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Oral history interview with Gitanjali J. Hursh [Sound Recording 02]

Session 1, Part 2. This oral history interview with Gitanjali J. Hursh was conducted by Elayna Yussen on April 15, 2019. The interview was recorded for The Immigrant Story, an organization that documents and archives the stories of immigrants and refugees in the United States.

In this interview, Hursh discusses her family background and early life as a biracial second-generation Indian American. She also talks about her mother's immigration to the United States in 1973, as well as her mother's adjustment to life in the U.S. She talks about her family's frequent moves during her childhood, speaks about her early interest in music and dance, and discusses making friends in new schools. She speaks about her mother's life, career, and cultural background. She talks about her cultural and ethnic identity during her early life, and about connecting to her Indian cultural heritage in her 20s. She talks about studying art at Portland State University, and discusses working various jobs. She describes how she first got into being a DJ while helping to organize workers at Powell's Books into the ILWU Local 5 union. She speaks about her partnership with Stephen Strausbaugh to form the duo of DJ Anjali and the Incredible Kid; describes the music scene in Portland during the late 1990s and early 2000s; and talks about the enduring popularity of the duo's monthly Desi dance party, ANDAZ. She describes how the party has changed since its early days at the Fez Ballroom, talks about other dance parties that they play, and discusses her plans for the future. She closes the interview by discussing her involvement in the Portland Indian community, offering advice on negotiating wages, and talking about challenges she faced during her career.

Hursh, Gitanjali J. (Gitanjali Jacqueline), 1973-

Oral history interview with Vikram Srinivasan [Session 01, Recording 01]

In the first interview session, Srinivasan discusses his family background and early life as a member of the Brahmin caste in Chennai, India, and describes life in a multi-generational household and a close-knit neighborhood. He speaks at length about his experiences during his education in India, talks about his love of studying languages, and about the social pressure to study science and math. He describes navigating romantic relationships as a teenager and realizing that he was gay. He speaks at length about his relationship with his first girlfriend.

Srinivasan, Vikram, 1981-

Oral history interview with Vikram Srinivasan [Session 02, Recording 01]

In the second interview session, Srinivasan continues to discuss his relationship with his first girlfriend. He talks about his experiences as a gay man in India, including his social life. He then discusses the reasons he came to the United States to continue his studies, and shares his experiences at the University of Cincinnati, including his social life, his studies, and getting involved in the gay community. He also talks about racism he experienced. He speaks about moving to Wilsonville, Oregon, in 2006, discusses his involvement with the Portland Gay Men's Chorus, and talks about his dating life. He then talks about changing jobs and moving to Boston, Massachusetts, then Bangalore, India, in 2012; about falling in love before moving, and returning to the U.S. to marry his boyfriend in 2015; and about coming out to his family. He closes the interview by discussing his relationship with his family after his marriage, by talking about his relationship with his husband, and by sharing advice for gay and lesbian South Asians, and their families.

Srinivasan, Vikram, 1981-

Oral history interview with Sivheng Ung [Sound Recording 01]

Session 1, Part 1. This oral history interview with Sivheng Ung was conducted by Elizabeth Mehren and Sankar Raman on March 25, 2019. The interview was recorded for The Immigrant Story, an organization that documents and archives the stories of immigrants and refugees in the United States.

In this interview, Ung discusses her family background and early life in Battambang, Cambodia, describes a happy and affluent childhood, and talks about her education. She describes the rise of the communist rebels who would become the Khmer Rouge during the 1960s and 1970s. She speaks about living in Phnom Penh in the early 1970s, about her marriage in 1974, and about the Khmer Rouge takeover of the capital in 1975. She speaks at length about her experiences during the forced march of Phnom Penh residents to a labor camp, talks about conditions in the camp, and describes what they did to survive. She gives a detailed account of her attempt to escape with her husband, and talks about their eventual capture and imprisonment, which led to the murder of her husband and a miscarriage around 1977. She describes her months-long illness and depression following these losses, her continued ordeal during the Khmer Rouge regime, and the horrors she witnessed over the next years. She talks about returning to Battambang and reuniting with her surviving family after Pol Pot was overthrown. She then describes her successful escape to Thailand with her brother and her future husband in 1979, talks about living in a refugee camp, and describes the process of immigrating to the United States. She shares how her traumatic experiences in Cambodia affected her ability to adjust to life in the U.S. and Portland, Oregon. She talks about her marriage to Van Touch in 1984, about the education, family, and career of her younger brother, and about jobs she and her husband worked. She closes the interview by sharing her reasons for talking about her experiences, including the death of her son, and talks about what she hopes others learn from her story.

Ung, Sivheng, 1951-

Oral history interview with Sivheng Ung [Sound Recording 02]

Session 1, Part 2. This oral history interview with Sivheng Ung was conducted by Elizabeth Mehren and Sankar Raman on March 25, 2019. The interview was recorded for The Immigrant Story, an organization that documents and archives the stories of immigrants and refugees in the United States.

