Since my last update, I have:
1. Interviewed 2 researchers/professors
Dr. Tameka Hobbs is a graduate of Florida State University where she earned her doctoral degree in United States History, and Historical Administration and Public History. In addition to her teaching experience, she has served as a researcher, writer, consultant, and director for a number of public and oral history projects in Florida and Virginia, including the African American Trailblazers in Virginia History Program, a statewide educational program focused on celebrating African American History. Her professional experience includes serving as Director of Projects and Program for the John G. Riley Museum and Center of African American History and Culture, located here in Tallahassee….Fast forward: I was fortunate to work alongside her on a “Reunion & Remembrance” oral history project centered around Florida Memorial University, a small HBCU in Miami. I soaked up practical techniques but had never formally picked Dr. Hobb’s brain on theoretical or abstract concepts pertaining to oral history research. Speaking with her was a real shot in the arm.
Dr. Tiffany Austin received the BA in English from Spelman College, MFA in creative writing from Chicago State University, JD from Northeastern University School of Law, and PhD in English from Saint Louis University. Her teaching and research interests include African Diaspora literature; including African, African American, Caribbean, and Afro-Latin American literature; Comparative literature; critical theory and gender studies. She is a prolific writer and consummate professional. I could insert a whole slew of top-tier publications and invited talks…To cut to the chase: Dr. Austin performed oral history research while documenting the life and work of social protest blues singer Willie King of and Aliceville and Old Memphis, Alabama (near the Mississippi border). I learned tons from my interview with Dr. Austin.
I was supposed to interview Dr. Anthony Dixon of the Riley Museum. I spoke with him in person plus emailed twice, to no avail. Thankfully, Dr. Austin had my back.
2. Dr. Hinnant’s talk
Dr. Hinnant raised good points about how qualitative and quantitative methodologies are usually intertwined. By way of example, he spoke about how oral history research is increasingly quantified through indexing/classification so that narratives are searchable through voice recognition technology. The issue of access is an important angle that I had not captured; I paid little attention to the curation and dissemination of oral history. I will work to include this valuable perspective from now until my project is due. Dr. Hinnant included in his Powerpoint a great article.
3. Added 8 more articles to my draft literature review
My oral history literature review outline has expanded. I am starting to really see the intricacies, benefits and limitations of the oral history technique.
4. Updated my taxonomy
I have added a few new constructs to my oral history taxonomy.