What is oral history?

An oral history, as defined by the Parsons Housing Justice Lab, is a method of mutual study which involves the collection, preservation and amplification of voices and the experiences of marginalized people and communities. It is a technique that offers the opportunity to question historical modes of gathering information and knowledge creation and to critique extractive research methods.

THE GOAL OF THIS ORAL history project is to collect, preserve and amplify the voices of Sunset Park residents active in creating community spaces that benefit all. Through their stories, a historical narrative can be weaved and shared, highlighting their techniques, methods and motivations in creating spaces that address inequalities present in their neighborhood. This project focuses on the efforts of immigrant and native Sunset Park residents in challenging the issues of gentrification, displacement and lack of educational investment. Through the use of coalition building, community organizing and cooperativism, the residents of Sunset Park illuminate future possibilities.

This framework allows for co-creation between the “narrator” and “interviewer” of a historical narrative that highlights the identity, story and life experiences of the narrator. This method of interviewing weakens the distinction between “researcher” and “participant” in favor of a more collaborative relationship based on mutual responsibility, creativity, and care. Oral histories are preserved in archives and shared in order to provide a direct benefit to popular knowledge.

Questions and Goals

Main Question

How have Sunset Park’s communities created spaces to address inequalities and make sure the community has its voice heard and a place at the decision-making table?

Project Goals

This project aims to unearth the voices and memories of residents of Sunset Park who have been involved in the creation of community spaces for the benefit of all. It aims to foster community learning from past strategies, methods, and motivations in order to inform future imaginaries and concrete possibilities leading to the creation of new spaces as a way to address structural inequalities.

Collective Knowledge that this Project Seeks to Unearth, Preserve, and Share

• The motivations of immigrant communities in fighting for the creation of community spaces due to neglect, disinvestment and lack of services.

• How immigrant communities create space that meet community needs and protect such space from privatization and other interests.

• The way these efforts have contributed in addressing inequalities and give voice to Sunset Park residents in education, culutral, artistic activities, local economies and safe spaces etc.

• The way local communities, groups and organizations have collaborated and organized to achieve their goals.

• Key aspects to learn from, such as successful campaigns, shortcoming and political connections, to achieve new ones.