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Interview with Bernardine Dohrn
Bernardine Dohrn
OH 244
In her interview with Ron Chepesiuk, Bernardine Dohrn detailed her part in the 60s anti-war movement. She covered such topics as the Gulf War, the feminist movement and gender rights, the Weather Underground, former SDS members, Kent State, and other movement events. Dohrn also discussed her involvement in dealing with poverty and children’s rights as a lawyer. Dohrn’s focuses before and after the Vietnam War was the failure of family court and the United States’ inability to deal with impoverished families and children. This interview was conducted for inclusion into the Louise Pettus Archives and Special Collections Oral History Program.
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Interview with Jessica Duggan
Jessica Duggan, Winthrop University, and COVID-19 Pandemic
OH 730
This interview was conducted by William “Bill” Calandro with Jessica Duggan as part of Project 2020: A Collaborative Oral History. Duggan sheds light on her experience as a new transfer student arriving at Winthrop University in the spring of 2020, just a couple months before the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic in the U.S. She discusses evolutions in education in terms of virtual and hybrid learning. Most of the interview revolves around Duggan’s experience as an essential worker at Harris Teeter during the pandemic, often highlighting supply chain shortages and workplace tension. Other topics of conversation include the Black Live Matter movement, the 2020 U.S. Presidential Election, and the politicization of the pandemic (face masks, the vaccine, etc.).
Jessica Duggan (b. 1999) is a native of Long Island, New York but currently resides in Indian Land, S.C. At the time of the interview, she was a History major with a minor in Community-Based Learning at Winthrop University. She previously studied at York Technical College in Rock Hill, S.C.
Spearheaded by Dr. O. Jennifer Dixon-McKnight, an Assistant Professor of History & African American Studies at Winthrop University, Project 2020 is best summarized in her words: “The goal was to conduct interviews that explored the various ways in which Americans were experiencing and being impacted by the various watershed moments that emerged during 2020 (the global pandemic, social unrest, financial challenges, issues with healthcare, etc.)."
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Interview with Kennedy Lawrence
Kennedy Lawrence, Winthrop University, and COVID-19 Pandemic
OH 745
This interview was conducted by William Calandro with Kennedy Lawrence as part of Project 2020: A Collaborative Oral History. Lawrence discusses her experiences amid the novel COVID-19 pandemic and critical year 2020. She details the educational and social challenges she personally faced during a flaring pandemic, notably as a freshman college student. She also provides insight into the state of theatre and performing arts amid the pandemic, particularly the virtualization of theatre. Other notable topics of conversation include virtual learning, vaccination, civil unrest, social activism, and the 2020 political climate.
Kennedy Lawerence ’23 is a native of Columbia, SC who studied Theatre and African American studies at Winthrop University. She earned her B.A. degree in May 2023.
Spearheaded by Dr. O. Jennifer Dixon-McKnight, an Assistant Professor of History & African American Studies, Project 2020 is best summarized in her words: “The goal was to conduct interviews that explored the various ways in which Americans were experiencing and being impacted by the various watershed moments that emerged during 2020 (the global pandemic, social unrest, financial challenges, issues with healthcare, etc.)."
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Interview with Rustica L. Hohn
Rustica L. Hohn, Winthrop University, and COVID-19 Pandemic
OH 738
This interview was conducted by William Calandro with Rustica L. Hohn as part of Project 2020: A Collaborative Oral History. Hohn details her experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic and the critical year 2020. She discusses in depth the fragile state of the hospitality industry amid the pandemic, often noting the challenges she faced as a restaurant worker. Hohn later discusses working for the non-profit organization DREAM in 2020, notably her time filming advertisements for small businesses in Summerville, S.C. Hohn also shares her interests in social media (TikTok, podcasts, etc.) as well as the hobbies she picked up during the pandemic. Other notable topics of conversation include education, social injustice, political division, and the 2020 U.S. Presidential Election.
Rustica Lynn Hohn (b. 1994) is a native of Summerville, SC who is earning her M.A. in Teaching degree with a concentration in Social Studies at Winthrop University. She previously studied Mass Communications as an undergraduate student.
