Public Oral History Archive






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Allen Schwartz
Allen Schwartz and his family moved to Jane Addams Homes during World War II, into a one bedroom apartment. He recalls the good and bad of his neighborhood and surrounding areas, ranging from a close-knit community to bullyi…
Content warnings: derogatory terms used, overt racismPronouns: he/himPublic Housing Complex(es): Jane Addams HomesThemes: Judaism, anti-semitism, racism, family, neighborhood changes, White FlightPrimary Location(s): Jane Addams Homes, Little Italy, Garden Theater, Budong Woods, Forest Preserves, Taylor St., Roosevelt Ave, Racine Ave, Morgan StPrimary Time Period(s): 1943–1953 -
Marilyn Roberts (Interview #1, 2022)
In this interview, Marilyn talks about how she grew up in an environment where sexuality was not widely accepted, due to her family’s devoutness to religion. She notes the struggles of this journey, but also the good t…
Content warnings: NonePronouns: NonePublic Housing Complex(es): Henry Horner Homes, Chicago Housing AuthorityThemes: Self-Identity, Sexuality, Religion, Spirituality, FamilyPrimary Location(s): NonePrimary Time Period(s): None -
Marilyn Roberts (Interview #2, 2023)
In this oral history, Marilyn shares her experience living in Cabrini Green with a friend of hers at the time. She talks about having a teaching job and how she found her place in the community through helping others.
Content warnings: drug/alcohol addiction, sexual violence, misogyny, domestic violencePronouns: she/herPublic Housing Complex(es): Cabrini Green, Henry Horner Homes, Chicago Housing AuthorityThemes: Community, Crime, Housing, Teaching, FundingPrimary Location(s): Chicago, ILPrimary Time Period(s): 1995-2001 -
Cassandra Davis
During this interview Cassandra “Sandi” Davis reflects on early memories of her family living in the Christopher Columbus Homes (Columbus Homes) on the North side of Newark, New Jersey. She discusses the multicultural …
Content warnings: colorismPronouns: she/herPublic Housing Complex(es): Christopher Columbus HomesThemes: Gender, gender roles, racial identity, racism, career advancementPrimary Location(s): Newark, NJ, East Orange, NJPrimary Time Period(s): 1950-1966 -
Foluke Nunn
In this oral history, Foluke Nunn describes her upbringing in a family where her parents were community activist, advocates, and organizers. She went to an integrated school where she experienced racial oppression and learne…
Content warnings: NonePronouns: she/herPublic Housing Complex(es): Forest Cove ApartmentsThemes: Housing Justice, Tenant Rights, Housing OrganizingPrimary Location(s): NonePrimary Time Period(s): None -
Alexandra Mello
In this oral history, Alexandra speaks passionately about her life experiences, some of which eventually lead her to having to apply for Section 8. Although an adjustment, Alexandra has found herself dedicating more time to …
Content warnings: NonePronouns: she/herPublic Housing Complex(es): Meadowbrook Apartments, Hilltop Apartments of Village HillThemes: Section 8, Housing, Education, CommunityPrimary Location(s): Northampton, MassachusettsPrimary Time Period(s): None -
Larry Turner (Int. #1)
In the rumble of memory, Larry Turner paints a portrait of his upbringing, a tapestry woven by the hands of his Black mother, Beauty Turner. Larry’s story unfolds in the shadows of the Robert Taylor public housing proj…
Content warnings: drug/alcohol use, physical violence, death, gang violencePronouns: he/himPublic Housing Complex(es): Robert Taylor Homes, Stateway GardensThemes: Surviving and advocating for Public Housing, “The Voice Of The Voiceless”, legacyPrimary Location(s): Chicago, IL, South Side, Robert Taylor HomesPrimary Time Period(s): Late 1980s-2000s -
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 ultimate…
Content warnings: death, drug/alcohol addiction, domestic violence, colorismPronouns: she/her/hersPublic Housing Complex(es): Henry Horner Homes, West HavenThemes: overcoming adversity, Drug AddictionPrimary Location(s): Chicago, ILPrimary Time Period(s): 1960s-2000s -
Public Oral History Archive
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Content warnings: NonePronouns: NonePublic Housing Complex(es): NoneThemes: NonePrimary Location(s): NonePrimary Time Period(s): None -
Public Oral History Archive
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Content warnings: NonePronouns: NonePublic Housing Complex(es): NoneThemes: NonePrimary Location(s): NonePrimary Time Period(s): None