Yulma López-López (b. 1997) was born in Oaxaca, Mexico. When she was three years old, her parents decided to seek better luck in the United States and arrived to California where they worked as agricultural workers. Subsequently, the family moved to other states pursuing better employment opportunities until finally establishing themselves in North Charleston, South Carolina. López-López recalls her experiences at Midland Park Elementary and Charleston County School of the Arts and the teachers who helped her. She explains that she began to progressively understand her status as an undocumented immigrant and, therefore, the reasons why she could not access higher education in South Carolina. In 2016, thanks to a grant from The Dream.Us organization, she was accepted as a student at the University of Delaware. Along with other students, she is part of an organization that advocates for the rights of DACA students and seeks to persuade lawmakers in Washington of DACA students' rights. In the interview, López-López tells how she experiences the challenges of university life, including fear for her safety and that of her loved ones. Finally, she reflects on the limited information and support DACA eligible people and recipients have in the Lowcountry as well as the barriers to organizing politically. Yulma López-López (1997) nació en Oaxaca, México. Cuando tenía tres años, sus padres decidieron buscar mejor suerte en los Estados Unidos y llegaron a California donde se desempeñaron como trabajadores agrícolas. Posteriormente fueron mudándose a otros estados persiguiendo mejores oportunidades de empleo hasta que se establecieron definitivamente en North Charleston, Carolina del Sur. López-López recuerda sus vivencias en las escuelas Midland Park Elementary y Charleston County School of the Arts y a los maestros que la ayudaron. Explica cómo progresivamente fue entendiendo su condición de inmigrante indocumentada y las razones por las que no podía acceder a la educación superior en Carolina del Sur. En el año 2016, gracias a una beca de la organización The Dream.Us es aceptada como estudiante en la Universidad de Delaware. Junto con sus compañeros forma parte de una organización que defiende los derechos de los jóvenes DACA y busca persuadir a los legisladores en Washington. En la entrevista Lopez-Lopez cuenta como experimenta los desafíos de la vida universitaria, incluido el temor por su seguridad y la de sus seres queridos. Finalmente, reflexiona acerca de la limitada información y apoyo con que cuentan los jóvenes DACA en el Lowcountry como así también de las barreras que enfrentan para organizarse políticamente.
Edith (b. 1967) was born in Mendoza, Argentina and lived there until 2001 when, like thousands of compatriots affected by the economic crisis, she decided to leave the country. She arrived to the United States with the help of good friends who were in South Carolina. She came with only her three children and the hope of a better life. She settled in North Charleston where has resided since then. In the interview, Edith tells about the process of learning to function in a strange community, how she was able to put an end to the abusive relationship she had with her children's father and how she learned to survive and thrive as a single mother. She discusses the different jobs she held and her family's strategies to get ahead. She is grateful and proud of her children. Finally, Edith reflects on the evolution of local organizations in which immigrants congregate and advocate for their rights. Edith (1967) nació en Mendoza, Argentina donde vivió hasta el año 2001 cuando al igual que miles de compatriotas afectados por la crisis económica decidió dejar el país. Llegó a Estados Unidos con la ayuda de unos amigos que estaban en Carolina del Sur. Solo traía a sus tres hijos y la esperanza de una vida mejor. Se estableció en North Charleston donde ha residido desde entonces. En la entrevista Edith cuenta acerca del proceso de aprender a desenvolverse en una comunidad extraña, como pudo terminar la relación abusiva que vivía con el padre de sus hijos y como aprendió a sobrevivir y prosperar como madre sola. Cuenta acerca de los diferentes trabajos que ha realizado y las estrategias de su familia para salir adelante. Se manifiesta agradecida y orgullosa de sus hijos. Finalmente, Edith reflexiona acerca de la evolución de las organizaciones locales en las que los inmigrantes se congregan y abogan por sus derechos.