Spearheaded by Dr. O. Jennifer Dixon-McKnight, an Assistant Professor of History & African American Studies at Winthrop University, Project 2020 is best summarized in her words: “The goal was to conduct interviews that explored the various ways in which Americans were experiencing and being impacted by the various watershed moments that emerged during 2020 (the global pandemic, social unrest, financial challenges, issues with healthcare, etc.)."
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Interview with William Calandro
William Calandro, COVID-19 Pandemic, and Winthrop University
OH 720
This interview was conducted by Kennedy Lawrence with William “Bill” Calandro as part of Project 2020: A Collaborative Oral History. Calandro discusses his experience amid the COVID-19 pandemic and other events that transpired during the critical year of 2020 including workplace hurdles, vaccination, social unrest, education, and the 2020 election cycle. He also notes the significance of the Black Lives Matter movement as well as sheds light on the slow return to normalcy, particularly in relation to professional life and his decision to pursue graduate studies in History.
William Fredrick “Bill” Calandro (b. 1994), a native of Tampa, Florida, is a M.A. student and graduate assistant in the Department of History at Winthrop University. He currently resides in Columbia, SC.
Spearheaded by Dr. O. Jennifer Dixon-McKnight, Assistant Professor of History and African American studies, the project is best summarized in her words: “The goal was to conduct interviews that explored the various ways in which Americans were experiencing and being impacted by the various watershed moments that emerged during 2020 (the global pandemic, social unrest, financial challenges, issues with healthcare, etc.)."
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Interview with Baggage Authors
Alan R. Mulak, Susan Pascucci, and Donna B. Smith
OH 750
This interview was conducted by Dr. O. Jennifer Dixon-McKnight with Alan Mulak, Susan Pascucci, and Donna Smith, co-authors of the novel Baggage (2021). The three writers reflect on the creative journey of writing a book during the COVID-19 pandemic, and how the novel became a medium to escape the confines of quarantine. In addition, each share their experiences amid the pandemic and the critical year 2020, particularly as retired Americans living in the Sun City Carolina Lakes community of Indian Land, SC. Notable topics of conversations include social isolation, health protocols (vaccination, social distancing, etc.), and the virtualization of everyday life (Zoom, online shopping, etc.). They also discuss issues like education, political polarization, and social unrest.
Alan R. Mulak (b. 1950), a native of Springfield, Massachusetts, is a writer, retired civil engineer, and U.S. Navy veteran who has resided in Sun City since 2016-17. Susan “Sue” Pascucci (b. 1940), a native of Bridgeport, Connecticut, is a creative writer and retired English teacher who moved to Sun City in 2011. Donna Barnes Smith (b. 1947), a native of Hampton, Virginia, is a retired educator and former U.S. Navy education liaison. She moved to Sun City in 2014. All three are contributors to the Living@ Sun City Carolina Lakes magazine.
Spearheaded by Dr. Dixon-McKnight, an Assistant Professor of History and African American studies at Winthrop University, Project 2020 is best summarized in her words: “The goal was to conduct interviews that explored the various ways in which Americans were experiencing and being impacted by the various watershed moments that emerged during 2020 (the global pandemic, social unrest, financial challenges, issues with healthcare, etc.)."
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Interview with Anthony and Nan Urban
Anthony Urban, Nan Urban, COVID-19 Pandemic, and Sun City Carolina Lakes
OH 771
This interview was conducted by Dr. O. Jennifer Dixon-McKnight and Michaela Bessinger with Anthony and Nan Urban as part of Project 2020: A Collaborative Oral History. The Urbans discuss their experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly as retired Americans. The couple recount in detail their Cunard cruise in Dec. 2021-Jan. 2022 to the Caribbean that ultimately ended in a quarantine period. They also share their frustration with the logistics of the COVID-19 vaccine distribution, particularly in terms of technology literacy. Notable topics of conversation include supply chain scares, higher education, health protocols, social isolation, vaccination, pandemic hobbies and travel, and the turn to a virtual or digital world.