In this interview, Ung discusses her family background and early life in Battambang, Cambodia, describes a happy and affluent childhood, and talks about her education. She describes the rise of the communist rebels who would become the Khmer Rouge during the 1960s and 1970s. She speaks about living in Phnom Penh in the early 1970s, about her marriage in 1974, and about the Khmer Rouge takeover of the capital in 1975. She speaks at length about her experiences during the forced march of Phnom Penh residents to a labor camp, talks about conditions in the camp, and describes what they did to survive. She gives a detailed account of her attempt to escape with her husband, and talks about their eventual capture and imprisonment, which led to the murder of her husband and a miscarriage around 1977. She describes her months-long illness and depression following these losses, her continued ordeal during the Khmer Rouge regime, and the horrors she witnessed over the next years. She talks about returning to Battambang and reuniting with her surviving family after Pol Pot was overthrown. She then describes her successful escape to Thailand with her brother and her future husband in 1979, talks about living in a refugee camp, and describes the process of immigrating to the United States. She shares how her traumatic experiences in Cambodia affected her ability to adjust to life in the U.S. and Portland, Oregon. She talks about her marriage to Van Touch in 1984, about the education, family, and career of her younger brother, and about jobs she and her husband worked. She closes the interview by sharing her reasons for talking about her experiences, including the death of her son, and talks about what she hopes others learn from her story.

Ung, Sivheng, 1951-

Oral history interview with Inés A. Voglar Belgique [Sound Recording 01]

Session 1. This oral history interview with Inés A. Voglar Belgique was conducted by Nancy Dollahite and Sankar Raman on March 21, 2019. The interview was recorded for The Immigrant Story, an organization that documents and archives the stories of immigrants and refugees in the United States.

In this interview, Voglar Belgique discusses her family background and early life in Valencia, Venezuela, including her Slovenian heritage. She speaks at length about studying the violin beginning at age 6, describes the music education system in Venezuela, and talks about earning a degree in chemical engineering. She shares her experiences studying violin at Duquesne University and at Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. She also talks about adjusting to life in the United States. She describes living in Slovenia after her student visa expired, and returning to the U.S. to play with the Pittsburgh Symphony. She then speaks about auditioning for the Oregon Symphony in Portland. She shares her first impressions of Portland, shares her experiences playing with the symphony, and talks about teaching music at Lewis & Clark College and other organizations. She discusses the political and economic situation of Venezuela in 2019, and her involvement with Venezuela's Voice in Oregon, an organization that sends humanitarian aid to Venezuela. She closes the interview by talking about her family and her plans for the future.

Voglar, Inés

Oral history interview with Wilondja D. Mashimango [Sound Recording 01]

Session 1. This oral history interview with Wilondja D. Mashimango was conducted by Julianna Robidoux and Sankar Raman on March 8, 2019. The interview was recorded for The Immigrant Story, an organization that documents and archives the stories of immigrants and refugees in the United States.

In this interview, Mashimango talks about immigrating to the United States in 2015. He discusses his family background in the Democratic Republic of Congo, and his early life in the Nyarugusu refugee camp in Tanzania, including his education, living conditions, and recreational activities. He discusses common cultural beliefs about witchcraft. He talks about adjusting to life in the United States, including learning English; his experience in high school in Portland, particularly playing soccer; and his experience at Portland State University. He closes the interview by sharing his plans for the future, and advice for other immigrants.

Mashimango, Wilondja D. (Wilondja Denis), 1999-

Oral history interview with Milen Gebreamlak [Session 01]

Session 1. This oral history interview with Milen Gebreamlak was conducted by Caitlyn Malik and Sankar Raman on March 4, 2019. The interview was recorded for The Immigrant Story, an organization that documents and archives the stories of immigrants and refugees in the United States.

In this interview, Gebreamlak discusses the reasons that her family fled Eritrea and talks about her early life in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, including her education and social life. She then speaks about the process of receiving refugee status in the United States and about moving to Portland, Oregon, in 2014. She discusses adjusting to life in the U.S., including joining a Bible study group and making friends. She talks about her experience in high school, including being bullied, learning English, and playing soccer. She talks about her family, speaks about her involvement with extracurricular activities, and discusses her educational priorities. She talks about the Women's Empowerment Club at Reynolds High School, which she co-founded, and her involvement with Africa House and the Multnomah County Youth Commission. She talks about learning to say no, about her political ambitions, and about her plans for the future. She closes the interview by sharing advice for people who experience bullying and by talking about her personal philosophy.

Gebreamlak, Milen, 2001-

Oral history interview with Bernal Cruz [Sound Recording 01]

Session 1, Part 1. This oral history interview with Bernal Cruz was conducted by Sankar Raman on February 25, 2019. The interview was recorded for The Immigrant Story, an organization that documents and archives the stories of immigrants and refugees in the United States. Julianna Robidoux was also present.

