Crystal Palmer

In this oral history Crystal describes her experience growing up in the Henry Horner Homes and having a challenging and tragic childhood. Crystal eventually begins working in Chicago Public Housing as a janitor, and ultimately becomes the president of her Local Advisory Council. Despite her challenges, Crystal says “I stand here today in greatness as a product of public housing.” and remembers the people of the projects that laid the foundation for her character and success.

Crystal Palmer

there is an ambulance alarm around 18 minutes and 11 seconds. The interview ends abruptly, but it is assumed to be mostly finished.

Frequently Asked Questions

Interview Summary

About the Narrator

Narrator Full Name: Crystal Palmer

Narrator pronouns: she/her/hers

Keywords: teen pregnancy, Thalassemia, hospital, surgeries, transfusion, homelessness, janitor, crossing guard, demolition, family, bully, sobriety, strong women, Local Advisory Council

Access Level: public

Self-identified race and/or ethnicity: Black/African American

About the Interview

Interviewer: Array

Date of Interview: 2017-07-31

Method of Interview: in-person

Location of Interview: English

Duration: 2872.92

Formats Available: .wav

Audio Quality and other notes: there is an ambulance alarm around 18 minutes and 11 seconds. The interview ends abruptly, but it is assumed to be mostly finished.

Location of Interview: Chicago, IL

Time-Stamped Index

Favorite sections by interviewer(s) and other oral historians who worked on the interview are starred.

Time-Stamped: 1960s-2000s

Access and Use Guidelines

Content Warnings: death, drug/alcohol addiction, domestic violence, colorism

Supplemental Attachments

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