Anthony “Tony” Urban (b.1944) is a native of Camden, New Jersey, and a retired educator. Nan Urban (b. 1950) is a native of Montgomery Co., Pennsylvania, and the wife of Tony Urban. In 2017, the couple of thirty years retired in Sun City Carolina Lakes in Indian Land, SC.
Spearheaded by Dr. Dixon-McKnight, an Assistant Professor of History & African American Studies at Winthrop University, Project 2020 is best summarized in her words: “The goal was to conduct interviews that explored the various ways in which Americans were experiencing and being impacted by the various watershed moments that emerged during 2020 (the global pandemic, social unrest, financial challenges, issues with healthcare, etc.).”
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Interview with Audrey Hulsart
Audrey Hulsart, COVID-19 Pandemic, and Sun City Carolina Lakes
OH 739
This interview was conducted by Dr. O. Jennifer Dixon-McKnight and intern Micheal Bessinger with Audrey Hulsart of Sun City Carolina Lakes as part of Project 2020: A Collaborative Oral History. In the interview, Hulsart discusses her experiences amid the novel COVID-19 pandemic and the critical year 2020. She highlights the personal and social challenges she faced during quarantine, particularly loneliness. Hulsart also details how her community came to a sudden standstill at the onset of the pandemic, and the subsequent virtualization of everyday life (Zoom, Instacart, online shopping, etc.). Other notable topics of conversation include the vaccine debate and social unrest as well as the state of education and family during the pandemic.
Audrey Hulsart (b. 1949) is a native of Brooklyn, NY who has resided in the Sun City Carolina Lakes Community of Indian Land, SC since 2011. She previously lived on Long Island, NY where she served on her local school board. She actively serves on the Home Owners Advisory Council and other Sun City governance boards.
Spearheaded by Dr. Dixon-McKnight, an Assistant Professor of History & African American Studies at Winthrop University, Project 2020 is best summarized in her words: “The goal was to conduct interviews that explored the various ways in which Americans were experiencing and being impacted by the various watershed moments that emerged during 2020 (the global pandemic, social unrest, financial challenges, issues with healthcare, etc.).”
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Interview with Brandon Fierro
Brandon Fierro, Winthrop University, and COVID-19 Pandemic
OH 732
This interview was conducted by William “Bill” Calandro with Brandon Fierro as part of Project 2020: A Collaborative Oral History. Fierro discusses his experiences as a serviceman, student, and CNA (certified nursing assistant) during the COVID-19 pandemic. He details the evolution of social and professional life amid the pandemic and sheds light on other critical topics such as the vaccine and mask debate, social isolation, and Blacks Lives Matter. Fierro also discusses the U.S. Army responses to the rise in social unrest in 2020. He concludes with his take on the gradual return to normalcy.
Brandon Fierro (b. 1998), a native of New Jersey, served in the U.S. Army for four years. He currently is an Exercise Science major at Winthrop University, but previously studied at Washington State University.
Spearheaded by Dr. O. Jennifer Dixon-McKnight, an Assistant Professor of History & African American Studies at Winthrop University, Project 2020 is best summarized in her words: “The goal was to conduct interviews that explored the various ways in which Americans were experiencing and being impacted by the various watershed moments that emerged during 2020 (the global pandemic, social unrest, financial challenges, issues with healthcare, etc.)."
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Interview with Brenda Switalski
Brenda Switalski, COVID-19 Pandemic, and Sun City Carolina Lakes
OH 767
This interview was conducted by Dr. O. Jennifer Dixon-McKnight with Brenda Switalski as part of Project 2020: A Collaborative Oral History. In the interview, Switalski details her experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic, notably as a retired American. She particularly details the challenges she faced while moving from Alabama to Indian Land, SC in 2021 amidst a volatile housing market. Notable topics of conversation include the COVID-19 pandemic, vaccination, social isolation, pandemic hobbies, and technological challenges—notably among senior citizens. Other issues discussed include police brutality, social unrest, and political polarization.
Brenda Switalski (b. 1951) is a native of Glendale, California and current resident of Sun City Carolina Lakes in Indian Land, SC. She relocated to Sun City in 2021.
