Interviewer
Dr. O. Jennifer Dixon-McKnight
Files
Download Interview (101.3 MB)
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
Recommended Citation
Monty Branham, COVID-19 Pandemic, and Catawba Nation, "Interview with Monty Branham" (2022). Winthrop University Oral History Program. OH 718.
https://digitalcommons.winthrop.edu/oralhistoryprogram/635