Lynn Dugan attended Catholic grammar and high schools in New York City. With a lesbian friend, she visited lesbian bars where rigid “butch” or “fem” roles prevailed. She came of age just after the Stonewall Riots of 1969, later befriending some of the participants, as she became part of a community that looked after and protected each other from attacks, some of which she describes. She notes the comradery of men and women in the early gay rights movement, and the accessibility of many future celebrities entertaining in the gay baths and bars. She was mentored by an older gay man, Jimmy Alan Newcomer and she created a marriage ceremony with a woman opera singer at St. Peter’s MCC Church in 1981. She witnessed the start of the AIDS crisis and the work of many women and activists such as Larry Kramer. Professionally, she held jobs in management and sales, drove a taxi, and had her own greeting card company. In some jobs, she had to hide her sexuality. She visited Colorado often before moving to Boulder ca. 1993, participating in the LGBTQ community there. While attending a Pride parade in Columbia SC, she met political activist Charlie Smith, who invited her to Charleston, SC; she moved there soon after and began her involvement in the community, founding the Charleston Social Club, which offered opportunities to many isolated and closeted women. One of the programs, Lezz Fest, produced on the club’s tenth anniversary closed off part of North Charleston and drew 1,000 participants. Dugan was the prime mover in establishing the first Pride Festival in the lowcountry. She and a cadre of friends staged fundraisers for the event which the City of Charleston wanted to sideline. The city of North Charleston, however, including Mayor R. Keith Summey, who served as grand marshal of the parade, supported it, despite the criticism of many local churches. The Charleston Pride Organization event took place on May 15, 2010, and its impact, and that of the evening event held on the Citadel campus, is described in detail by Dugan. In response to questions, she comments on African American participation in the community and ends the interview with suggestions of other issues that LGBTQ community could address, such as the care of its older citizens, a task in which she is involved.
Feidin del Rosario Santana was born in Santo Domingo, the Dominican Republic in 1991. He moved with his family to New Jersey, NY when he was twelve years old. After high school graduation at the age of nineteen, he returned to his country to train at a baseball academy in rural San Pedro. He explains that for him this was a "life-changing experience" but after a physical injury, he had to quit and return to the USA where he struggled to adjust. Later, he went back to Punta Cana to work in the tourist industry. There he met the mother of his child and trained as a barber. A job opportunity in a barbershop brought him to North Charleston in 2013. On his way to work on the morning of Saturday, April 4th, 2015 Santana recorded the killing Walter Scott by North Charleston Police Officer Michael Slager. Realizing the magnitude of the event he had witnessed, he feared for his safety but decided to hand over the video to the Scott family prompting the arrest of Slager. Santana reflects about the following months, including dealing with the press and media outlets, being a witness in the trial, and becoming the target of hateful messages.
Volante anunciando una reunión para discutir temas de inmigración y organizarse para exigirle al presidente Obama que cumpliera sus promesas de campaña y promoviera una reforma migratoria responsable. Abogados de inmigración y la activista chicana Emma Lozano estarían presentes en la reunión. / Flyer on immigration issues meeting announcement. The goal of the meeting was to organize and demand President Obama keep his campaign promises regarding a responsible immigration reform. Immigration attorneys and Emma Lozano, an activist from Chicago was present at the meeting.
Volante de la Asociación Latina de Charleston invitando a una vigilia de oración interdenominacional por los inmigrantes indocumentados. / Flyer for the Latino Association of Charleston calling to an interdenominational prayer vigil for the undocumented immigrants.
Photocopied graphite sketch (8 1/2 x 11) of entrance gate at Charleston International Airport, signed by Simmons with "My Copy" inscribed, 9 November 2004
Fotografía en color de una maestra de la escuela Lambs Elementary caminando junto a cinco niños pequeños en un sendero de la escuela. / Color photograph of a Lambs Elementary School teacher walking with five students outside the school.
Volante para promocionar la fiesta de la Herencia Hispana del 15 de setiembre de 1995 en el Club de Oficiales en la Base de la Fuerza Aérea. Incluye el calendario de eventos. / Flyer to promote the Hispanic Heritage Dance party at the Charleston Air Force Base's Officer Club on Sep 15, 1995. Includes a calendar of events.
Poster hecho a mano para promocionar un baile para adolescentes el día 17 de marzo de 1995 con la participación del DJ Suave. / Handmade poster to promote a teen dance party on March 17, 1995, with the participation of DJ Suave.
Correspondence from Captain James R. Worthy, Commanding Officer of The Salvation Army, to Raymond Fisher, Lowe's of Charleston, regarding a line of credit.
Correspondence from Septima P. Clark to Carolyn L. Collins, President of the North Charleston Chapter of the NAACP, discussing the issues surrounding Clark's losing her retirement money in 1956 due to her affiliation with the NAACP, requesting help recovering money owed to her.
Tom Waring discusses the history of Charleston, particularly the population growth in surrounding cities such as North Charleston in the first part of the twentieth century, its designation as the “Holy City,” poverty following the Civil War, the increase in employment during World War I, and the subsequent influx of newcomers to Charleston during World War II. Waring concludes the interview with a local Gullah Story. Hermina Waring discusses the legend behind her family’s silver service. Audio with transcript and tape log.