Spearheaded by Dr. O. Jennifer Dixon-McKnight, an Assistant Professor of History & African American Studies at Winthrop University, Project 2020 is best summarized in her words: “The goal was to conduct interviews that explored the various ways in which Americans were experiencing and being impacted by the various watershed moments that emerged during 2020 (the global pandemic, social unrest, financial challenges, issues with healthcare, etc.).”
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Interview with Carol and Donald Evenson
Carol Evenson, Donald Evenson, COVID-19 Pandemic, and Sun City Carolina Lakes
OH 731
This interview was conducted by Dr. O. Jennifer Dixon-McKnight and Michaela Bessinger with Carol and Donald Evenson as part of Project 2020: A Collaborative Oral History. In the interview, the couple discuss their experiences amid the COVID-19 pandemic and the pivotal year 2020. The Evensons begin the interview with a brief biographical sketch about their lives, and how they ultimately ended up in the Sun City Carolina Lakes community of Indian Land, SC. They detail the sudden halt to their travel plans in March 2020 due to the COVID-19 outbreak as well as their quarantine experience, often discussing the lack of socialization and later the development of virtual activities (courses, exercise, etc.). Other topics of conversation include digital literacy, social unrests, civil rights, and the politicization of the pandemic (face masks, vaccine, etc.).
Carol and Donald “Don” Evenson, formerly of New Jersey, have been residents of Sun City Carolina Lakes in Indian Land, SC since 2010. Carol is a former speech and language specialist, and Don a department store owner and later financial consultant.
Spearheaded by Dr. Dixon-McKnight, an Assistant Professor of History & African American Studies at Winthrop University, Project 2020 is best summarized in her words: “The goal was to conduct interviews that explored the various ways in which Americans were experiencing and being impacted by the various watershed moments that emerged during 2020 (the global pandemic, social unrest, financial challenges, issues with healthcare, etc.)."
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Interview with Deirdre Healion
Deirdre Healion, COVID-19 Pandemic, and Sun City Carolina Lakes
OH 735
This interview was conducted by Dr. O. Jennifer Dixon McKnight and Michaela Bessinger with Deirdre Healion as part of Project 2020: A Collaborative Oral History. In the interview, Healion reflects on her experiences amid the COVID-19 pandemic and the critical year 2020, often touching on topics such as social isolation and the digitization of everyday life (virtual activities, Zoom, etc.). She also discusses her military background and its influence on her response to the pandemic, notably in terms of the vaccine. Other notable topics of conversation include social unrest, religious services, and the gradual return to normalcy.
Deirdre Healion (b. 1950), a native of New York City, is a retired U.S. Air Force Officer who now resides in the Sun City Carolina Lakes community of Indian Land, SC. Following twenty years of military service, Healion worked for a Department of Defense (DoD) contractor before retiring. She is 1972 graduate of Molloy University.
Spearheaded by Dr. Dixon-McKnight, an Assistant Professor of History & African American Studies at Winthrop University, Project 2020 is best summarized in her words: “The goal was to conduct interviews that explored the various ways in which Americans were experiencing and being impacted by the various watershed moments that emerged during 2020 (the global pandemic, social unrest, financial challenges, issues with healthcare, etc.)."
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Interview with Deliyah Tillman
Deliyah Tillman, Winthrop University, and COVID-19 Pandemic
OH 769
This interview was conducted by William “Bill” Calandro with Deliyah Tillman as part of Project 2020: A Collaborative Oral History. Tillman first details her experiences as a high school student in a dual enrollment program amid the COVID-19 pandemic. She touches on the difficulties of losing a loved one to COVID-19 complications, all while trying to transition to college at Winthrop University amid a public health crisis. Tillman also notes the influence of the A.M.E Zion Church on her life, and the evolution of the church experience. She concludes by noting the importance of social justice efforts and her participation in a march against racial injustice in the summer of 2020.
