The oral histories found here are part of a larger effort to center the voices, stories, and experiences of discrimination and resistance at the University of Wisconsin–Madison and the Madison community. These stories were shared with members of the Center for Campus History, and we encourage individuals to explore additional resources that explain the center’s mission and teaching resources that highlight the experiences of other students.
Each oral history guide explores a student’s experience at UW and also relates to a larger phenomenon on campus. Each guide contains:
- A brief description of the interview.
- Audio clips from the interview, typically, a 2-3, 5-7, and 8-10min section.
- All of the segments combined into one file.
- A transcript of the interview (if available).
- Discussion questions about the complexities of oral history and questions that address the content from the interview.
Similar to our teaching guides, there is no right or wrong way to use this material. We encourage educators to select audio clips and questions that best facilitate their goals and objectives for their courses, lectures, and discussions.
All of the audio files are saved as an MP3 format and can either be downloaded or will play in your internet browser when you click the link.
These histories were collected with collaboration and support from the UW Archives Oral History Program, and are part of a the Program’s larger collection featuring hundreds of recorded interviews. This is an ongoing project, and we hope to include more oral histories and resources on this page as the Center continues its work.
Recordings
Dr. Victor Jew – Asian-American Studies
Interview with Dr. Victor Jew, an Asian-American graduate. Jew discusses his decision to attend UW, concerns about moving to Madison, efforts to connect with other Asian American students, and the impact of the Minority Coalition for students of color at the UW.
Sara Jackson-Brunson – Black Greek Life
Interview with Sara Jackson-Brunson, a member of the UW’s first Black sorority, Alpha Kappa Alpha. Jackson-Brunson discusses the significance of Black Greek life to Black students, her experience as a Black woman at the UW, and the connection between Black Greek life and the Black Power movement.
Kelly Holmes – Indigenous Student Experience
Interview with Kelly Holmes, member of the Red Cliff Band of Lake Superior Ojibwe. Holmes discusses her transition from her reservation to UW, involvement with the student activist group Wunk Sheek, and thoughts on the university’s response to the needs of Indigenous students.
Ramona Lisa Natera – Chican@ & Latin@ Studies Program
Interview with Ramona Lisa Natera, a graduate in Chican@ studies. Natera reflects on the importance of the Chican@ studies program, her K-12 experiences, and her growing interest in Latin@ history.
Isaac Trussoni – African American Studies Department
Interview with Isaac Trussoni, an African American Studies department graduate. Trussoni reflects on the culture shock after arriving in Madison, what he learned in the department, and why he decided to join the program.
Tshiab Dua Yang – Hmong American Alum
Interview with Tshiab Dua Yang, a Hmong alum. Yang discusses their involvement with international student organizations, instances of racism and discrimination, and their experiences at the UW as a Hmong student.
Frank Emspak – Black Student Strike
Interview with Frank Emspak, a former graduate student. Emspak shares his involvement in graduate student organizations and the Black Student Strike, efforts to combat housing discrimination, and the role graduate students and labor organizations play in advocating for social justice.