Uptown Oral Histories Project
Stories of Strength during Covid-19
Starting in 2020, our communities faced some of the worst impacts of Covid-19. During this time, we found ways of supporting each other and creating spaces in our neighborhoods for healing and resilience. Coordinated by the C.L.I.M.B. Consensus Group, the Uptown Oral Histories Project aims to hear, preserve, and honor the stories that we carry with us from this time, and to highlight the importance of community and greenspaces during the pandemic.
The Uptown Oral Histories Project kicked off in 2023 on May 24th at Inwood Leadership Academy's F.A.C.E. Awards and on June 3rd at the 19th annual Hike the Heights. Interviews ask about participants' involvement in Hike the Heights, the role of parks in their experiences during Covid-19, and visions for our future.
The interviews and full-length oral histories will be shared on YouTube and here on the Hike the Heights website. We also hope to share these stories at the 20th annual Hike the Heights on June 1st, 2024, and at other events and venues uptown and across the city.
To get involved in this project as an organizer, interviewer, or storyteller, click here.
What are oral histories? (click to learn more)
Oral history interviewing is an engaging way to preserve personal stories and experiences around a chosen topic. These interviews help us learn about different times in history, cultural traditions, and historical events. Oral histories capture the memories and unique viewpoints of people who experienced these things firsthand. Sometime these stories aren't written down anywhere, so they are extra special. They show us different perspectives and make sure everyone's stories are heard and valued. It's like putting together puzzle pieces to see the bigger picture of our history and culture.
Interested in conducting a project of your own?
Check out these resources:
The Hike the Heights "How to Make Your Own" activity sheet
Oral History Association (OHA)
Smithsonian's How to Do Oral History
Examples of oral history projects around New York City:
Watch the Uptown Oral Histories
May 24, 2023 - Inwood Academy parents and teachers
interviewed by Eleany Pozo
2021 - Coach Dave Crenshaw
interviewed by Eleany Pozo
2021 - Ysabel Abreu
interviewed by Bartolo Jauquin
2021 - Dr. Bob Fullilove
interviewed by Samantha Rodriguez
June 3, 2023 - Hike the Heights 19
DiLenny Roca
June 3, 2023 - Hike the Heights 19
Mary Garcia
June 3, 2023 - Hike the Heights 19
Ida Lee Young
June 3, 2023 - Hike the Heights 19
Carmen Pichardo
June 3, 2023 - Hike the Heights 19
Carmen
June 3, 2023 - Hike the Heights 19
Andrea