Interview with Monty Branham - OH 718

Interviewer

Dr. O. Jennifer Dixon-McKnight

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Abstract

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.)."

Publication Date

3-16-2022

Unique Identifier

OH 718

Format

MP4; M4A

Length

01:51:12

Restrictions

This interview is open for use.

Disciplines

Law

Keywords

COVID-19 Pandemic, 2020, Catawba Nation, Vaccination, Education, Social Unrest, 2020 Political Climate

Interview with Monty Branham - OH 718

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