The World Stage Theatre in Southeast Portland buzzed with excitement on Sunday as an overflow audience gathered to celebrate Black community builders.
These influential individuals were interviewed for the national Baldwin-Emerson Elders Project, their stories now immortalized in the digital “I See My Light Shining” collections. This ambitious project aims to paint a new portrait of American life through the voices of those who shaped it.
Preserving Black Voices: The Power of Oral History
Portland author Renée Watson, who interviewed 30 longtime area residents for the project, emphasized the importance of spoken narratives. “The spoken word is rooted in emotion, and there is nothing like hearing someone tell their story,” she said.
Watson hopes these archived stories will resonate with younger generations, providing insights into the challenges faced by their elders.
The oral histories capture a range of experiences, from “crushing moments of racism, sexism, family turmoil and the everydayness of grief, loss and poverty.” Yet, they also showcase how these individuals “turned pain into a powerful motivator.” This juxtaposition offers a unique perspective on resilience and perseverance.
A National Spotlight on Portland’s Black Community
The inclusion of Portland’s Black elders in this national project highlights the city’s often overlooked Black history. By featuring these stories alongside those from other parts of the country, the Baldwin-Emerson Elders Project ensures that Portland’s Black community receives well-deserved recognition.
This national release not only preserves individual stories but also contributes to a broader understanding of the Black experience in America. It challenges traditional narratives and provides a more nuanced view of American history through the lens of those who lived it.
Digital Preservation: Ensuring Accessibility for Future Generations
The decision to create digital collections for “I See My Light Shining” ensures that these valuable oral histories will be accessible to a wide audience. This format allows for easy distribution and preservation, guaranteeing that future generations can learn from and be inspired by these stories.
Digital preservation also opens up new possibilities for education and research. Scholars, students, and community members can now easily access these firsthand accounts, enriching their understanding of Portland’s Black history and its place in the larger American narrative.
Impact on Youth: Learning from Elders’ Experiences
One of the project’s primary goals is to bridge generational gaps by sharing these stories with younger audiences. By hearing about the challenges and triumphs of their elders, young people can gain valuable perspective and inspiration.
Renée Watson emphasized this point, stating, “I hope young people hear the archived stories… and see how they turned pain into a powerful motivator.” These narratives serve as both historical records and potential guideposts for future generations facing their own challenges.