In this interview, Cruz discusses his family background and early life in Guatemala City, Guatemala, including his father's career in the Guatemalan army; his Mayan heritage and culture; and his education. He shares the history of the civil war in Guatemala and talks about his family's experiences during the war. He describes the reasons his family sought asylum in the United States, and talks about the asylum process. He discusses his experiences in Portland, Oregon, as a Guatemalan immigrant, including his education, his social life, and adjusting to cultural differences. He talks about working as a mediator during high school, about his education in neuropsychology at the University of Massachusetts, and about working as a therapist for Providence in Portland. He then talks about his career change in 2014, after earning a master's degree in community-based social work from Portland State University; about his marriage to Karey B. Lakey; and about his work with unaccompanied minors and immigrant youth for Morrison Child and Family Services. He speaks at length about his volunteer work with organizations assisting refugees, and closes the interview by discussing his experience in Italy as part of Harvard's online refugee trauma and recovery program.

Cruz-Munoz, R. Bernal (Renso Bernal), 1977-

Oral history interview with Bernal Cruz [Sound Recording 02]

Session 1, Part 2. This oral history interview with Bernal Cruz was conducted by Sankar Raman on February 25, 2019. The interview was recorded for The Immigrant Story, an organization that documents and archives the stories of immigrants and refugees in the United States. Julianna Robidoux was also present.

In this interview, Cruz discusses his family background and early life in Guatemala City, Guatemala, including his father's career in the Guatemalan army; his Mayan heritage and culture; and his education. He shares the history of the civil war in Guatemala and talks about his family's experiences during the war. He describes the reasons his family sought asylum in the United States, and talks about the asylum process. He discusses his experiences in Portland, Oregon, as a Guatemalan immigrant, including his education, his social life, and adjusting to cultural differences. He talks about working as a mediator during high school, about his education in neuropsychology at the University of Massachusetts, and about working as a therapist for Providence in Portland. He then talks about his career change in 2014, after earning a master's degree in community-based social work from Portland State University; about his marriage to Karey B. Lakey; and about his work with unaccompanied minors and immigrant youth for Morrison Child and Family Services. He speaks at length about his volunteer work with organizations assisting refugees, and closes the interview by discussing his experience in Italy as part of Harvard's online refugee trauma and recovery program.

Cruz-Munoz, R. Bernal (Renso Bernal), 1977-

Oral history interview with Yamini Rajan [Sound Recording 01]

Session 1. This oral history interview with Yamini Rajan was conducted by Monica Salazar and Sankar Raman on February 20, 2019. The interview was recorded for The Immigrant Story, an organization that documents and archives the stories of immigrants and refugees in the United States.

In this interview, Rajan discusses her family background and early life in Delhi and Bangalore, India, including Diwali celebrations and being bullied at school. She talks about immigrating to the United States in 2012 and adjusting to life in Portland, Oregon, particularly at school. She discusses her social life and her family life. She speaks at length about her mental health during her teenage years, including a suicide attempt. She talks about her experience in high school, including her interest in art and making new friends. She discusses her college plans, and talks about doing public speaking about her mental health with ASHA International, A Source of Hope for All. She closes the interview by talking about her plans for the future.

Rajan, Yamini, 2001-

Oral history interview with Randall Dunn [Transcript]

Transcript. This oral history interview with Randall Dunn was conducted by Greta Smith Wisnewski at the Bankruptcy Court building in Portland, Oregon, in seven sessions from September 18, 2018, to February 8, 2019. At the time of the interview, Wisnewski's name was Greta K. Smith.

In the first interview session, conducted on September 17, 2018, Dunn discusses his family background and early life in Crown Point, Indiana, including Indiana politics and his education, particularly the experience of taking high school classes from his mother. He also talks about playing clarinet and his interest in music. He then discusses his experience at Northwestern University in Evanston, Illinois, including the house he lived in, his roommates, and continuing to play music.

In the second interview session, conducted on October 22, 2018, Dunn continues discussing his family background and his experience at Northwestern University, including working in an oil refinery during the summers. He then talks about his experience at Stanford Law School, including his impressions of the West Coast, some of his professors, and working on the law review. He also talks about his later work as editor-in-chief of the Oregon Debtor-Creditor Newsletter. He discusses playing clarinet in the Stanford orchestra, where he met his wife, Laurie.

In the third interview session, conducted on November 19, 2018, Dunn continues discussing his experience at Stanford Law School, including working as a law clerk in Indiana during the summers. He also continues discussing his relationship with, and later marriage to, Laurie. He then talks about practicing antitrust law at Berman and Giauque in Salt Lake City, Utah, and then bankruptcy law at Copeland, Landye, Bennet, and Wolf in Portland, Oregon. He describes the workplace culture in both places and some of the cases he worked on. He talks about playing clarinet in the Salem Symphony and the Portland Opera orchestra.