Deliyah Tillman (b. 2001) was born in Greenwood, SC but was raised in Calhoun Falls, SC. She is an active member of the A.M.E. Zion Church and aspires to be an athletic director. At the time of the interview, she was a senior at Winthrop University studying Exercise Science with a minor in Health. She previously studied at Piedmont Technical College in Greenwood, SC through a high school dual enrollment program.
Spearheaded by Dr. O. Jennifer Dixon-McKnight, an Assistant Professor of History & African American Studies at Winthrop University, Project 2020 is best summarized in her words: “The goal was to conduct interviews that explored the various ways in which Americans were experiencing and being impacted by the various watershed moments that emerged during 2020 (the global pandemic, social unrest, financial challenges, issues with healthcare, etc.).”
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Interview with Elizabeth Moore
Elizabeth Moore, Winthrop University, and COVID-19 Pandemic
OH 748
This interview was conducted by Dr. O. Jennifer Dixon-McKnight and Michaela Bessinger with Elizabeth Moore as part of Project 2020: A Collaborative Oral History. Moore discusses personal, professional, and educational challenges amid the COVID-19 pandemic. In the process, she sheds light on Winthrop University’s response to the pandemic, specifically as a Residence Life staff member. Notable topics of conversation include the vaccine debate, COVID-19 health protocols, residence life, and the greater challenges that Winthrop and other higher education institutions faced in the critical year 2020.
Elizabeth Moore, a native of Lexington County, SC, is the Academic Advisor for the Richard W. Riley College of Education, Sport, and Human Sciences’ Student Academic Services at Winthrop University. She previously worked in Residence Life at Winthrop. Moore holds a B.A. degree from Winthrop, an M.B.A. degree from USC-Columbia, and a M.Ed. degree from Northeastern University.
Spearheaded by Dr. Dixon-McKnight, Assistant Professor of History and African American studies, Project 2020 is best summarized in her words: “The goal was to conduct interviews that explored the various ways in which Americans were experiencing and being impacted by the various watershed moments that emerged during 2020 (the global pandemic, social unrest, financial challenges, issues with healthcare, etc.)."
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Interview with Emmy Peace
Emmy Peace, Winthrop University, and COVID-19 Pandemic
OH 751
This interview was conducted by William Calandro with Emmy Peace as part of Project 2020: A Collaborative Oral History. Peace discusses in detail their experiences amid the COVID-19 pandemic and the critical year 2020, notably as a high school and later college student. Peace details the effects of the pandemic on their education as well as their personal and social life. Notable topics of conversation include mental health, vaccination, social isolation, education, virtual learning, race, civil unrest, and social activism. Peace also touches on the issue of political polarization as well as the 2020 U.S. Presidential Election and its aftermath.
Emmy Peace (b. 2004) is a native of Red Bank, Lexington County, S.C. At the time of interview, Peace studied Graphic Design at Winthrop University.
Spearheaded by Dr. O. Jennifer Dixon-McKnight, an Assistant Professor of History and African American studies at Winthrop University, Project 2020 is best summarized in her words: “The goal was to conduct interviews that explored the various ways in which Americans were experiencing and being impacted by the various watershed moments that emerged during 2020 (the global pandemic, social unrest, financial challenges, issues with healthcare, etc.)."
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Interview with Eric Udy
Eric Udy, Winthrop University, and COVID-19 Pandemic
OH 770
This interview was conducted by William “Bill” Calandro with Eric Udy as part of Project 2020: A Collaborative Oral History. Udy shares his experiences amid the COVID-19 pandemic and critical year 2020. He notes the challenges he faced as a young American making a move halfway across the country during a public health crisis. As a college student, he notes the evolution of the classroom experience in terms of COVID-19 protocols, remote learning, and the lack of social interaction. He also describes the turn to a virtual worship experience and its impact on the Church. Other notable topics of conversation include the COVID-19 vaccination debate, inflation, social unrest, police brutality, political polarization, and the 2020 U.S. Presidential Election.
Eric Udy (b. 1995) was born in St. Louis, Missouri but grew up in a suburb of Chicago, Illinois. In 2020, he relocated to York County, S.C. and began studying Middle Level Education with an emphasis in Social Studies at Winthrop University; he has since graduated (May 2023). He previously studied at Waubonsee Community College.
