Interview with Ralph King

Interviewer

William Calandro

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Abstract

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.)."

Publication Date

12-8-2022

Unique Identifier

OH 743

Format

MP3

Length

00:20:56

Restrictions

This interview is open for use.

Keywords

COVID-19 Pandemic, 2020, Vaccination, Education, Virtual Learning, Winthrop University, Social Unrest, 2020 U.S. Election, Mental Health

Interview with Ralph King

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