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Oral history interview with Irakoze Diane

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

This oral history interview with Joyce Braden Harris was conducted by Jan Dilg at Education Northwest in Portland, Oregon, in three sessions from November 19 to December 12, 2018. Harris 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.

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 LeRoy Haynes, Jr.

This oral history interview with the Rev. Dr. LeRoy Haynes, Jr., was conducted by Jan Dilg at Haynes' office in Portland, Oregon, from October 8 to December 5, 2018. Haynes 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 October 8, 2018, Haynes discusses his family background and early life in Beaumont, Texas, including his experiences with racism and segregation as a black person. He talks about the black community in Beaumont, his early education, and his early involvement with the Methodist Episcopal Church. He discusses his involvement in the civil rights movement, including his training for and participation in non-violent protests. He then talks about his involvement in the Black Power Movement and the Black Consciousness Movement. He discusses his role in the development of the Black Panther Party; talks about the history of the struggle for freedom for black people; and discusses his experience in college while organizing for civil rights. He talks about his journey in becoming a Methodist Episcopal pastor and briefly discusses his experience at the Perkins School of Theology at Southern Methodist University in Dallas.

In the second interview session, conducted on October 29, 2018, Haynes continues discussing his journey in becoming a Methodist Episcopal pastor and his experience at the Perkins School of Theology. He also talks about the history of the African Methodist Episcopal Church. He discusses his career as a pastor in Texas; talks about navigating the conservative attitudes in Dallas to accomplish his goals; and describes his accomplishments. He goes on to speak about his involvement with the Albina Ministerial Alliance in Portland, Oregon. He discusses his work, in both Oregon and Texas, for programs regarding AIDS and HIV, as well as addiction. He then briefly talks about serving as president of the North Portland Bible College. He discusses his love of education and talks about earning his doctorate of ministry from Brite Theological Seminary and doing post-doctoral work at the Boston University. He describes being recruited to serve as pastor of Allen Temple Christian Methodist Episcopal Church in Portland, and as presiding elder of the Alaska & Oregon/Washington Districts and in the Alaska-Pacific Region of the 9th Episcopal District. He shares his first impression of Portland and describes his congregation and the church building. He revisits the topic of his involvement in the Albina Ministerial Alliance and talks about his work toward police reform.

In the third interview session, conducted on December 5, 2018, Haynes discusses serving as president of the North Portland Bible College. He talks about his involvement with the Ecumenical Ministries of Oregon and his continued activism. He reflects on the challenges he faced as a civil rights activist, and how he applied the lessons he learned during that time to his community activism in Portland. He also talks about the different forms that racism takes, particularly describing the difference between his experiences in Texas and Oregon. He discusses his book, "God's Prophet in Non-Violence: The Theology and Philosophy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.," and talks about what he hopes readers take from it. He closes the interview by talking about his work with the Allen Temple Christian Methodist Episcopal Church at the time of the interview, awards he's received, and his hopes for the future.

Haynes, LeRoy, Jr., 1949-

Oral history interview with Olive Bukuru

This oral history interview with Olive Bukuru was conducted by Sankar Raman on December 4, 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. Monica Salazar was also present and occasionally contributed interview questions.

In this interview, Bukuru discusses her family background, describes the reasons her family fled Burundi in 1996, and talks about the family's journey to Tanzania, where they settled in the Nduta Refugee Camp. She discusses her early life in the refugee camp, including her education, living conditions in the camp, and her recreational activities. She describes the process of resettling in the United States and talks about adjusting to life in Newberg, then Beaverton and Hillsboro, Oregon. She discusses her education in Beaverton and Hillsboro, including learning English, experiencing racism, and taking advanced placement classes. She also talks about giving a speech at her high school graduation. She then discusses her experience at Portland State University, particularly her experience studying abroad in Tanzania. She talks about raising money to help Burundian students pursue education and describes her plans to start a nonprofit organization for that purpose. She closes the interview by talking about her plans for the future, her motivation to succeed, and health resources available to the African immigrant community.

