Tag Archive: Oral History

Larry Williams

Posted in: , , , , , , Story by: November 12, 2021

After encountering an old problem designed to discourage black businesses Larry Williams, owner of a successful security company, saw the need for a Black Chamber of Commerce in Indianapolis. Life Stories Project · Williams, Larry 2021.05.06

Read and Listen...


Felicia Brokaw

When she enlisted in the military, Colonel Felicia Brokaw did not have to unlearn bad habits.  One of the many good habits she learned from her parents was to embrace the right to vote! Life Stories Project · Brokaw, Felicia 2021.04.28

Read and Listen...


Munds, Ellen Hart

Posted in: , , , , Story by: November 25, 2018

During her childhood Ellen Hart Munds visited River House, the beautiful home of her Great Grandmother Nelly in Point Pleasant, New Jersey. Over the years Ellen has kept family history alive by passing the stories about Nelly and other relatives along to the next generation.

Read and Listen...


Steffy, Don

Posted in: , , , , Story by: December 2, 2013

May 4, 1970, Kent State University in Ohio:   Having passed up a chance to attend The American Academy of Dramatic Arts in New York City, Don Steffy switched to Bowling Green State University for a draft exempt status.  In this excerpt of Don’s life story he tells about how the violence of an unpopular war came home and changed the way he viewed the world.

Read and Listen...


Edwards, Stephanie Jean

Stephanie Edwards felt Isolated and controlled while attending a minimally integrated school in Irvington. After leaving Indianapolis for college, she discovered a new view of the world and other African Americans who were active in the civil rights movement.

Read and Listen...


Cork, Cato and Beatrice Louise

Posted in: , , Story by: August 9, 2013

Cato and Beatrice Cork reflect on life, love, marriage and how honest role models can help couples get through difficult times.

Read and Listen...


Moore, Wilma Lee

Indiana Historical Society Archivist Wilma Moore talks about growing up as an “observer of history.”  From going to segregated Crispus Attucks High School to watching news coverage of historic events on tv with her family, her love of history prepared her for her life’s work.

Read and Listen...


Harris, Sandra Gutridge

Professional storyteller Sandra Harris tells Bob Sander about an ill-fated concert on April 11, 1956 in which white men attacked the performer, Nat King Cole, in Birmingham, Alabama. This shocking event furthered Sandra and Ed Harris’s involvement as early civil rights activists and changed their lives.

Read and Listen...


Adair-Ward, Phyllis Jo

Posted in: , , , , Story by: July 29, 2013

Phyllis Adair-Ward tells the story of discovering two truths: discrimination at Riverside Park and the loving acceptance of her life-long friend, Mr. Quiggles. (A written version of this story appears in her book, “Wind-chimes and Promises.”)

Read and Listen...


Kelly Jr., Denis Ryan

Posted in: , , , Story by: July 28, 2013

Professional photographer Denis Kelly talks about going to South America as a young man, two stunning photographs of holy sites in Peru, the resulting cross cultural perspective they offered and the help he received in Indianapolis in printing the photos for a New York gallery show.

Read and Listen...