In the fourth interview session, conducted on December 28, 2018, Dunn continues to discuss practicing bankruptcy law at Copeland, Landye, Bennet, and Wolf in Portland, and describes some of the cases he worked on. He then talks about Oregon bankruptcy law, the procedures of the Oregon bankruptcy court, and the bankruptcy court staff, including judges and law clerks. He also discusses working as editor of the Oregon Debtor-Creditor Newsletter and other bankruptcy court-related publications. He further discusses playing clarinet in the Portland Opera orchestra.

In the fifth interview session, conducted on January 11, 2019, Dunn discusses the lawyer job market in Portland. He then continues talking about bankruptcy law, particularly the changes to the law made in 2005. He talks about his service as a bankruptcy judge beginning in 1998, including the application process, his fellow judges, and learning how to be a judge. He also talks about decorating his office at the bankruptcy courthouse in Portland, about his law clerks, and about scheduling cases.

In the sixth interview session, conducted on January 25, 2019, Dunn continues discussing his service as a bankruptcy judge beginning in 1998, including some of the cases he heard and his judicial philosophy. He also talks about his service on the Bankruptcy Appellate Panel beginning in 2006, including his fellow panelists and some of the cases he heard.

In the seventh and final interview session, conducted on February 8, 2019, Dunn continues discussing his service on the Bankruptcy Appellate Panel beginning in 2006, including some of the cases he heard. He also talks about his involvement with the National Conference of Bankruptcy Judges and awards he received. He discusses the importance of bankruptcy laws, reflects on his accomplishments, and talks about his retirement activities. He closes the interview by discussing the science program for the Ninth Circuit Executive Committee.

Dunn, Randall L. (Randall Lawson), 1950-

Oral history interview with Farhia Ibrahim [Sound Recording 01]

Session 1. This oral history interview with Farhia Ibrahim was conducted by Shea Seery and Sankar Raman on February 2, 2019. The interview was recorded for The Immigrant Story, an organization that documents and archives the stories of immigrants and refugees in the United States.

In this interview, Ibrahim discusses her early life in Somalia and in Egypt and speaks about her family's reasons for relocating to Egypt. She talks about life in Cairo, Egypt, and discusses her education, including learning Arabic, bullying she experienced, and transferring to a madrassa. She also talks about experiencing street harassment in Cairo. She shares her memories of the Arab Spring, talks about the process of applying for refugee status in the United States, and describes her living conditions in Egypt. She then discusses adjusting to life in the U.S., her experiences at an American high school, and learning English. She speaks about harassment she experienced for wearing a hijab. She then talks about studying at Portland Community College, about her experiences studying at Portland State University, and about the ethnic diversity of the student body. She closes the interview by sharing her plans for the future, by further describing instances of harassment she experienced for wearing a hijab, and by talking about her interest in photography.

Ibrahim, Farhia, 1995-

Oral history interview with Isaka Shamsud-Din [Transcript]

Transcript. This oral history interview with Isaka Shamsud-Din was conducted by Milo Reed and P.C. Peri from December 7, 2018, to January 25, 2019. Isaka Shamsud-Din was nominated by Oregonians to be interviewed as part of a program by the Oregon Historical Society Research Library to enhance and expand the range of voices in the library's collections. Interviewees are selected from the pool of nominees by a staff committee appointed by the historical society's executive director. The interview was conducted in three sessions.

In the first interview session, conducted on December 7, 2018, Shamsud-Din discusses his family background and early life on a farm in Atlanta, Texas. He talks about his life in Vanport, Oregon, from 1947 until the 1948 flood that destroyed Vanport. He shares his experiences studying art at the University of Kansas and at the Museum Art School in Portland, Oregon, while a teenager; and talks about the reasons he considered dropping out of high school, including racism he experienced and the focus of public school curriculum on white culture and history. He also shares his reasons for changing his name to Isaka Shamsud-Din. He talks about hitchhiking to San Francisco, California, after high school.

In the second interview session, conducted on January 18, 2019, Shamsud-Din discusses studying art at Portland State University and painting his first murals. He speaks at length about his involvement with the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee in Arkansas during the civil rights movement. He talks about living in San Francisco from 1966 to 1967 and about his involvement with the Black arts community there; about living in Anchorage, Alaska; and about returning to Portland to teach at PSU. He discusses serving as artist-in-residence at several educational institutions during the 1970s, including Reed College; talks about his work with the Albina Mural Project; and shares his experiences of not being paid adequately for his work. He talks about the status of the Black community in Portland.

In the third and final interview session, conducted on January 25, 2019, Shamsud-Din discusses his role in starting Black studies courses at San Francisco State University and at PSU, and shares his thoughts on the value of such programs. He talks about his involvement with the Nation of Islam, about his reasons for leaving the organization in 1976, and about his identity as a Black Muslim. He also speaks further about his reasons for changing his name. He discusses his painting process and his work as an editorial cartoonist, and talks about vandalism of some of his murals in Portland. He closes the interview by talking about the lives of his siblings, about the patronage of Arlene Schnitzer and Harold Schnitzer for his art, and about the many jobs he worked over his life.

