Choose to be Curious Episode #43: Oral History with Valeria Gelman
Dec 13, 2017
Valeria Gelman, an urban planner and graduate student at Virginia Tech, is launching "The Local Shop" on WERA to share oral histories from Arlington's legacy businesses. She emphasizes the significance of curiosity in storytelling and its role in preserving community narratives. Listeners learn about the emotional experiences of business owners, including the impact of segregation on the black community through the story of Friendly Cab. Gelman also discusses the joy of exploration, using unique analogies to illustrate the essence of curiosity in our lives.
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Friendly Cab's Segregation Origins
- Friendly Cab was founded by Daryl Collins' grandfather as a transport service for African Americans during segregation.
- The business had a community aspect supporting African Americans who couldn't use white cabs or hospitals locally.
Respectful Listening in Oral History
- Proper oral history requires respecting narrators by listening without inserting one's own views.
- Similar neighbors' stories often vary, revealing diverse perspectives on community change and history.
Maintain Objectivity in Oral Histories
- When interviewing for oral histories, avoid influencing narrators' answers.
- Maintain objectivity to preserve authentic stories even if you identify personally with them.