Bukuru, Olive, 1996-

Oral history interview with Peter Magai Bul

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

This oral history interview with Mohammed Husson Ali was conducted by Elizabeth Mehren and Sankar Raman from September 25 to November 20, 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. The interview was conducted in two sessions.

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.

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

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-

Video tour of Isaka Shamsud-Din's art studio

  • SR 1760
  • Collection
  • 2018-10-03

This video tour of Isaka Shamsud-Din's art studio in Portland, Oregon, was conducted on October 3, 2018. The tour was recorded by P. C. Peri, and Milo Reed was also present. Shamsud-Din shows some of his paintings, drawings, and murals, and talks about the inspiration for and meaning behind each work.

Shamsud-Din, Isaka, 1940-

Oral history interview with Lori Stegmann

This oral history interview with Lori Stegmann was conducted by Sankar Raman and Alia Burck on September 7, 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. In this interview, Stegmann discusses her adoption in 1960 from South Korea through Holt International. She describes her early life in Lincoln City and in Gresham, Oregon, including encountering racism at a young age, her family life, and her early education. She talks about attending high school reunions, her involvement with school stage productions, and her early role models. She also talks about the lack of Asian representation in Western media. She discusses the career path that led her to become a member of the Gresham City Council, including working as an insurance agent. She talks about her decision to change her party affiliation from Republican to Democratic in 2018 and the rise of overt racism in the Republican Party since the 2016 election. She talks about her daughter, her adoptive family, and her connection to the Asian and Pacific Islander communities in east Multnomah County. She also talks about a trip she took to South Korea in 2017. She closes the interview by discussing her experience being a person of color raised by a white family, and her interest in Korean culture.

Stegmann, Lori, 1960-

Oral history interview with Ramazan Yiğit

This oral history interview with Ramazan Yiğit was conducted by Jessica Pollard on August 30, 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.

In this interview, Yiğit discusses his family background and early life in Karagoz, Turkey, including his education and herding sheep. He speaks at length about the use of corporal punishment in Turkish schools. He talks about his experiences as a Kurd studying international relations at Gazi University. He describes the increase in anti-Kurdish bigotry leading up to the failed military coup in 2016, and his involvement in Kurdish rights organizations. He talks about participating in an English language program that allowed him to spend a summer in the United States and shares his experiences working in Glacier National Park in Montana. He shares his thoughts about the 2016 attempted coup, talks about the arrests of Kurdish activists in its wake, and shares his reasons for applying for asylum in the U.S. He talks about living and working in Portland, Oregon, while awaiting approval of his asylum application. He discusses his plans to become a clown, and closes the interview by talking about his plans for the future and about adjusting to life in a capitalist economy.

Yiğit, Ramazan, 1994-

Oral history interview with Brenda Neri-Wong

This oral history interview with Brenda Neri-Wong was conducted by Sankar Raman and Briana Ybanez on August 22, 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. In this interview, Neri-Wong discusses her family background and the blood disorder that spurred her parents to bring her to the United States in 1995. Neri-Wong continues discussing her family background, particularly her connection to her Chinese heritage, her family's financial situation in Mexico, and their journey to the United States. She talks about moving to Oregon, her education, and learning English as a second language. She also speaks about trying to fit in and make friends, and about her plans to become a teacher. She shares her experience as an undocumented immigrant, the constant anxiety it has caused, and the barriers it placed before her. She discusses attending Portland Community College and transferring to Portland State University, including paying for college and learning to navigate the higher education system as an undocumented immigrant. She then talks about her current job as a graduation coach in the Hillsboro School District. She discusses her status as a recipient of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program, which provides legal protections for some undocumented immigrants brought to the U.S. as children. She talks about her hopes for the future. She closes the interview by talking about the political climate at the time of the interview in 2018, her experience with white privilege, and working toward systemic change.

