Abstract In this oral history interview, Mr. Joseph Benson, Sr. discusses his life and experiences moving from Ridgeway/Longwood, South Carolina, to Washington, D.C. Mr. Benson begins the interview with a discussion of his early life in South Carolina. He recalls the physical conditions of his upbringing, discusses his early educational experiences, and shares memories about his family life. He also talks about segregation and race relations in the South. Mr. Benson then discusses his move to...

Abstract

Ms. Sarvis discusses growing up in D.C., mostly in Carver/Langston in Northeast, her early sense of herself as different and coming into her gender and sexuality, her older sister also being trans, going to clubs and performing, the impact of the AIDS epidemic, her time in prison, her involvement with transgender and HIV/AIDS organizations including Transgender Health Empowerment, and the changes in the city.

Abstract Please note this interview was recorded over Zoom. Sandra Perrin reflects on her experiences organizing and doing political work as part of the union that represented Metro workers. Her story begins with her childhood in Washington, D.C. Born to two working class parents, she developed a love of reading fueled by the bookmobile that would regularly visit her neighborhood. When her father died in a car accident, her mother became the wage earner. She speaks about her time at Howard...