Abstract In this paper, I will articulate a historical and personal narrative of Susan Graham, an alum of Claremont Graduate University based on an oral history interview of Graham. During the interview, Graham describes how her Master’s degrees in Applied Women’s Studies and Education led to her subsequent involvement in American Mothers, an organization designed to raise awareness among K-12 students about the dangers of human trafficking. Graham also discussed her personal involvement in the Black...

Abstract Ellen Chase, PhD, is the second-generation operator of the Folk Music Center (FMC) in Claremont, California. Founded in 1958 by Ellen’s parents, Charles and Dorothy Chase, the FMC is a non-profit educational and cultural corporation offering music instruction, cultural programming, and a museum of antique instruments to the community of Claremont. In addition, Ellen is an active musician and music instructor at the FMC.Born in Exeter, New Hampshire, on February 19, 1947, Ellen...

Abstract Barbara Beretich was born in March 25th, 1936 in Chicago, Illinois. During her childhood, she moved a lot with her parents. She has lived in many places including Chicago, San Diego, and Ohio. She got her bachelor degree at the University of Illinois in 1958, majoring in art. After the graduation, she moved back to California and traveled to Europe in 1960, when she met Françoise Gilot for the first time. From 1962 to 1965, she studied at Claremont Graduate School majoring in sculpture and...

Abstract The interview with my interviewee was conducted, following a list of questions which had been prepared and shared with the interviewee in advance. The questions ranged in themes 1) on childhood and early education in Egypt, 2) on women's rights in Muslim faith, 3) on Being an Academic Scholar, Educator, and Peace Activist, 4) on women's role in Arab Uprisings and the effects of the uprisings on women, and 5) on how to keep a balance between public and family lives. These themes and...

Abstract Elsie Freudenberger was born in Santa Ana, California, to Arthur and Elsie Kittlesen. She attended Santa Ana public school for elementary and secondary education, and then took an Associate’s Degree from Santa Ana College, California (1952), a Bachelor’s Degree from Redlands University, California (1954), and a Master’s of Science Degree from Simmons College School of Library Science (1972). Ms. Freudenberger worked as a teacher in the Compton public school system in 1954-55. She married...

Abstract For my oral history project, I have chosen to interview a CGU alumni who I connected with through a classmate. My interviewee, Dr. Nancy Quiñones holds a PhD in Cultural Studies. The city of Claremont’s population lacks in diversity in comparison to the demographic make-up of California as a whole. Keeping this data in mind, Dr. Quiñones provided representation for the small Latino/a community in Claremont, as well as at CGU, and later in her role as interim assistant dean at Pomona College....

Abstract For the Women of Claremont, CA oral history project, I interviewed Hiawatha Norris, a close friend and neighbor who lived in Claremont in the 1970s. She is a retired black woman who went to Claremont Graduate University (CGU) and graduated in 1978 with a master's in public administration. I am a twenty-three years old white woman and a master's student studying history at CGU as well. We conducted the interview on March 14, 2017 at her house in Highland, CA. I asked her questions about...

Abstract Dr. Shayda Kafai is a lecturer at California State Polytechnic University, Pomona’s Ethnic and Women Studies Department. She earned her B.A. and M.A. at CSU Northridge, both in English, and earned her Ph.D. in Cultural Studies from Claremont Graduate University. Her dissertation titled, Re-inscribing Disability: The Performance Activism of Sins Invalid explores the performance art and disability justice work of Sins Invalid, a San Francisco Bay Area based performance project. As a queer,...

Abstract Beverly Benjamin is artist Karl Benjamin’s wife. The interview took place in the dining room of her house in Claremont, California. The length of the interview is one hour and ten minutes. The interviewee Beverly Benjamin was born in Blue Earth, Minnesota in 1929. She moved to Iowa with her family and grown up in a famer house. She enrolled at the University of Redlands in 1945, majoring in Education, and soon met with her husband Karl Benjamin (was an American painter of vibrant geometric...

Abstract

The following transcript features an interview with Denice Wint. Wint is a graduate of Scripps College and a leader in her community. She specializes in urban development. She is a native of Inglewood, CA. Her family is from Trinidad and Tobago. This oral history provides insights into Wint’s life of thirty-six years.