Neri-Wong, Brenda J., 1993-

Oral history interview with Zsuzsanna Vamos

This oral history interview with Zsuszanna Vamos was conducted by Sankar Raman and Briana Ybanez on August 20, 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. In this interview, Vamos discusses her family background and early life in Budapest, Hungary, including conditions under the Communist government, her education, and listening to American radio as a teenager. She talks about her interest in chemistry and her admiration for Marie Curie, as well as her experiences attending Semmelweis University to study pharmacology. She discusses her marriage to Istvan Adany and his career, and she talks about her career in biomedical research and frustration at her inability to do the research she wanted. She then talks about applying for jobs in other countries, which led to a job offer from Kansas University Medical Center. She describes the process of immigrating to the United States and adjusting to life afterward. She talks about her children, their careers, and their families. She discusses getting her green card in 1997, Istvan Adany's career in the U.S., and their move to Hillsboro, Oregon. She closes the interview by talking about her work as an artist, her thoughts on the American Dream, and her reaction to the treatment of refugees at the time of the interview in 2018.

Vamos, Zsuzsanna, 1953-

Oral history interview with Margaret Butler

This oral history interview with Margaret Butler was conducted by Madeline Bisgyer at Butler's home from June 4 to August 17, 2018. The interview was conducted as part of the Oregon Labor Oral History Program, which collects oral histories of individuals who have advocated for working people of Oregon, including public figures, union members, and workers. The interview was conducted in eight sessions.

In the first interview session, conducted on June 4, 2018, Butler discusses her family background and early life in Portland, Oregon, including her mother as a role model, her relationship with her twin sister, Gillian, and her family's political views. She talks about her experiences at Lewis & Clark College, including life in the dorms and studying history. She speaks about how she got involved in labor organizing while working at a library, and talks about the people she worked with. She also describes studying abroad in Kenya and how her experiences there affected her political beliefs. She discusses her involvement in other organizations, including a tenants union, and talks about working for Pacific Northwest Bell after college. She looks at photographs and talks about them.

In the second interview session, conducted on June 11, 2018, Butler continues to discuss working as a telephone operator, including her job duties, people she worked with, and the break-up of the Pacific Bell telephone company. She discusses her involvement with the Communications Workers of America Local 7901, participating in a strike in 1983, and working with CWA National Organizing Director Larry Cohen. She speaks at length about her involvement with the CWA, including her election as vice president of the union in 1990. She also talks about her work to form the Portland coalition of Jobs with Justice, and about her relationship with Rich Peppers.

In the third interview session, conducted on June 26, 2018, Butler continues to discuss her involvement with the CWA and her service as vice president of the union. She speaks further about her work to form the Portland coalition of Jobs with Justice, and describes several union organizing campaigns she worked on through JwJ during the 1990s, including a living wage campaign and supporting striking United Food and Commercial Workers members. She talks about her marriage to Rich Peppers, and about balancing home life and their careers.

In the fourth interview session, conducted on July 5, 2018, Butler continues to discuss her work with Jobs with Justice and talks about her service as executive director. She looks at photographs of her union organizing activities and talks about them. She describes several actions of JwJ during the 1990s, including supporting striking Kaiser employees, lobbying for corporate tax reforms, and a living wage campaign. She talks about the work of the Portland Workers Rights Board, particularly the campaign to organize workers at Powell's Books. She reflects on JwJ's accomplishments during her time as executive director, and talks about conflicts with other organizations.

In the fifth interview session, conducted on July 10, 2018, Butler looks at and talks about photographs from several JwJ actions, including at Powell's Books, at the Parry Center, and at Providence hospital. She discusses the work of JwJ after the 2008 financial crisis, talks about photographs of those activities, and discusses JwJ's work on immigrant rights. She describes their fundraising Grinch parties, which are now called Scrooge parties, talks about conflicts between labor organizations, and shares her reasons for retiring in 2013. She talks about conflicts within JwJ after she left, and shares her thoughts about the future of the labor movement.

