Student, Aspiring Digital Public Historian, African American History & Health explorer
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.
My background has undoubtedly shaped my scholarly interests. Having lived in various communities and boroughs of New York City, I experienced firsthand the distinct spatial identities, styles, and cultural histories that define each area. Growing up in the dynamic 1980s, I witnessed how New York City’s diverse communities collectively created a vibrant cultural landscape that left a significant mark on history. My family tree stretches its branches far and wide, from the soulful streets of Memphis, Mississippi, to the intriguing connections of South Carolina and Barbados, to the mills and mines of Ohio, Appalachia, and Upstate New York, reaching the vibrant island of Jamaica. The far-reaching branches of my family tree eventually converged on Harlem, the Mecca of Black America, where I and my parents were born. 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.
While I am still defining my long-term professional interests and the work I aspire to do, I am deeply passionate about preserving and sharing the complex and vibrant history of urban communities through innovative public and digital history initiatives. I am committed to the preservation, archiving, and accessibility of materials from marginalized communities, with a particular focus 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.
HIGLIGHTS / PROJECTS
- Digital History Project, Mapping an Urban Protest movement, more to come
- Collaborative Digital History, Female Placemaking in 20th Century Leesburg, Virginia, Team Project
EDUCATION
Masters of Arts in History, 2025 ( anticipated
George Mason University ; Fairfax, VA
Masters of Public Health, 2016
Johns Hopkins School of Public Health; Baltimore MD
Medical Degree, 2002
SUNY Upstate Medical University; Syracuse NY
Bachelor of Science, 2000
CUNY City College of New York