Search Interviews

Megan Shepherd (18) talks with her grandmother Patricia "Pat" Smith (80) to learn more about their family's history. Topics include how Pat met her future husband and being a mom to eight children.

Tarik Mahdi (36) and friend Yusuf Al-Rahman (41) exchange stories about the micro-aggressions they dealt with as Black Muslim men and experiences where they challenged the ignorance around them.

Jim Marousis (74) interviews his wife, Karen Reinhardt (67), about her life and how her teenage years helped shape her into the person she is today. Note: This interview contains mentions of suicide and miscarriage.

Keren McCord (50) sat down with her friend and long-time colleague, Nancy Boyle (65). They shared lessons learned from Nancy's career in social work as well as lessons learned from each other.

Gregory Carey (67) interviews his neighbors Ruthann Richert (72) and Joyce Larson [no age given] about moving to Harlem in the 1980s, and about their life in the Mount Morris Park community.

Darwensi Clark (42) speaks to writer, organizer, activist, and mother Kimberly Bernard (31) on her involvement in the Black Lives Matter movement.

One Small Step partners Joe Bizzell (58) and Kerry Altman (71) share their views on political polarization and the lessons they learned from their parents.

Tyler Colón (21) interviews his neighbor Juanita Dean (92) about her life in and memories of Harlem. She also talks about her family and her career path.

Sebastian Chavez (24) talks to his grandmother Carmen Alean [no age given] about their Peruvian heritage, their memories of food and cooking, and their involvement in the Queens Night Market community.

Madaha Kinsey-Lamb (73) sits down with friend and colleague Egeria Bennett (72) to speak about the early days of Mind-Builders -- a non-profit arts education center located in Bronx. They reflect on the obstacles they faced, how they chose teachers...

Michael Schilling (56) shares a conversation with his mother, Civita Schilling (83), about Civita’s childhood in Utica, New York, her grandfather’s bakery, her experience in high school, and her passion for singing.

Jacob A. Johnson (67) interviews his uncle Edgar Lawrence (92) about his time in the Navy, his transition back to civilian life, and his life after the military.

Spouses, Jeanne Wiebenga (76) and Jane Stirniman (90), speak about how they met and their relationship to the Chautauqua Institution.

Lenora Williams Hameed Omenka [no age given] shares her experience as a caregiver to close friends and family members with breast cancer and the importance of caring for one's self in caring for others. She shares how these experiences led...

Elizabeth Liska (25) interviews John Drury (80) about his childhood and military experiences.

Kemali Green, CHS staff person, interviews Naquan Homes about his childhood expeiences, his family and his goals for the future.

Carlton Thompson (33) shares a conversation with his brother Davelle Merrick (24) and mother Yvette Thompson (56) about their experiences moving from New York to Virginia, their lives during the COVID-19 pandemic, and the loss of their grandfather.

Kelly Davis (43) has a conversation with Mary "Midge" McDermott (76) about growing up, courtship, her career, spirituality, raising a family, and her dreams for the future.

Siblings Caitlin Sigal (37) and Stephen Ginley (31) talk about their relationship over the years as well as their hopes for the future.

One Small Step conversation partners Deb Stack (59) and Jim Ward (62) talk about religious and political backgrounds, the AIDS crisis and LGBT rights.

Saul-Yuan Calvillo (25) and their colleague and friend, Vei Darling (24), talk about life and communities in New York, queerness, and the city's influence on identity.

"Southern Search"

Dr. Jean Kanokogi (49) talks with friends Marti Malloy (34) and Angelica Delgado (30) about their experiences competing in Judo at the Olympics and shares memories of her mother, Rusty Kanokogi, who was considered the "Mother of Women's Judo."

Kymberli Smith (18) and her foster parent Keturah Hardy (45) talk about Kimberli moving in with Keturah while in the foster care system. They discuss their pasts and traumas and what they hope for in the future.

OCA-NY President Brianna Cea (26) interviews her friend, City Councilmember Shekar Krishnan (38), about his district of Jackson Heights, Elmhurst, and Woodside in Queens, New York City. They reflect on his role in renaming Little Thailand Way and talk about...