In the sixth interview session, conducted on July 19, 2018, Butler speaks further about her retirement from JwJ, and speaks at length about her work as a contractor with the American Association of University Professors. She talks about the history and mission of the AAUP, about the people she worked with, and about AAUP by-laws and policies. She also talks about organizing AAUP chapters, particularly at Portland State University. She speaks about becoming AAUP's executive director, and shares her reasons for leaving the AAUP.

In the seventh interview session, conducted on July 31, 2018, Butler discusses her retirement from the AAUP. She then talks about her activities since leaving the AAUP and about her plans for the future. She talks about her anti-racism work, reflects on her accomplishments during her career in labor organizing, and talks about the challenges she faced in her work. She also describes her idea of an "ideal" union, and talks about recent labor organizing efforts in Oregon.

In the eighth and final interview session, conducted on August 17, 2018, Rich Peppers, Jamie Partridge, and Lorene Scheer participated along with Butler. They each talk about their labor organizing backgrounds. They have a conversation about their work together as labor organizers with Jobs with Justice, describe several JwJ actions, and talk about lobbying the Oregon Legislature. They close the discussion by talking about JwJ's work related to civil rights, and about the future of the labor movement.

Butler, Margaret (labor leader)

Oral history interview with Farooq Hassan

This oral history interview with Farooq Hassan was conducted by Sankar Raman on August 10, 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. In this interview, Hassan discusses his early life in Basra, Iraq, including the history and culture of Iraq before 1958, and his early art education. He then talks about studying art at universities in Baghdad, Iraq, and Rome, Italy. He discusses returning to Iraq in 1980 and his experience during the Iran-Iraq War. He describes some of the atrocities of Saddam Hussein and how he managed to evade the militias. He also talks about his marriage to fellow artist Haifa Al Habeeb. Hassan discusses his artwork, including his influences and methods, and his career after the end of the Iran-Iraq War. He also talks about designing stamps for the Iraqi government and giving some of his works to the Iraq Museum. He describes his life after the U.S. invasion of Iraq in 2003. Hassan and Raman discuss an exhibition of Hassan's artwork planned for later in 2018. Hassan talks about his reasons for immigrating to the United States in 2010, and discusses his daughter and her family. Hassan talks about the materials he uses in his painting and drawing, the development of his art technique, and the loss of several of his paintings during the looting of the Iraq Museum in 2003. Hassan and Sankar look at some of Hassan's artworks and discuss them. Hassan closes the interview by talking about his career as an artist in the Pacific Northwest.

Hassan, Farooq, 1939-

Oral history interview with Janet Liu

This oral history interview with Janet Liu was conducted by Sankar Raman and Jessica Pollard on August 10, 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. In this interview, Liu discusses the reasons her parents and their families fled Communist China in 1949, her connection to Chinese culture, and her early life in Taipei, Taiwan. She also talks about the history of Japanese and Chinese oppression of native Taiwanese people. She discusses immigrating with her mother to the United States to join her father in Madison, Wisconsin, including adapting to American culture and the Midwestern climate, learning English, and her experience as the only Chinese student in her school. She talks about the 1961 executive order by President John F. Kennedy that enabled her family to immigrate to the United States. She then talks about her father's death a few years later and the subsequent threat of deportation; moving to California; and her education in the United States, including her interest in mathematics. She discusses receiving legal U.S. residency in 1968, studying math at San Jose State University and the University of California at Berkeley, and working as a computer programmer in San Jose. She talks about getting her MBA from Santa Clara University and pursuing a career in finance. She also talks about her marriage to her step-brother in 1989, as well as their divorce in 2001 due to his violence; the education and career of her daughter; and her real estate investments. She discusses her vegan diet; her life in Lake Oswego, Oregon; and her daughter's relationship with her father. She closes the interview by speaking about the difficulty of discussing domestic violence and the effect it had on her daughter.