Spearheaded by Dr. O. Jennifer Dixon-McKnight, an Assistant Professor of History & African American Studies at Winthrop University, Project 2020 is best summarized in her words: “The goal was to conduct interviews that explored the various ways in which Americans were experiencing and being impacted by the various watershed moments that emerged during 2020 (the global pandemic, social unrest, financial challenges, issues with healthcare, etc.).”
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Interview with Irene Y. Wong
Irene Y. Wong, COVID-19 Pandemic, and Sun City Carolina Lakes
OH 774
This interview was conducted by Dr. O. Jennifer Dixon-McKnight with Irene Y. Wong as part of Project 2020: A Collaborative Oral History. Ms. Wong shares her experiences amid the COVID-19 pandemic and critical year 2020, particularly as a retired Asian American and Sun City resident. She discusses the collaborative work of her neighborhood at the onset of the pandemic, notably their efforts to make face masks and to increase technological literacy—e.g. online grocery shopping. She also shares her journey of grief after the loss of her husband and other loved ones during this period of social isolation. Other notable topics of conversation include vaccination, race, social unrest, and the 2020 political climate.
Irene Y. Wong (b. 1950) is a native of Hong Kong and former business professional living in Sun City Carolina Lakes in Indian Land, SC. At the age of seven, she immigrated to the United States as a refugee and resettled in the Washington, D.C. area. She later attended university in Massachusetts and worked for many years in both New England and the Southeast. Following retirement, Ms. Wong moved to Sun City.
Spearheaded by Dr. O. Jennifer Dixon-McKnight, an Assistant Professor of History & African American Studies at Winthrop University, Project 2020 is best summarized in her words: “The goal was to conduct interviews that explored the various ways in which Americans were experiencing and being impacted by the various watershed moments that emerged during 2020 (the global pandemic, social unrest, financial challenges, issues with healthcare, etc.).”
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Interview with Jamia Johnson
Jamia Johnson, Winthrop University, and COVID-19 Pandemic
OH 741
This interview was conducted by Makayla Strozier with Jamia Johnson as part of Project 2020: A Collaborative Oral History. Johnson discusses her advocacy as student member of the NAACP and the importance of social justice efforts, particularly following the social unrest experienced in 2020. She underlines the centrality of Black women in the fight for racial equality, though they lack support and recognition in her view. Other notable topics of conversation include social media’s key role in the social justice movement as well as the state of gender inequality within the African American community itself.
Jamia Johnson (b. 2000) is a native of Belleville, Illinois who, at the time of the interview, was a full-time undergraduate student at Winthrop University. She is an active member of the Winthrop chapter of the NAACP.
Spearheaded by Dr. O. Jennifer Dixon-McKnight, an Assistant Professor of History & African American Studies at Winthrop University, Project 2020 is best summarized in her words: “The goal was to conduct interviews that explored the various ways in which Americans were experiencing and being impacted by the various watershed moments that emerged during 2020 (the global pandemic, social unrest, financial challenges, issues with healthcare, etc.).”
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Interview with Jason Heckert
Jason A. Heckert, Winthrop University, and COVID-19 Pandemic
OH 736
This interview was conducted by William Calandro with Jason Heckert as part of Project 2020: A Collaborative Oral History. Heckert reflects on personal, professional, and educational challenges amid the COVID-19 pandemic. He specifically recalls working as a tutor at the onset of the pandemic and later as a Walmart employee in July 2020. He also discusses familial challenges in the face of a polarized political climate. Other notable topics of conversation include higher education, the vaccine debate, social unrest, and the 2020 U.S. Presidential Election.
Jason Anthony Heckert (b. 1996), a native of Matthews, NC, was a History graduate student at Winthrop University at the time of this interview. He has since graduated with an M.A. degree in History (2023). Heckert completed his undergraduate degree at UNC-Greensboro before attending Winthrop.
Spearheaded by Dr. O. Jennifer Dixon-McKnight, an Assistant Professor of History & African American Studies at Winthrop University, Project 2020 is best summarized in her words: “The goal was to conduct interviews that explored the various ways in which Americans were experiencing and being impacted by the various watershed moments that emerged during 2020 (the global pandemic, social unrest, financial challenges, issues with healthcare, etc.)."
