The Bridge to Freedom - Oral History Initiative
Uncover and preserve the untold stories of Philadelphia's history. Join a pioneering project to document the collaboration between African, Caribbean and African American communities during the Civil Rights Movement.
The Mission
The "Bridge to Freedom" initiative is an oral history project dedicated to capturing the first-person narratives of individuals from the African and Caribbean diaspora who played a role in the American Civil Rights Movement. Many of these stories of Pan-African solidarity and co-leadership have never been formally documented. This project aims to create a living archive, ensuring these vital histories are preserved for future generations at Temple University's renowned Charles L. Blockson Afro-American Collection.
The Opportunity for Students
This opportunity offers volunteer experience, professional mentorship and networking with community leaders, journalists and cultural institutions. Participants will gain hands-on skills and portfolio-building experience in oral history, storytelling and media production.
As a project participant, you will:
Receive specialized training in oral history methodology and interviewing techniques from Dr. Diane Turner, Curator of the Blockson Collection.
Be paired with and mentored by a journalist from organizations like the Temple Association of Black Journalists (TABJ).
Conduct and record interviews with community members, capturing their unique experiences.
Develop complete interview packages, including audio/video, written profiles and photographs.
Have your work curated and co-published on FunTimes Magazine's digital platforms.
Who We Are Looking For
We are seeking curious, committed and passionate students interested in journalism, history, media production, African American studies and community storytelling. This opportunity is open to all Temple students, irrespective of major.
Your final work will be permanently archived in the prestigious Blockson Collection and showcased to the public, creating a lasting historical record.
Project Timeline
October-December 2025: Student Recruitment
January-February 2026: Core Training Sessions at the Blockson Collection
Spring 2026: Fieldwork and Interviews (with mentor support)
Late Spring 2026: Public Showcase & Archiving of Interviews
Collaborating Partners
FunTimes Magazine
Temple University (Klein College of Media and Communication)
Temple University Libraries (Charles L. Blockson Afro-American Collection)
Temple Association of Black Journalists (TABJ) and NABJ
Get Involved
For more information or to express your interest, please contact:
Joi Weathers: [click-for-email]
Prof. Denise James: denise.james@temple.edu