Shamsud-Din, Isaka, 1940-

Oral history interview with Sarah Rikaz [Sound Recording 01]

Session 1. This oral history interview with Sarah Rikaz was conducted by Sankar Raman on January 11, 2019. The interview was recorded for The Immigrant Story, an organization that documents and archives the stories of immigrants and refugees in the United States. Rikaz Thaha and an unidentified man were also present and contributed to the interview.

In this interview, Rikaz discusses her family background and early life in Colombo, Sri Lanka, and shares her memories of the civil war in Sri Lanka. She talks about her cultural and ethnic identity, about her education, and about her early interest in art. She speaks about studying graphic design online through the Institute of Business Management, about her career in graphic design in Sri Lanka, and about the 2004 tsunami. She discusses her marriage to Rikaz Thaha in 2008, and immigrating to the United States in 2010. Rikaz Thaha talks about his career and about the immigration process. Sarah Rikaz talks about adjusting to life in the U.S., about working and raising a family in the Portland, Oregon, area, and about her career as an artist. She closes the interview by discussing her plans for the future.

Rikaz, Sarah, 1985-

Oral history interview with Baher Butti [Session 01]

Session 1. This oral history interview with Baher Butti was conducted by Sankar Raman on January 10, 2019. The interview was recorded for The Immigrant Story, an organization that documents and archives the stories of immigrants and refugees in the United States. In this interview, Butti discusses his early life in Baghdad, Iraq, talks about his family's history of political activism, and describes his experiences during the 1980 Iran-Iraq War. He speaks about life under the authoritarian governments in Iraq, particularly the Saddam Hussein regime. He also talks about practicing as a psychiatrist in Iraq. He describes his experiences during the U.S. invasion of Iraq in 2003, and talks about the series of events that led to an assassination threat against him. He discusses the process of leaving Iraq and immigrating to the United States with his family. He talks about his life in Oregon, including his career, organizations he founded, and his work with refugees. He discusses the historical religious diversity of Iraqis. He closes the interview by talking about the process of applying for asylum in the United States and sharing his hopes for the future.

Butti, Baher, 1961-

Oral history interview with Ruby Chen [Sound Recording 01]

Session 1, Part 1. This oral history interview with Ruby Chen was conducted by Jessica Pollard and Sankar Raman on January 8, 2019. A woman identified only as Nancy was also present and occasionally contributed to the interview questions. The interview was recorded for The Immigrant Story, an organization that documents and archives the stories of immigrants and refugees in the United States.

In this interview, Chen discusses her family background and early life in Taipei, Taiwan, and talks about her early violin lessons and participation in music competitions. She speaks about moving with her family to Toronto, Canada, including adjusting to life in Canada, her education, and participating in music competitions. She also talks about the origins of her English name, Ruby. She discusses studying violin at the Eastman School of Music in Rochester, New York, and talks about making friends, adjusting to life in the United States, and living away from her family. She then briefly talks about studying violin at the Yale School of Music and playing in a string quartet. She also shares an anecdote about working with Josh Groban and with Celtic Thunder while a student at Eastman. She describes the process of auditioning for symphonies, and discusses her career as a violinist for the Oregon Symphony. She talks about teaching violin, about how Taiwan has changed since she left, and about her life in Portland, Oregon. She closes the interview by discussing her activities outside of her career with the symphony, talking about her cultural identity, and sharing advice for aspiring musicians.

Chen, Ruby, 1985-

Oral history interview with Ruby Chen [Sound Recording 02]

Session 1, Part 2. This oral history interview with Ruby Chen was conducted by Jessica Pollard and Sankar Raman on January 8, 2019. A woman identified only as Nancy was also present and occasionally contributed to the interview questions. The interview was recorded for The Immigrant Story, an organization that documents and archives the stories of immigrants and refugees in the United States.

In this interview, Chen discusses her family background and early life in Taipei, Taiwan, and talks about her early violin lessons and participation in music competitions. She speaks about moving with her family to Toronto, Canada, including adjusting to life in Canada, her education, and participating in music competitions. She also talks about the origins of her English name, Ruby. She discusses studying violin at the Eastman School of Music in Rochester, New York, and talks about making friends, adjusting to life in the United States, and living away from her family. She then briefly talks about studying violin at the Yale School of Music and playing in a string quartet. She also shares an anecdote about working with Josh Groban and with Celtic Thunder while a student at Eastman. She describes the process of auditioning for symphonies, and discusses her career as a violinist for the Oregon Symphony. She talks about teaching violin, about how Taiwan has changed since she left, and about her life in Portland, Oregon. She closes the interview by discussing her activities outside of her career with the symphony, talking about her cultural identity, and sharing advice for aspiring musicians.

