sees COPS / Metro continuing …

Cops/Metro Alliance-Stmu Oral Histories With Sister Bernadette Barrett, Qiuying Chen

COPS/Metro

Sister Bernadette Barrett shared her thoughts about the racial shift and demographic change in COPS/Metro and San Antonio. Furthermore, she discusses how COPS/Metro uses diverse voices in its decision-making process and empowers young people and minority groups to come to the table with high-ranking city executives. Lastly, Sr. Bernadette reflects on her takeaways from her work in community organizing with COPS/Metro.

Cops/Metro Alliance-Stmu Oral Histories With Linda Davila, Qiuying Chen

COPS/Metro

In her interview, Linda explained her role in COPS/Metro and shared her optimistic point of view on racial dynamics in San Antonio and COPS/Metro. She also shared examples of COPS/Metro expanding its membership beyond the West Side and increasing diversity within its organization. However, she claims more work must be done regarding immigration rights. Lastly, Linda shared memorable experiences from her work with COPS/Metro, including collaborating with Texas State Representatives on immigration legislation and city officials on affordable housing bonds.

Cops/Metro Alliance-Stmu Oral Histories With Rose Araujo-Iracheta, Gabriella Parra

COPS/Metro

Rose Araujo-Iracheta shared some of her experiences with COPS/Metro advocating for community needs, focusing on persistence, collaboration and resilience. She emphasized the role that social justice plays in her motivation to assist co-workers, neighbors, school districts and all communities of San Antonio.

Cops/Metro Alliance-Stmu Oral Histories With Christina Castro, Theresa Pohl

COPS/Metro

Christina Castro spoke about the impact that COPS has had on the city of San Antonio and the surrounding neighborhood. The topics included; housing, corporate meetings, flood control, community impact, and more.