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Interview with Julisse Rodriguez-Ayala
Julisse Rodriguez-Ayala, Winthrop University, and COVID-19 Pandemic
OH 759
This interview was conducted by William Calandro with Julisse Rodriguez-Ayala as part of Project 2020: A Collaborative Oral History. Rodriguez-Ayala discusses her experiences amid the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly as a high school student. She details the challenges of social isolation as well as the educational hurdles she confronted during the critical year 2020. Rodriguez-Ayala’s interview provides deep insight into the educational experience (secondary and higher education) amid the pandemic. Notable topics of conversation include quarantine, COVID-19 protocols (masks, social distancing, etc.), vaccination, education, virtual learning, Winthrop University, social unrest, and the 2020 political climate.
Julisse Rodriguez-Ayala (b. 2003) is a native of Ponce, Puerto Rico and, at the time of the interview, studied English with a minor in Educational Studies at Winthrop University in Rock Hill, SC.
Spearheaded by Dr. O. Jennifer Dixon-McKnight, an Assistant Professor of History and African American studies at Winthrop University, Project 2020 is best summarized in her words: “The goal was to conduct interviews that explored the various ways in which Americans were experiencing and being impacted by the various watershed moments that emerged during 2020 (the global pandemic, social unrest, financial challenges, issues with healthcare, etc.)."
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Interview with Kenneth Williams, Jr.
Kenneth Williams, Winthrop University, and COVID-19 Pandemic
OH 773
This interview was conducted by William “Bill” Calandro with Kenneth Williams, Jr. as part of Project 2020: A Collaborative Oral History. Williams shares his experiences amid the COVID-19 pandemic and critical year 2020, particularly as a student and collegiate athlete. He first details his move from Allen University to Winthrop University as a track and field athlete—all the while adjusting to virtual learning. Notable topics of conversation include COVID-19 protocols, social isolation, vaccination, higher education, track and field, social unrest (Black Lives Matter), and the political climate of 2020. Williams concludes by sharing his thoughts on the slow return to normalcy after nearly three years since the pandemic’s outbreak.
Kenneth Williams, Jr. (b. 2002) is a native of Miami, Florida who, at the time of the interview, studied Business with a concentration in Marketing at Winthrop University in Rock Hill, SC. He previously studied at Allen University in Columbia, SC. Williams competed on the track and field team at both colleges.
Spearheaded by Dr. O. Jennifer Dixon-McKnight, an Assistant Professor of History & African American Studies at Winthrop University, Project 2020 is best summarized in her words: “The goal was to conduct interviews that explored the various ways in which Americans were experiencing and being impacted by the various watershed moments that emerged during 2020 (the global pandemic, social unrest, financial challenges, issues with healthcare, etc.).”
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Interview with Linda Ramge
Linda Ramge, COVID-19 Pandemic, and Sun City Carolina Lakes
OH 757
This interview was conducted by Dr. O. Jennifer Dixon-McKnight with Linda Ramge as part of Project 2020: A Collaborative Oral History. Ramge discusses her experiences amid the COVID-19 pandemic and critical year 2020, particularly as a resident of Sun City Carolina Lakes in Indian Land, SC. She shares the challenges of taking care of her husband who suffered from dementia, specifically in the context of confinement and a public health crisis. Ramge also describes the sudden shutdown of her community after the COVID-19 outbreak in early 2020, and how it subsequently changed everyday life. Notable topics of conversation include COVID-19 protocols (masks, social distancing, etc.), vaccination, mental health, education, virtual learning, pandemic hobbies, and personal recovery.
Linda Ramge (b. 1946) is a native of Lima, Ohio and 30-plus-year resident of the Carolinas. She moved to the Sun City Carolina Lakes Community in 2015. She is a former instructor of medical assisting at Central Piedmont Community College (CPCC) in Charlotte, NC.