Liu, Janet, 1951-

Oral history interview with Jaime Miranda

This oral history interview with Jaime Miranda was conducted by Keven Salazar on August 1, 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. The interview was conducted in both English and Spanish. In the interview, Miranda discusses his business, M & M Marketplace, in Hillsboro, Oregon. He talks about his early life in Mexico City, Mexico, including making a living by helping his mother work as a street vendor. Miranda and Salazar then converse in Spanish for several minutes about Salazar's studies, as well as the diverse populations in Gresham and Beaverton, Oregon. Miranda then returns to the topic of his early life in Mexico City and speaks at length about growing up in poverty. He talks about living with his extended family in Juárez while his parents and siblings immigrated to the United States. Miranda and Salazar again converse informally in Spanish. Miranda then talks about joining his family in the U.S. at the end of 1985, and he discusses his life in California, including his education and working in the fields with his family. He closes the interview by discussing the importance of education.

Miranda, Jaime, 1974-

Oral history interview with Brianda Alcazar

This oral history interview with Brianda Alcazar was conducted by Keven Salazar on July 22, 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. In this interview, Alcazar discusses her family background and early life in Michoacán, Mexico. She then describes coming to the United States with her family at age 6 and settling in the Portland, Oregon, area. She talks about her education and learning English as a second language. She discusses balancing her schoolwork with the expectation that she would fulfill traditional gender roles at home; leaving home at age 15; and continuing her education as a teenage mother. She describes her living conditions during the first years after the birth of her oldest child. She talks about studying at Portland Community College, her involvement with the Women's Resource Center, and balancing her education while raising children. She discusses the importance of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program in her daily life. She talks about dealing with racial discrimination, including explaining racism to her children; and describes her ethnic and cultural identity. She closes the interview by talking about her current activities and plans for the future.

Alcazar, Brianda, 1993-

Oral history interview with Jim Tsugawa

This oral history interview with Jim Tsugawa was conducted by Sankar Raman and Elizabeth Mehren on July 19, 2018. Amy Tsugawa, Jim Tsugawa's wife, was also present and contributed at the end of the interview. 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, Jim Tsugawa discusses his family background and early life in Portland, Oregon. He describes his experience of being incarcerated by the U.S. government, including his family's detention at the Portland Livestock Pavilion and transfer to the Minidoka War Relocation Camp in Idaho. He also discusses his older brother Henry Tsugawa's military service during World War II. He talks about his family being sponsored by a reverend for residency in Boise, Idaho, and briefly describes his childhood there. He talks about the family renting a strawberry farm in Ontario, Oregon, and his high school experience in Beaverton, Oregon, particularly his interest in sports. He speaks briefly about attending Lewis & Clark College on a sports scholarship, then discusses his experience in the U.S. Army and being stationed in Zweibrücken, Germany, during the Korean War. He talks about studying at Oregon State University after his discharge, and about earning his degree in dentistry from the University of Oregon Dental School, which is now part of Oregon Health & Science University. He then briefly speaks about his marriage to Amy Goda, now Amy Tsugawa, her family background, and her experience of incarceration by the U.S. government during World War II. He discusses the U.S. political climate at the time of the interview in 2018, particularly the Trump administration's immigration policies. Mehren and Tsugawa discuss the large Asian populations in California and Hawaii. Tsugawa describes a recent trip to the Minidoka National Historic Site and revisits the topics of his childhood and playing sports. Amy Tsugawa closes the interview by talking about spending her teenage years in postwar Japan.

Tsugawa, Jim M. (James Masao), 1932-

Oral history interview with Mussa Amissi

This oral history interview with Mussa Amissi was conducted by Sankar Raman and Alia Burck on July 18, 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. A woman identified only as Susan was also present.

