“That was going to be the family home and be there forever”

December 10, 2020 Incite Institute at Columbia University

Image by Michael Zirkle Photography, copyright Raleigh Historic Development Commission.A carousel with painted horses rests idle under a park pavilion, empty of riders but lit up invitingly. — *Image by Michael Zirkle Photography, copyright Raleigh Historic Development Commission.*
A carousel with painted horses rests idle under a park pavilion, empty of riders but lit up invitingly.

The Chavis Carousel is the centerpiece of the 37-acre park in the Raleigh, North Carolina neighborhood, Chavis. When the park opened in 1938, it was the only African American park in the Southeast United States. Because of this, it was visited by many African Americans throughout North Carolina as well as other states. Following the end of segregation the park and surrounding neighborhoods began to decline under various influences. The City pledged re-investment in the park ten years ago and is just now beginning to fulfill that promise.

Reflections on East New York

November 22, 2020 Admin

In this black and white photo, the writers' grandparents, Papa Bruno and Nonna, pose for a portrait with their young son Robert, who is a toddler. Papa Bruno and Nonna are in their mid-twenties and both fair skinned with dark hair. Papa Bruno sits o… — In this black and white photo, the writers' grandparents, Papa Bruno and Nonna, pose for a portrait with their young son Robert, who is a toddler. Papa Bruno and Nonna are in their mid-twenties and both fair skinned with dark hair. Papa Bruno sits on the left, wearing a white shirt and print tie. Nonna sits on the right, wearing a white dress and a necklace. Uncle Robert sits in the middle and also wears a white shirt.

This personal timeline essay is inspired by the East New York Oral History Project’s interactive timeline, which allows visitors to learn about the historical and political contexts of racial segregation on local, regional and national levels. Although the project’s timeline is on a grand scale, it caused me to reflect on my tenuous personal experiences in East New York, and sent me on a journey to learn more about my family history in the neighborhood.

Dear Green Place: Gentrification and Displacement in Glasgow’s West End

March 26, 2019 Admin

3,636 miles. That’s how far Glasgow, Scotland and Durham, North Carolina are apart from each other. Current OHMA student Rebecca McGilveray reflects on Nishani Frazier’s recent workshop and one of the things that unites these two places – the issues surrounding displacement.

Telling Histories: Aurality in the Classroom and in the Streets

March 25, 2019 Admin

Nishani Frazier, educator, black freedom scholar, and someone unafraid to turn oral history practices on their head, recently returned to Columbia (where she earned her PhD) to discuss "The Sounds of Blackness: Space and Sound Preservation as Oral History Advocacy."

Why Are These Stories Worth Telling?: Reflections on ‘Below the Grid’ (Part III)

December 21, 2016 Admin

Oral historian Ron Grele (Director Emeritus, Oral History Research Office) engaging in discussion at Jack Tchen's recent OHMA Workshop Series lecture.

In this post, current OMHA student Yutong Wang (2016) explores how oral histories can be both meaningful and impactful to public audiences.

This article is the final piece in a three-part series exploring Jack Kuo Wei Tchen’s recent OHMA Workshop Series lecture, “Below the Grid.”

For The Community by the Community: The NYPL Community Oral History Project

November 15, 2016 Incite Institute at Columbia University

Image courtesy of the Bronx Times. — Image courtesy of the *Bronx Times*.

In this post, current OHMA student Steve Fuchs (2016) explores the New York Public Library’s Community Oral History Project—directed by Alex Kelly—and the Library’s expanding role in the community.

Tension & Strength, Politics & Art: Christopher Allen’s Story of Documentary in Southside, Williamsburg

October 19, 2016 Admin

Christopher Allen speaking at the OHMA Workshop Series in September 2016. Photo credits: Emma Courtland (2016).

In this post, Heather Michael, shares insight from a presentation by Christopher Allen on the intersection between his beliefs about art and politics vis-à-vis the creation of Living Los Sures, a multifaceted, six-year documentary project about the community of Southside, Williamsburg.

From the Outside In: How Christopher Allen Organized a Community-Based Documentary

October 4, 2016 Admin

In this post about Christopher Allen's recent lecture in our 2016-2017 Oral History Workshop Series, current OHMA student Christina Pae (2015) reflects on the importance of collaboration in oral history projects, particularly when an outsider aims to conduct a project within an insular community.