Bronx COVID-19 Oral History Project
Focus
We document the lived experiences of people who live, work, and study in the Bronx and New York City during this pandemic. Recording these voices is of special importance because the people of the Bronx, many of whom live on the edge of poverty and work in "essential occupations," have experienced one of the highest fatality rates from COVID-19 in the entire world. In the face of mounting personal tragedies and an overwhelmed health care system, large numbers of Bronx residents still go to work every day via public transportation because as nurses, hospital orderlies, home health aides, grocery and maintenance workers, and buses and subway drivers, their jobs continue even as much of the economy has shut down. Adding to the pain, social distancing, the preferred strategy for reducing COVID-19 impact, is difficult when large numbers of Bronx residents live in crowded households containing multi-generational families.
At a time when there is growing outrage about the disproportionate impact of COVID-19 on Black people, poor people, and immigrants, recording the voices of Bronx residents—-the vast majority of whom fall into at least one of those categories—-represents an act of resistance as well as an affirmation of our collective conscience.
History
Shortly after the pandemic sent Fordham students home for the year, student research assistants and Bronx residents Veronica Quiroga and Bethany Fernandez from the Bronx African-American History Project saw history unfolding in their own neighborhoods. In collaborating with Dr. Naison, they came up with the idea to initiate a Bronx COVID-19 Oral History Project where we would interview Bronx residents about how the pandemic has affected their families, their neighborhoods and their work places. Carlos Rico stepped into the project after participating in conversations with Dr. Naison, and designed and built the website where the interviews are stored today. Alison Rini, a leading researcher on the Italian American and Bronx African American History Project eventually joined, rounding out the current executive board of project leaders.
Since then, our project has grown extensively, garnering the interest of scholars and students from all over the nation. Our work has been featured in different local news outlets as well as Fordham News. Most recently, our work is currently being featured at the Museum of the City of New York at their featured exhibit titled “New York Responds”.
Collection
We primarily conduct video interviews over Zoom, however, we also feature local artists, businesses, and other research projects. As such, there are photographs and videos featuring the talent and resolve of our vibrant community.
Form of Collection
The material is primarily digital, featuring interviews, photographs, and music.
Emphasis
The Bronx, New York City
Time Period
We cover from the beginning of the pandemic and initial lockdown up to the present.
Public Access
We have a website which features our video interviews, a list of featured local businesses, and a featured artist page, which is updated biweekly.
https://www.thebronxcovid19oralhistoryproject.com
Director
We are an entirely student-run organization. We coordinate with the Bronx African-American History Project at Fordham University, with Dr. Mark Naison.
Contact Person
Dr. Mark Naison
Email: baahpfordhamu@gmail.com
Telephone number: 718-817-3748
Website: https://www.thebronxcovid19oralhistoryproject.com