Chen, Ruby, 1985-

Oral history interview with Hatidza Polovina [Sound Recording 01]

Session 1, Part 1. This oral history interview with Hatidza Polovina was conducted by Elizabeth Mehren and Sankar Raman on January 7, 2019. The interview was recorded for The Immigrant Story, an organization that documents and archives the stories of immigrants and refugees in the United States. Abdulah Polovina was also present.

In this interview, Hatzida Polovina discusses her marriage to Abdulah Polovina and her experiences as a Muslim in Bosnia during the Yugoslav Wars. She talks about her early life in Bosnia, including her education, and practicing Islam in a communist country. She describes the atrocities committed against Bosnian Muslims during the war, including her father and older brother, and talks about escaping to and living in Austria. She then describes returning to Sarajevo to marry Abdulah Polovina, and talks about making a life in the middle of a war zone. She speaks about her Islamic faith. She then talks about emigrating to the United States and about adjusting to life in Seattle, Washington, and in Portland, Oregon. Polovina and Mehren discuss the reasons behind the many genocides around the world in recent decades. She speaks further about her education at a madrassa in Sarajevo. Polovina closes the interview by talking about social conditions in Bosnia at the time of the interview.

Polovina, Hatidza, 1974-

Oral history interview with Abdulah Polovina [Sound Recording 01]

Session 1. This oral history interview with Abdulah Polovina was conducted by Elizabeth Mehren and Sankar Raman on January 7, 2019. The interview was recorded for The Immigrant Story, an organization that documents and archives the stories of immigrants and refugees in the United States.

In this interview, Polvina discusses his experiences as a Muslim in Bosnia during the Yugoslav Wars. He talks about the history of Muslims, and of genocide against Muslims, in the region, and about politics in Yugoslavia leading up to the wars. He speaks at length about his Islamic faith, about his early life and education in Bosnia, and about changing his name to Abdulah. He talks about his marriage to his wife, Hatidza, about being separated while he served in the war, and about his reasons for leaving Bosnia for Seattle, Washington, in 2001. He talks about his experience as the first Muslim student at Seattle University's School of Theology and Ministry, and about his experience serving as imam at a mosque in Portland, Oregon. He closes the interview by talking about the Portland Muslim community, and reflecting on the experiences of Bosnian Muslims during the war.

Polovina, Abdulah, 1973-

Oral history interview with Hatidza Polovina [Sound Recording 02]

Session 1, Part 2. This oral history interview with Hatidza Polovina was conducted by Elizabeth Mehren and Sankar Raman on January 7, 2019. The interview was recorded for The Immigrant Story, an organization that documents and archives the stories of immigrants and refugees in the United States. Abdulah Polovina was also present.

In this interview, Hatzida Polovina discusses her marriage to Abdulah Polovina and her experiences as a Muslim in Bosnia during the Yugoslav Wars. She talks about her early life in Bosnia, including her education, and practicing Islam in a communist country. She describes the atrocities committed against Bosnian Muslims during the war, including her father and older brother, and talks about escaping to and living in Austria. She then describes returning to Sarajevo to marry Abdulah Polovina, and talks about making a life in the middle of a war zone. She speaks about her Islamic faith. She then talks about emigrating to the United States and about adjusting to life in Seattle, Washington, and in Portland, Oregon. Polovina and Mehren discuss the reasons behind the many genocides around the world in recent decades. She speaks further about her education at a madrassa in Sarajevo. Polovina closes the interview by talking about social conditions in Bosnia at the time of the interview.

Polovina, Hatidza, 1974-

Oral history interview with Irakoze Diane [Sound Recording 01]

Session 1. This oral history interview with Irakoze Diane was conducted by Sankar Raman on December 14, 2018. The interview was recorded for The Immigrant Story, an organization that documents and archives the stories of immigrants and refugees in the United States. Julianna Robidoux was also present.

In this interview, Irakoze Diane discusses her family background in Burundi, and the reasons her parents came to the Democratic Republic of Congo, then the reasons her family fled to Tanzania shortly after her birth. She speaks about her early life in a refugee camp in Kigoma, Tanzania, including living conditions, her education, and daily life. She describes the process of applying for refugee status in the United States. She also talks about the death of her sister in 2010, and how that experience influenced her choice of college major. She discusses traveling to the United States in 2007 and settling in Milwaukie, Oregon. She talks about adjusting to life in the U.S., including learning English and trying to fit in. She speaks about her education in public schools and her involvement in various extracurricular activities. She discusses her decision to attend Portland State University and talks about her college experience. She closes the interview by talking about her family and her plans for the future, and shares advice for other immigrants.

