Methodology Training: Photo courtesy of FunTimes Magazine
FunTimes Magazine joined partners from Temple University’s Charles L. Blockson Afro-American Collection and Lincoln University for an oral history methodology training session with student scholars preparing to document the lived memories of elders whose lives connect African, Caribbean, African American, Civil Rights, and Pan-African histories.
Dr. Turner reminded us why this work matters. Black historians had to fight for oral histories to be respected as legitimate primary sources. In an era where there are active attempts to erase history, these recordings are vital.
As she put it:
“African American history is American history, and without us, there is no them.”
The training emphasized that oral history is a human-first practice, not interrogation. It is relationship work. The professors stressed preparation, asking an elder how they wish to be addressed, respect, cultural awareness, and deep listening. It is important to know when to pause, when to embrace silence, when to offer water, and when to let memory find its own pace.
This was also a behind-the-scenes lesson in resilience. The Blockson Collection team is carrying out this work while operating from a tighter shared office space due to ceiling renovations. Still, the work continues. History does not wait for perfect conditions.
Students Briefing: Photo courtesy of FunTimes Magazine
FunTimes Magazine is grateful for this partnership with Lincoln University, Temple University, the Charles L. Blockson Afro-American Collection, our student scholars, and the elders who will entrust us with their memories.
Shoutout to students: Gracina Ogebe, Carrilee Bryan, Tamar Davis, Hawa Kromah, Teyanna Crump, and Avery Reed.
Special appreciation goes to Hon. Oliver Franklin for his steady support, to Professor Tiffany Pennamon, Professor Tiffany Davis, Graduate Assistant Lori Danley, David W. Brown, Dr. Diane Turner, Serkaddis Alemayehu, Project Lead Joi’ Weathers, and the students stepping into this work with care.
Thank you also to the People’s Media Fund, and the Lenfest Institute for Journalism, for investing in this community-centered documentation. Other supporters include Press Forward and The Pivot Fund.
History is protected: one elder, one story, one prepared listener at a time.
Dr. Eric John Nzeribe is the Publisher of FunTimes Magazine and has a demonstrated history of working in the publishing industry since 1992. His interests include using data to understand and solve social issues, narrative stories, digital marketing, community engagement, and online/print journalism features. Dr. Nzeribe is a social media and communication professional with certificates in Digital Media for Social Impact from the University of Pennsylvania, Digital Strategies for Business: Leading the Next-Generation Enterprise from Columbia University, and a Master of Science (MS) in Publication Management from Drexel University and a Doctorate in Business Administration from Temple University.