Spearheaded by Dr. Dixon-McKnight, an Assistant Professor of History and African American studies at Winthrop University, Project 2020 is best summarized in her words: “The goal was to conduct interviews that explored the various ways in which Americans were experiencing and being impacted by the various watershed moments that emerged during 2020 (the global pandemic, social unrest, financial challenges, issues with healthcare, etc.)."
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Interview with Monty Branham
Monty Branham, COVID-19 Pandemic, and Catawba Nation
OH 718
This interview was conducted by Dr. O. Jennifer Dixon-McKnight with Monty Branham of the Catawba Nation as part of Project 2020: A Collaborative Oral History. Monty Branham details his upbringing and life experience as a Catawba as well as the greater challenges he faced amid the critical year of 2020, particularly in relation to the COVID-19 pandemic. He sheds light not only on his personal story but also the collective experience of the Catawba community—often highlighting Catawba culture and traditions.
Monty "Hawk" Branham (b.1961) is a member of the Harris-Brown-Blue family of the Catawba Nation. Although he left the Catawba reservation at age three, he returned to the Nation at fifteen and has remained there ever since. A carpenter and craftsman by trade, his many roles in the community include being a master potter, peer mentor, spiritual leader, singer, dancer, and multi-instrumentalist.
Spearheaded by Dr. Dixon-McKnight, an Assistant Professor of History and African American Studies, this project is best summarized in her words: “The goal was to conduct interviews that explored the various ways in which Americans were experiencing and being impacted by the various watershed moments that emerged during 2020 (the global pandemic, social unrest, financial challenges, issues with healthcare, etc.)."
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Interview with Pamela Stephens
Pamela Stephens, COVID-19 Pandemic, and Sun City Carolina Lakes
OH 766
This interview was conducted by Dr. O. Jennifer Dixon-McKnight with Pamela Stephens as part of Project 2020: A Collaborative Oral History. Stephens shares her experiences amid the COVID-19 pandemic and the critical year 2020, particularly as a retired American and active church member. Notable topics of conversation include the COVID-19 pandemic, social isolation, vaccination, religion and faith, education, social unrest, and the evolution of everyday following the outbreak of the pandemic in March 2020.
Pamela Stephens (b. 1953), a native of Chicago, Illinois, is a resident of Sun City Carolina Lakes in Indian Land, SC. At the time of the interview, Stephens had resided in the community for nearly ten years. She is an active member of the Faith Presbyterian Church in Indian Land, SC.
Spearheaded by Dr. O. Jennifer Dixon-McKnight, an Assistant Professor of History & African American Studies at Winthrop University, Project 2020 is best summarized in her words: “The goal was to conduct interviews that explored the various ways in which Americans were experiencing and being impacted by the various watershed moments that emerged during 2020 (the global pandemic, social unrest, financial challenges, issues with healthcare, etc.).”
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Interview with Ralph King
Ralph King, Winthrop University, and COVID-19 Pandemic
OH 743
This interview was conducted by William Calandro with Ralph King as part of Project 2020: A Collaborative Oral History. King discusses in detail his experiences amid the COVID-19 pandemic and the critical year 2020. He sheds light on personal and educational hurdles he had to overcome while fighting brain cancer at a young age in high school. King also details his transition to Winthrop University in 2020 at the height of the pandemic, and the difficulty of losing a family member from COVID-19 complications. Notable topics of conversation include online learning, higher education, health protocols (vaccine, masks, social distancing, quarantine, etc.), professional life, and mental health. King concludes by touching on social justice efforts, the 2020 political climate, and the slow return to normalcy following more than two years of the pandemic.
Ralph King (b. 1999) is a native of Columbia, SC who studies Business Administration with a concentration in Marketing at Winthrop University. He previously studied at Midlands Technical College in Richland County, SC.
Spearheaded by Dr. O. Jennifer Dixon-McKnight, an Assistant Professor of History & African American Studies, Project 2020 is best summarized in her words: “The goal was to conduct interviews that explored the various ways in which Americans were experiencing and being impacted by the various watershed moments that emerged during 2020 (the global pandemic, social unrest, financial challenges, issues with healthcare, etc.)."