First elected in 1970, Lonnie Hamilton was the first African American to serve on the Charleston County Council. In this interview Hamilton discusses teaching at Bonds Wilson High School in North Charleston, his decision to run for Charleston County Council, subsequent elections, and his daughter. Audio with transcript.
The Committee For The Desegregation of Charleston County Schools memorandum from Richard Ganaway, Chairman, to Committee Members regarding a meeting to be held on January 11, 1984.
North Charleston Branch of the NAACP memorandum inviting NAACP members to attend the Sixth Anniversary Program featuring speaker "J. Arthur Brown Community Relations Specialist for Trident Work Experience City of Charleston."
North Charleston Branch of the NAACP memorandum from Walter Jenkins, Chairman of the Political Action Task Force, and Richard Ganaway, Vice Chairman of the Political Action Task Force, to citizens regarding the Political Action Task Force's solicitation of funds to enable it to "Get Out The Vote."
North Charleston Branch of the NAACP memorandum from Nelson B. Rivers III, President, to interested citizens regarding a Public Hearing on the South Carolina Conference of Branches of NAACP.
North Charleston Branch of the NAACP memorandum from Shelia L. Anderson, Chairperson for the Freedom Fund Banquet, to Delbert Woods regarding the first annual Freedom Fund Banquet.
Correspondence from Kenneth R. Gearhart, Director for Charleston County School District, to Pupil Personnel Services regarding "the educational needs of all handicapped children residing in Charleston County."
Correspondence from William Saunders, Executive Director for COBRA, to Todd Jamison, Superintendent of Big Star, regarding an incident of racial profiling at Big Star Supermarket.
Correspondence from W. F. Davenport, President for Political Action and Program Committees for the North Charleston Branch of the NAACP, to Septima P. Clark regarding the Annual Tea and Political Rally.
Correspondence from F. Marion Brabham, President and General Manager for the Meeting Street Piggly Wiggly, Inc., to Reverend W. D. Davenport, President of the North Charleston Branch of the NAACP, regarding the boycott of the Meeting Street Piggly Wiggly.
Correspondence from W. F. Davenport, President of the North Charleston Branch of the NAACP, to Marion Brabham, Owner of the Meeting Street Piggly Wiggly, regarding the boycott of the Meeting Street Piggly Wiggly.
Ticket for an event entitled, "An Oyster Roast and Rally," sponsored by The Campaign Committee for Robinson's South Carolina House of Representatives campaign.
Photocopied letter from patrons of the "Ladson Colored School" to the Trustees of School District 4, North Charleston, South Carolina, regarding a teacher named J. G. Edwards.
Fotografía en color de un evento organizado por la comunidad católica de Charleston para recaudar fondos destinados a ayudar a las víctimas de un desastre natural en Latinoamérica. En la fotografía se observan dos parejas bailando frente a una pequeña audiencia. En la parte posterior hay un carro de comida. El evento se realizó en la iglesia Santo Tomás en North Charleston. / Color photograph of an event organized by the Hispanic Catholic community to raise money to help victims of disaster in Latin America. The photograph shows two couples dancing in front a small audience and a food truck in the background. The festival was held at Saint Thomas Catholic Church in North Charleston.
Fotografía en color de un evento organizado por la comunidad católica de Charleston para recaudar fondos destinados a ayudar a las víctimas de un desastre natural en Latinoamérica. En la fotografía se observan participantes del evento junto a una mesa con comida. El evento se realizó en la iglesia Santo Tomás en North Charleston. / Color photograph of an event organized by the Hispanic Catholic community to raise money to help victims of disaster in Latin America. The photograph shows festival attendees around a table getting food. The festival was held at Saint Thomas Catholic Church in North Charleston.
Fotografía en color de dos niñas vestidas con trajes tradicionales junto a la imagen de la Virgen de Guadalupe en la iglesia Santo Tomás en North Charleston / Color photograph of two girls wearing traditional costumes standing up next to the image of Our Lady of Guadalupe. The photograph was taken at St Thomas The Apostol Catholic Church in North Charleston.
Fotografía en color de dos niños y una niña vestidos con trajes tradicionales para honrar a la Virgen de Guadalupe. / Color photograph of two boys and a girl dressed up with traditional costumes to honor Our Lady of Guadalupe.
