The Community and Race Oral History Project will be screened on Saturday, July 10, at 3 p.m. in McCastlain Ballroom on the University of Central Arkansas campus.
The project is a video collection of stories from African American community leaders in Conway. The event is a screening of some of the collected stories, followed by a student panel and reception. The event is free and open to the public.
Local attorney and philanthropist Andrea Woods conceived the idea for the project after the death of George Floyd in May 2020.
Partnering with the Office of Institutional Diversity and Inclusion, the project selected and interviewed 11 African American community leaders in Conway. Leaders were interviewed by UCA students Austin Ashley, LaKendria Geter, Blake Johnson and Chauncey Williams-Wesley, who served as project interns. The interns collaborated with UCA faculty internship coordinators, community liaisons, field supervisors and UCA staff.
“This project presented a rich opportunity for authentic, student learning. We are also grateful for the strong relationship with the Conway community that made it possible,” said Angela Webster, associate vice president for Institutional Diversity and Inclusion and chief diversity officer. “I believe we connect as a community when we can empty our hearts with each other and listen with curiosity and care. This collection of stories has such potential.”
Each of the full 11 interviews will be housed on the Office of Institutional Diversity and Inclusion website.