In this interview, Amissi discusses his early life in the Democratic Republic of Congo, including the death of his father. He then talks about his family's journey to Burundi and his life and education there. He also talks about a medical issue that affected one of his brothers. Amissi discusses the process of coming to the United States as a refugee, and settling in Portland, Oregon. He talks about his education in Portland, including learning English as a second language. He also discusses his passion for and involvement with soccer. He describes the death of his mother when he was 13 years old and the effect it had on his family. Susan speaks at length about Amissi's educational achievements. Amissi speaks further about playing soccer. He talks about his plans for college and the future. He closes the interview by talking about his hobbies and friends, as well as the support his family has received from his community.

Amissi, Mussa, 2000-

Oral history interview with Abel F. Getachew

This oral history interview with Abel F. Getachew was conducted by Sankar Raman and Gina Ruggeri on June 11, 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. In this interview, Getachew discusses his family background and early life in Ethiopia, including his education, social life, and playing soccer. He talks about his mother's disappearance in 2007; learning later that she had immigrated to the United States; and his life in Ethiopia until he was able to join her in 2012. He describes the process of immigrating to the U.S. and adjusting to life in Portland, Oregon. He talks about his education in Portland, including learning English as a second language, playing soccer, and participating in various academic extracurricular activities. He also talks about his experience at Roosevelt High School and transferring to De La Salle North Catholic High School. He discusses his plans to pursue a career in the medical field and interning at Oregon Health & Science University. He talks about applying for colleges and scholarships. He speaks at length about creating an organization, Hope for Bright Future, to support other immigrant students. He closes the interview by discussing his plan to attend Georgetown University, then medical school, and to become a cardiovascular surgeon.

Getachew, Abel F., 2000-

Oral history interview with Maria Garcia

This oral history interview with Maria Garcia was conducted by Maleya Luis on June 10, 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. In this interview, Garcia discusses her life in Mexico, the Mexico peso crisis of 1994, and immigrating to Palm Springs, California. She talks about her experience as a teenage parent immigrant in the United States and the ways the language barrier and being undocumented affected her. She talks about learning English as a second language; experiencing domestic violence and divorcing the father of her child; and getting American citizenship in 2010. She discusses her cultural and ethnic identity. She then talks about moving to Portland, Oregon, and opening the Revolución Coffee House. She also discusses learning to cook with her grandmother as a child. Garcia talks about her activism for Latino immigrants, her campaign for Multnomah County commissioner in 2018, and systemic racism. She speaks at length about the reasons people choose to come to the United States and presents some solutions to the treatment of undocumented immigrants at the time of the interview in 2018. She closes the interview by discussing the importance of cultural diversity and urging immigrants not to lose their cultural roots.

Garcia, Maria, 1977-

Oral history interview with Nabin Dhimal

This oral history interview with Nabin Dhimal was conducted by Sankar Raman on May 19, 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. In this interview, Dhimal discusses his family's background in Bhutan and his early life in a refugee camp in Nepal, including his education, celebrating Diwali, and a fire in 2008 that destroyed his family's home. He talks about resettling in the United States and adjusting to life in Portland, Oregon. He describes his education in Oregon, including learning English as a foreign language, being bullied, and some of the people who motivated him to do well, particularly his speech teacher, Patrick Gonzales. He also talks about the education and careers of his siblings. He speaks about his college education, being a recipient of a diversity scholarship, and his plans to pursue a post-graduate degree. He closes the interview by discussing his plans for the future.

Dhimal, Nabin

Oral history interview with Abood Aldabea

This oral history interview with Abood Aldabea was conducted by Sankar Raman on May 18, 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. Aldabea's family was present, and they occasionally contributed in Arabic. An unidentified neighbor was also present.

In this interview, Aldabea discusses his early life in Damascus, Syria, including his education, family, and neighborhood. He also describes some of his favorite Syrian foods. He shares his memories of the civil war in Syria, including being gassed by the Syrian military while heading home from his mosque and bombings in his neighborhood. He talks about fleeing to Jordan, and about life in Jordan as a Syrian refugee. He describes the process of being resettled in the United States in 2014. The unidentified neighbor talks about helping Aldabea's family get established in Portland, Oregon. Aldabea talks about adjusting to life in Portland, his education, and his involvement in sports. He closes the interview by discussing learning English as a second language, his friends, and his plans for the future.

