Student, Aspiring Digital Public Historian, African American History & Health explorer
Hi, I am a graduate student in the Master of Arts in History program at George Mason University, with a concentration in applied history. My academic and professional focus revolves around digital preservation, archiving, and digital storytelling, with a particular emphasis on 20th-century African American and Urban history. My research examines themes of place and space, including placemaking, Black Main Streets, and community activism and resistance, exploring how these dynamics intersect to shape and transform American society. I am also interested in studying the impact of past policies on segregated communities and confronting past interpretations of urban Black America.
I am a proud New York City native and my background has undoubtedly shaped my interests. Having lived in all five boroughs of NYC, I’ve had a front-row seat to the distinct spatial identities, styles, and cultural histories that give each one its own vibe. Growing up in the 1980s, I witnessed how New York City’s diverse communities collectively created a vibrant cultural landscape out of many challenges, one that would leave a significant mark on history. My family tree is just as sprawling and diverse, stretching from the soulful streets of Memphis and Mississippi to South Carolina and Barbados, the mills and mines of Ohio, Appalachia, and Upstate New York, and finally, the vibrant island of Jamaica. Over the years, each wave of our family found its way to Harlem, the mecca of Black America, making it the heart of our story through 4 generations. This collective journey has shaped my curiosity.
Before transitioning to history, I had a dedicated career in medicine. My career as a physician in community health also nurtured an interest in the intersections of local history, urban policy, and the status of vulnerable communities. Both careers are rooted in a shared passion: the desire to preserve community.
I am still defining my long-term professional interests and the work I aspire to do. I am committed to the preservation, archiving, and accessibility of materials from marginalized communities, focusing on digital preservation and archiving. My interests also lie in uncovering and sharing these materials through compelling digital storytelling and working on engaging digital exhibits, and accessible guides. This blog is an evolving space where I will share my exciting journey and share insights from my research, work, and studies. The views and opinions expressed here are my own and do not reflect those of any institution.
HIGHLIGHTS / PROJECTS
- Digital History Project, Mapping an Urban Protest movement, more to come
- Collaborative Digital History, Female Placemaking in 20th Century Leesburg, Virginia,
- Ethnomedicine- Project and Survey, Stanford Medicine Geriatrics Program