Brian Desmond has worked as an actor, director, writer, and professor. He was born in Cyprus and has lived in Iran, Ecuador, Madagascar, Okinawa, England, and in numerous cities throughout the United States, including ten years in Tacoma.

Josie Emmons Turner was the 2011-13 Poet Laureate for the city of Tacoma and is a high school educator. She published a poetry collection titled "Sarasvati Takes Pegasus As Her Mount".

David Fewster is a poet, musician and vendor of used books. David had been a Tacoma resident since 1996.

Michael Haeflinger is a poet and artist from the Midwest. He lives in Tacoma.

Dale King is a lifetime railroader with over forty years' experience in the industry. He is currently the Superintendent and Chief Operating Officer of municipally-owned Tacoma Rail. His latest venture is the production of a poetry festival as part of Tacoma Arts Month in October 2015

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.

Oral history interview with Tacoma resident Charlie Best conducted by dindria barrow on June 30, 2023. In this interview, Charlie shares his interpretation of “home” and how it has defined itself over his lifetime. To paraphrase: Home changes according to the different iterations of “self” and knowing who you are. Charlie is very conscious of how we use masks in our public and work lives. Thus, home is a place where you can be yourself and is a place that you choose, not just a place that is given to you. As the Education Manager of The Rainbow Center, Charlie’s role allows him to share his story of identity. After dealing with many personal struggles, living in the present is now a consistent daily goal for Charlie.

Oral history interview with Tacoma residents Alicia Rodriguez and Maria Presiado conducted by dindria barrow on March 11, 2023. In this interview, Alicia and Maria, members of the Lantinx Unidos of the South Sound (LUSS) Promotoras, share their lives, purposes, and dreams in Spanish. They explain how they came to the United States, how they became LUSS Promotoras in the work that they do, and what they hope for their family’s and community’s futures.

Reverse side of photograph contains following text:
"listening to speakers -
Leua Horne
Air-line Stewardess
Note maj. and minority crowds"

Oral history interview with Tacoma resident Isabella Rodriguez conducted by dindria barrow on June 6, 2023. In this interview, Isabella shares who she is, where she comes from, and the communities she calls home.

Oral history interview with Tacoma resident Collin Booker conducted by dindria barrow on June 9, 2023. In this interview, Collin shares his love of Tacoma and Evergreen State College which he chose because it reminded him of his grandmother. Collin believes in making positive change in the world and will be teaching our youth as a certificated educator. Collin recounts his bus rides to Federal Way with childhood friends, attending SAMI (Science and Math Institute) High School, and deciding his college major and graduate school focus. Collin built his teaching skills at the YMCA and as a substitute. Collin also shares his dreams and his capstone project.

Oral history interview with Tacoma residents Judith Rosas and Brisa Ramos Rosas conducted by dindria barrow on March 18, 2023. In this interview, Judith and Brisa, members of the Lantinx Unidos of the South Sound (LUSS) Promotoras, share their lives, purposes, and dreams in Spanish and English. They explain how they came to the United States, how they became LUSS Promotoras in the work that they do, and what they hope for their family’s and community’s futures.

Visible signs in photo read the following:
"NO
U.S. DOUGH
TO HELP
JIM CROW
GROW"

"We demand
an end to bias
now"

"We march together
Catholic
Jews
Protestant
For dignity
and brotherhood
of all men under god
NOW!"

Oral history interview with Dr. Thelma Jackson conducted by dindria barrow on May 11, 2023. In this interview, Thelma shares about her childhood, her education, her move to Washington and her work in many different academic areas and social arenas. Thelma discusses how we need to be present about the past and future. To paraphrase, staying present will help us realize what work needs to be done in our community and society. Thelma shares her new book and how oral histories were a key component of telling the Black community’s story in Lacey and Thurston County.