Aldabea, Abood (Abdulelah), 2002-

Oral history interview with Victor D. Bencomo Acevedo

This oral history interview with Victor D. Bencomo Acevedo was conducted by Kristin Cole and Sankar Raman in two sessions on May 4, 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. In the first interview session, Bencomo Acevedo discusses his family and early life in Venezuela. He talks about his college experience, his opposition to the government of Hugo Chávez, and the oppression he and his family experienced. He discusses studying economics and working at Benesco Banco Universal. He describes dealing with food shortages in Venezuela; the attempts on his life by Venezuelan paramilitary groups, known as "colectivos," including the kidnapping of his sister, as a result of his attendance at a protest; and his escape from Venezuela in 2014. He talks about studying business English in Portland, Oregon, as a student through the Kaplan International Institute, receiving word that he had been officially declared a traitor to Venezuela, and the plight of his family still in Venezuela. He discusses the process for applying for asylum in the United States; the mental toll of his experiences; and the community he has found in Portland.

In the second interview session, he discusses the risks involved in sharing his story, his sister's kidnapping by colectivos, and the safety of his family at the time of the interview in 2018.

Bencomo Acevedo, Victor D. (Victor Daniel), 1987-

Oral history interview with Rahel Nardos

This oral history interview with Rahel Nardos was conducted by Sankar Raman and Maleya Luis on March 28, 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. In this interview, Nardos discusses her early life in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, including life under communism, access to health care, and her education. She talks about her experience attending the International Community School in Addis Ababa as a scholarship student. She also talks about the famine in Ethiopia during the 1980s. She then talks about applying for college in the United States and attending Franklin & Marshall College in Lancaster, Pennsylvania; about the barriers to her plans to attend medical school in the United States as an immigrant; and adjusting to life in the U.S. She also shares an anecdote about her first encounter with the U.S. customs agency. She discusses the U.S. political climate at the time of the interview in 2018, including her experiences with racism. She talks about attending Yale School of Medicine, including financing her education; her reasons for specializing in obstetrics and gynecology; and settling in Oregon. She speaks about a 2018 op-ed she wrote for the Oregonian newspaper, titled "My patients don't care I'm from a 'shithole' country," and talks about the increase in racism since Donald Trump was elected president in 2016. She discusses balancing family life with her career as a doctor; her work in women's health in Ethiopia with Footsteps to Healing; and her other volunteer work. She closes the interview by discussing her cultural and ethnic identity.

Nardos, Rahel

Oral history interview with Masumi Timson

This oral history interview with Masumi Timson was conducted by Sankar Raman and Giacomo Ranieri on March 19, 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. In this interview, Timson discusses her early life on Tokunoshima Island in Japan, including Japanese cultural practices and her early education. She describes her first time hearing the koto and her subsequent fascination with the instrument, as well as growing up in a musical family. She talks about studying koto music at Seiha Conservatory of Traditional Japanese Music while also studying English at Kansai Junior College (now known as Kansai Gaidai College) in Hirakata, Osaka. She describes the reception her koto performances received in Oregon and how that inspired her to become much more serious about her music. She talks about her marriage to Stephen F. Timson in 1977 and immigrating to the United States in 1991. She also describes some of the mechanics of the koto. She talks about teaching koto at the Willamette University Koto Club, performing in Oregon and Japan, and her longtime collaboration with Pink Martini. She also talks about her koto collection. She discusses her cultural and ethnic identity, particularly how the koto helps her keep her connection to her Japanese roots. She closes the interview by talking about the future of koto music in Japan, Japanese traditions and culture, and her koto students.

Timson, Masumi S. (Masumi Sakura), 1953-

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