Black Oral History Project

Eastside Central Coalition Black Oral History Project, is a community-driven effort to document and preserve the stories and contributions of Black residents and organizations who lived in El Paso’s Eastside (South Central) neighborhood before the construction of Interstate 10 and afterwards.

How do we preserve our stories?

The project will collect oral and video histories from elders, community leaders, families, and organizations to capture first-hand accounts of daily life, cultural traditions, civic engagement, and the social fabric of the Eastside (South Central) area before the highway’s construction. These materials will be archived, made accessible to the public, and used to continue and expand the work of the late Dr. Maceo Dailey, former Director of African American Studies at the University of Texas at El Paso, whose scholarship laid the groundwork for recognizing the neighborhood’s significance.

Our process is simple and thoughtful.

• It begins with the Nomination of a person or organization to be considered for an interview.

The Oral History Team includes:‍ ‍
Cheryll Felder • Jackie Hoyt  • Gwen Kennedy • Beverly Mathis  • Crystal Walls  • Pat White

If you have any questions that are not answered here, please feel free to contact us:
mepdavis@eastsidecentralcoalition.org
(571) 217-2227

EEC Black Oral History Interviewer Interest Form

Your Role as an Interviewer

As an interviewer, you play a crucial role in capturing the rich tapestry of stories and experiences within our community. Your efforts will help preserve the personal narratives that shape our shared history and identity. To begin, please complete the registration and background release forms as soon as possible and review the project's goals

On behalf of the Oral History Project Committee and the Eastside Central Coalition, thank you for volunteering. We are excited to begin this journey together.

  • “Remembering and recording these voices matters,” said Micheal Davis, Executive Director of the Eastside Central Coalition. “This project honors those who built community here, helps correct gaps in the historical record, and gives future generations direct access to the lived experiences that shaped Eastside (South Central)  El Paso.”

    —Grew up in El Paso

  • "Every detail was thoughtfully executed. We're thrilled with the outcome."

    —Former Customer