Irakoze Diane, 1995-

Oral history interview with Joyce Braden Harris [Transcript]

Transcript. This oral history interview with Joyce Braden Harris was conducted by Jan Dilg at Education Northwest in Portland, Oregon, from November 19 to December 12, 2018. Joyce Braden Harris was nominated by Oregonians as part of a program by the Oregon Historical Society Research Library to enhance and expand the range of voices in the library's collections. Interviewees are selected from the pool of nominees by a staff committee appointed by the historical society's executive director. The interview was conducted in three sessions. In the first interview session, conducted on November 19, 2018, Harris discusses her family background and early life with her grandmother in the Harlem neighborhood of New York City, and then with her parents and siblings in Madrid, Spain. She discusses her experiences as the only member of her family to speak Spanish and as the only black person in her class. She also describes growing up in Harlem and its community. She discusses her education in New York, including a teacher strike in 1968; starting a black literature class; racism that she, her teachers, and other students faced; and her early activism and leadership roles. She also talks about the Vietnam War, particularly its effect on two of her brothers, who served in the Air Force during that time. She discusses her experiences at Reed College in Portland, Oregon, including how she chose that school. She also speaks about her and her brothers’ experiences with police. She talks about events that shaped her political outlook, including the assassination of Martin Luther King, Jr.; her love of mystery novels by black women authors; and people who have influenced her. She discusses some of the awards she has received, her involvement in annual Kwanzaa celebrations, and her work as an educator. In the second interview session, conducted on December 3, 2018, Harris discusses her experiences at Reed College in Portland, including her efforts to make the curriculum less Eurocentric. She talks about her involvement with Ron Herndon and the black community in Portland; racism she experienced and witnessed; and her involvement with the Black Student Union. She describes the origins of the Black Educational Center, which provided free summer education to black youth and became a full-time private school in 1974. She also talks about continuing her studies at Portland State University. She speaks at length about her work as an educator, including designing lessons for her students, working with parents, and taking her students on field trips to meet public figures. She then discusses working at the Talking Drum bookstore and her involvement in Portland Kwanzaa celebrations. She speaks at length about working with Portland Public Schools to improve the educational environment, particularly for black students. She talks about working with the Northwest Regional Education Laboratory beginning in 1992. She closes the session by discussing her family life. In the third session, conducted on December 12, 2018, Harris discusses the work of the Black United Front towards providing quality, non-racist education. She also talks about her involvement with the BUF. She talks about the presence of police in schools, the rise of charter schools, and organizing black college fairs. She discusses her involvement with the Albina Ministerial Alliance Coalition for Justice and Police Reform, including the coalition’s efforts toward a federal investigation of police violence in Portland. She also outlines a brief history of police killings of black people in Portland and describes some of the memorials she attended. She then describes organizing a welcoming committee and other volunteer efforts for New Orleans evacuees in the wake of Hurricane Katrina. She also shares the story of arranging a funeral for a baby, who was found in a dumpster, and whom she named Baby Precious. She closes the interview by talking about some of the awards and other recognition she has received, and her plans for the future.

Harris, Joyce Braden, 1951-

Oral history interview with Peter Magai Bul [Session 01, Recording 01]

Session 1, Part 1. This oral history interview with Peter Magai Bul was conducted by Nancy E. Dollahite and Sankar Raman on November 26, 2018. The interview was recorded for The Immigrant Story, an organization that documents and archives the stories of immigrants and refugees in the United States. Tim O'Brien was also present.

In this interview, Bul discusses his early life in Sudan as a member of the Dinka tribe. He speaks about tending cattle, about his childhood activities, and about Dinka culture. He talks about the Second Sudanese Civil War and the attack on Wangulei village in 1988. He describes fleeing by foot to Ethiopia; talks about life as one of many displaced children, known as the Lost Boys and Girls of Sudan, in a refugee camp in Dima; and speaks about training as a child soldier. He then describes fleeing to Kenya during the Ethiopian Civil War. He talks about life in the Kakuma refugee camp in Kenya, including attending school for the first time; discusses the process of earning refugee status to the United States in 2001; and describes his journey to Chicago, Illinois. He talks about adjusting to life in Chicago, about attending Truman College and Northeastern Illinois University, and about helping to build a school in Wangulei. He closes the interview by discussing his plans for the future.

Bul, Peter Magai, 1982?-

Oral history interview with Peter Magai Bul [Session 01, Recording 02]

Session 1, Part 2. This oral history interview with Peter Magai Bul was conducted by Nancy E. Dollahite and Sankar Raman on November 26, 2018. The interview was recorded for The Immigrant Story, an organization that documents and archives the stories of immigrants and refugees in the United States. Tim O'Brien was also present.

In this interview, Bul discusses his early life in Sudan as a member of the Dinka tribe. He speaks about tending cattle, about his childhood activities, and about Dinka culture. He talks about the Second Sudanese Civil War and the attack on Wangulei village in 1988. He describes fleeing by foot to Ethiopia; talks about life as one of many displaced children, known as the Lost Boys and Girls of Sudan, in a refugee camp in Dima; and speaks about training as a child soldier. He then describes fleeing to Kenya during the Ethiopian Civil War. He talks about life in the Kakuma refugee camp in Kenya, including attending school for the first time; discusses the process of earning refugee status to the United States in 2001; and describes his journey to Chicago, Illinois. He talks about adjusting to life in Chicago, about attending Truman College and Northeastern Illinois University, and about helping to build a school in Wangulei. He closes the interview by discussing his plans for the future.

