Tacoma Community House Spring 2022 English Language student from Macedonia. Interviewed by dindria barrow on May 11, 2022.

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KMO News radio broadcast c. 1965 with subjects including Old Tacoma development, building supermarkets, 1965-1966 school year, Never Never Land

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Murray Morgan reading the news c. 1960s including topics of judges and legislature pay raises, Japanese film “Harakiri” (1962) being shown in Proctor and violinist Michael Rabin performing with the University of Puget Sound band at Mount Tahoma High School.

Oral history interview with Tacoma resident Melissa Knot conducted by dindria barrow on August 20, 2022. In this interview, Melissa describes how difficult it is to identify what home means. “Home is inside of me and it has to be.” She learned early in life the difference between stability and frequent movement. Melissa talks about how her grandmother, Betty, who was her rock. She recounts her teenage life after her mom left her to fend for herself and how a group of black women fed her. “I have these understandings in my mind…of who helped mold me and they don’t always fit what society wants me to be, ever, and that’s kinda hard to get people to understand…someone might try to look at me in a specific way and think that I am a certain way…and it’s been a hard and long journey to continue to stay me in a world that continuously wants to put me in a box that I just do not fit.” When asked about her twitter handle: Inspector Ratchet, Melissa said, “I still am this ratchet little girl… [and] I want for everyone to be able to just breathe in their own skin…without being forced to mold themselves into the dominant culture to be able to survive.” Melissa ran for the Washington House of Representatives, District 29, Position 2 against Steve Kirby. She is involved in local politics, has multiple degrees and certifications, is a South End Neighborhood Board Member and is an advocate for Whole Washington Health Care.

William Kupinse is Associate Professor of English at the University of Puget Sound and was Tacoma's first Poet Laureate from 2008-2009. Kupinse has recently collaborated with composer Greg Youtz and mezzo-soprano Erin Calata to produce a CD of ten poem-songs titled Poetry Above the Roar.

Oral history interview of Michael Lafrenier conducted by dindria barrow on January 21, 2023, as part of the Archiving North End Communities event located at the Wheelock library branch.

Oral history interview with Tacoma resident Anita Latch conducted by dindria barrow on August 30, 2022. In this interview, Anita outlines the places she calls home using artwork that her daughter created of locations Anita has lived in. Her grandparents had a farm near Traverse City, Torch Lake, Michigan. She watched trains pass by in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan. She lived in a ground floor apartment in Nerburgh, New York after living in Wallkill near Woodstock. Anita’s dad drove the family on Interstate 80 in a Super 88 to McChord Air Force Base and Spanaway, Washington. She remembers listening to a transistor radio in the back of the car during the trip. Anita left home at 15 years old and hitchhiked to Grants Pass, Oregon. She went to college in Redlands, California and then learned silversmithing in Jerome, Arizona. Anita also spent time in Tahiti when her daughter was young. She moved around often between her homes. Anita is a traveler, a journalist, a teacher, a political advocate, and an artist with many life stories. She has been a Precinct Committee Officer and has served on the Tacoma Civil Service Board. “Democracy is not a spectator sport!” Anita declares towards the end of her interview, “so, get involved in voting for each election.” Her openness and honesty are palpable in this oral history and there is some strong language and adult content.

This District 3 Candidate Forum was hosted by the League of Women Voters at the Tacoma Public Library South Tacoma Branch on July 11, 2023. Voices include: Monique Piegdon, South Tacoma Library Associate, Cynthia Stewart, former president of the League of Women Voters, Bailey Wambold, forum moderator, and candidates John Frazier, Marlando Redeemer, Jamika Scott, and Chris Van Vechten. Questions included in the forum were designed by the League of Women Voters and pertained to District 3 as well as the city of Tacoma. Topics included: the climate, homelessness, crime, gun control, and how to engage the public.

Leonard Svedberg (John L.A.) talks about early life in Finland, travel to United States, work in Tacoma, Lodge work in Scandanavian Community, impressions of Tacoma. (Interview No. 1, Tape No. 1)

Mildred Wehmhoff talks early family life in Tacoma, school, church, special events (i.e. the opening of Stadium Bowl), flu pandemic of 1918. (Interview No. 36, Tape No. 1)

Dawn was involved in the restoration of the Pantages Theater and efforts to save The Murray Morgan Bridge.

Ann MacKenzie is a teacher in Kent, Washington. She works at a school where over 38 languages are spoken. Some of her poetry focuses on experiences with these students.