Spelman College Ambassador Update
Last weekend I had the fantastic opportunity to sit in and observe a HistoryMaker interview with Johnnie Booker. It was a fantastic opportunity for me to experience. I was able to watch how the set up would be in these interviews while also respecting the interviewee’s homes. During the breaks, I was also able to watch and see how the questions would be conducted to the interviewees and the annotated picture process, something that I could help out on. Overall, the experience was extraordinarily memorable, and I am glad I got the opportunity.
As I finish my time with the HistoryMakers ends, I wanted to take this time to reflect on my first paid internship. I really have enjoyed what the HistoryMakers has exposed me to, I don’t think I would have realized how important it is for black scholars, executives, activists, etc. for them, to save all their papers. I have also realized the importance of oral tradition in the black community, I have always known how important it has been. Still, this organization has put it into perspective for me as a young black woman. Our stories will be the only thing left in remembrance of our personality, characteristics, and how we were when we were alive.
I do have some recommendations for the Historymakers for their future cohorts:
A standard outline for the blog post: I believe that there should be a standard outline for the blog post given to the ambassadors at the beginning of orientation. I mention this because I know at the beginning, my cohort had trouble making sure the blog post was up to standards. From that, I believe an outline of what is expected in the blog post would benefit future cohorts. These outlines could include the word count, how many images are expected, and how to tell a story utilizing the quotes from the archive properly
A standard/general contest: During the digital archive contest, I had a lot of trouble creating my contest which was something that was shared with the rest of the cohort shared as well. Having a general outline and guideline for the ambassadors to follow so that we can avoid the problems that arose with our contest, I believe, will be beneficial. I would also like to add that if the HistoryMaker can do something at the beginning of the year when schools start to remind faculty and librarians of this resource for the contest will help in increasing participation amongst school campuses.
I am truly glad for this experience given to me by the HistoryMakers, and it has solidified the career path that I want to go down as a history major.