Bul, Peter Magai, 1982?-

Oral history interview with Mohammed Husson Ali [Session 02]

Session 2. In the second interview session, conducted on November 20, 2018, Mohammed Husson Ali revisits the topics covered in the first session and adds additional details. He closes the interview by talking about the current legal status of the Rohingya people and shares his hope that the United States could help resolve the situation.

Mohammed Husson Ali, 1951-

Oral history interview with Bill Curtin [Transcript]

Transcript. This oral history interview with Bill Curtin was conducted by Greta K. Smith at Curtin's home in Portland, Oregon, from September 24 to November 16, 2018. Bill Curtin was nominated by Oregonians to be interviewed as part of a program by the Oregon Historical Society Research Library to enhance and expand the range of voices in the library's collections. Interviewees are selected from the pool of nominees by a staff committee appointed by the historical society's executive director. The interview was conducted in four sessions. In the first interview session, conducted on September 24, 2018, Curtin discusses his family history and early life in the Laurelhurst neighborhood of Portland, including his Irish-Catholic heritage and discrimination his family faced as a result. He speaks at length about his father, Victor Aloysius Curtin, and his father's career as a police officer in the Portland Police Bureau and involvement with Portland's black community. He discusses his early interest in joining the Catholic priesthood. He then talks about his education at St. Edward Seminary in Kenmore, Washington, including the changes in the Catholic Church after World War II, some of his professors and fellow students, and his interest in social justice issues. He also talks about community service he did during seminary; shares his memories of Vietnam War protests; and discusses how the issue of birth control affected the church. In the second interview session, conducted on October 12, 2018, Curtin revisits the topic of his father's career as a police officer in the Portland Police Bureau. He talks about his reasons for joining the Catholic priesthood; briefly discusses his involvement in Vietnam War protests; and speaks about his experiences as a priest at St. Charles Church in Portland, including his involvement with Adams High School and going on ride-alongs with the Portland Police Bureau. He then discusses his service as a priest at Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church in the Albina neighborhood of Portland, including his involvement with Portland's black community, his role with the school at Immaculate Heart, and providing pastoral care to patients at Legacy Emanuel Hospital. He also talks about funding the church's programs, as well as the arrest of priest Tom Laughlin for child molestation. In the third interview session, conducted on October 29, 2018, Curtin continues discussing his service as a priest at Immaculate Heart, including his involvement with Portland's black community, his role with the school at Immaculate Heart, and the church's relationship with the Portland Police Bureau. He talks about the effect the Legacy Emanuel Hospital expansion project had on the Albina neighborhood and community; discusses his involvement with the Model Cities program; and talks about his work with the Albina Fair Share program. He also speaks about his father's involvement with addiction recovery programs. He then discusses his decision to leave the priesthood in 1981. In the fourth and final interview session, conducted on November 16, 2018, Curtin revisits the topic of his work with Albina Fair Share. He also talks about his work towards utility rate reform with Oregon Fair Share. He discusses the relationship between the Portland Police Bureau and the Portland black community; talks about his friendship with Penny Harrington, the first woman police chief in Portland; and speaks about his involvement with Central City Concern and talks about its roots in detoxification programs. He talks about taking his parishioners camping and on other nature excursions. He then revisits the topic of leaving the priesthood in 1981, describing his transition to secular life. He talks about working in security at Reed College and then Lewis and Clark College; discusses his marriage to Liddy Krier, and talks about her children, their families, and their careers; and talks about his activities since retiring in 2006. He reflects on his relationship with Portland's black community and on racism he observed, and shares his thoughts on prison and police reform. He closes the interview by discussing current politics and talking about his own role in politics with both Albina Fair Share and Oregon Fair Share.

Curtin, Bill (William Craib), 1942-

Oral history interview with Mohammed Husson Ali [Session 01, Recording 02]

Session 1, Part 2. In the first interview session, on September 25, 2018, Mohammed Husson Ali discusses his early life in the farming village of Myo Thu Gyi in Burma, also known as Myanmar. He talks about his education and his early career as a teacher. He discusses the political changes in Burma during the 1960s and 1970s, then shares his experience of fleeing with his family to Bangladesh during Operation Dragon King, during which the government of Burma expelled many Rohingya. He talks about returning to Burma; about working for the World Food Organization and with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees during the 1980s and 1990s; and about ongoing political changes during this time period. He describes the slow erosion of Rohingya rights beginning in the 1990s, including the systematic displacement of Rohingya people for Buddhist settlers. He talks about his flight to Bangladesh in 2008, about his recovery from a heart attack while in Malaysia, and about his arrival as a refugee in Portland, Oregon, in 2011. He speaks at length about the ongoing genocide of the Rohingya people, and also talks about the living conditions of his family still in Bangladesh.

Mohammed Husson Ali, 1951-

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