Topic: Immigration and Ethnicity / Subject Headings: Ethnicity - Minnesota Digital Library Search Results

1. Interview with David Ramirez

Creator:: Ramirez, David
Date Created:: 7/22/75
Description:: David Ramirez was born in 1936 in North Dakota, delivered by his father in a chicken coop. His parents had come to the United States in the 1920s, and the family came to Minnesota in 1936. He graduated from the University of Minnesota with a degree in humanities and did graduate work at the university in industrial relations. At the time of the interview he was director of the Minneapolis Civil Rights Department, in charge of La Voz, a monthly bilingual publication, a professional photographer, and producer of a radio program. Subjects discussed include: Personal history including education, the armed services, and employment - community involvement - La Voz - racial discrimination - ethnic activism in Minneapolis - and the meaning of Chicano.
Contributing Institution:: Minnesota Historical Society
Type:: Sound Recording Nonmusical
Format:: Oral histories

2. Interview with Ernie Fliegel

Creator:: Fliegel, Ernie
Date Created:: 5/7/76
Description:: Ernie Fliegel was born in Barlad, Romania, in 1904 and came to the United States in 1910 with his grandmother, mother, brother and sister. (His father was also in this country but had little contact with the family). His mother worked in a New York sweatshop to earn money for their trip to Minneapolis. Fliegel sold newspapers by age seven and later became a professional boxer. He was a contender for the featherweight championship before an eye injury forced him to retire in 1927. He became a fight promoter, traveled with Jack Dempsey and became an owner, with his friend Max Winter, of the 620 Club on Hennepin Avenue in Minneapolis. He married his wife Eileen in about 1925, and they have one son, Richard. SUBJECTS DISCUSSED: His childhood in Romania and Minneapolis - extreme poverty - selling newspapers, including a 1916 strike by newsboys - his amateur and professional boxing career - the 1930s Depression - bootlegging - the 620 Club - the truckers' strike of 1934 - and education. COMMENTS ON INTERVIEW: Fliegel bar mitzvahed with Edward P. Schwartz, who was also interviewed for this oral history project.
Contributing Institution:: Minnesota Historical Society
Type:: Sound Recording Nonmusical
Format:: Oral histories

3. Interview with Emiliano Chagil

Creator:: Chagil, Emiliano; United States
Date Created:: 4/7/2010
Description:: Emiliano Chagil was born in Guatemala in the city of San Lucas Tolimn. Chagil went to college in the city of Solol where he completed his bachelor's degree and later received his engineering degree at the University of San Carlos. He moved to Minnesota in 1980 because of the civil war in Guatemala. He later proved to be an influential leader for Latin communities in Minnesota and Guatemala. SUBJECTS DISCUSSED: Family - Guatemalan community and culture - financial struggles - Mayan and Christian religions - civil unrest - identity - landscape differences of Minnesota and Guatemala - Latino community in Minnesota - immigration - education - and refugees.
Contributing Institution:: Minnesota Historical Society
Type:: Sound Recording Nonmusical
Format:: Oral histories

4. Interview with Leticia Sanchez

Creator:: Sanchez, Leticia; United States
Date Created:: 2013-04-02
Description:: Leticia Sanchez was born in Eagle Pass, Texas, in 1953. At the time fo the interview she resided in Crookston, Minnesota, where she worked for the Minnesota Migrant Council's Domestic Abuse Program. SUBJECTS DISCUSSED: Family - language and bilingualism - generational differences in the Latino community - raising children - racism in education - community support programs.
Contributing Institution:: Minnesota Historical Society
Type:: Sound Recording Nonmusical
Format:: Oral histories

5. Interview with Joe Campos

Creator:: Campos, Joe; United States
Date Created:: 2013-03-23
Description:: Joe Campos was born in 1963 in Amherst, Texas. After graduating from Area Vocational Technical Institute, Campos worked for the credit union before returning to Northland Community College. At the time of the interview Campos resided in East Grand Forks, North Dakota. SUBJECTS DISCUSSED: Family - work - education - Latino community and identity - language - Latino traditions, celebrations, and holidays.
Contributing Institution:: Minnesota Historical Society
Type:: Sound Recording Nonmusical
Format:: Oral histories

6. Interview with Ken Mendez

Creator:: Mendez, Ken; United States
Date Created:: 2013-02-25
Description:: Ken Mendez was born in 1963 in Crookston, Minnesota. Mendez graduated with a degree in Communications from the University of Minnesota, Crookston. He was an active member of the Latino community in Crookston, where he worked with Migrant Health and volunteered for the Fiesta in the Spirit of Cinco de Mayo. SUBJECTS DISCUSSED: Family - Crookston's Latino community - food - traditions - celebrations - holidays - community support and service in Crookston - fundraising for a scholarship he created.
Contributing Institution:: Minnesota Historical Society
Type:: Sound Recording Nonmusical
Format:: Oral histories

7. Interview with Porfirio Diaz

Creator:: Diaz, Porfirio; United States
Date Created:: 2013-02-24
Description:: Porfirio Diaz was born and raised in Moroleon, Guanajuato, Mexico. He graudated from Concordia College with a degree in International Business. At the time of the interview Diaz resided in Pelican Rapids, Minnesota. SUBJECTS DISCUSSED: Family - Lutheran Social Services - education - community engagement - Mexican cultural retention - generational differences in the Mexican community - demographic shifts in Pelican Rapids.
Contributing Institution:: Minnesota Historical Society
Type:: Sound Recording Nonmusical
Format:: Oral histories

8. Interview with Ruben Garcia

Creator:: Garcia, Ruben; United States
Date Created:: 2013-02-22
Description:: Ruben Garcia was born in Hart, Texas in 1960. After serving eight years in the military, Garcia graduated with an associate's degree in law enforcement from the University of Miami. At the time of the interview Garcia was living with his family and serving as a police officer in Moorhead, Minnesota. SUBJECTS DISCUSSED: Family - childhood - language - Mexican cultural traditions - food - prejudice in the military - experiences with a family involved in the Ku Klux Klan - membership in Disabled American Vets.
Contributing Institution:: Minnesota Historical Society
Type:: Sound Recording Nonmusical
Format:: Oral histories

9. Interview with Kilamphong Kounlavong

Creator:: Kounlavong, Kilamphong
Date Created:: 2012-11-02
Description:: Kilamphong Kounlavong was born in Savanhnakhet, Laos. Subjects discussed include: Escaping Laos in 1975 - living in a Thai refugee camp - coming to Warroad, Minnesota from Thai refugee camps - Lao community in Warroad, Minnesota - going back to visit family in Laos. COMMENTS ON INTERVIEW: The interview is conducted in Laotian but the transcript has been translated into English.
Contributing Institution:: Minnesota Historical Society
Type:: Sound Recording Nonmusical
Format:: Oral histories

10. Interview with Toua Yang

Creator:: Yang, Toua
Date Created:: 2012-09-29
Description:: Toua Yang was born in Xhiangkhouang, Laos. He escaped to a refugee camp in Thailand, where he spent ten years before coming to the U.S. At the time of the interview Yang was a mental health case manager for Lyon, Redwood Falls, Yellow Medicine, and Murray counties. Subjects discussed include: Escaping Laos - experiences in refugee camp - adjusting to life in America - family - health issues in the Hmong community - Minnesota's education system and the achievement gap.
Contributing Institution:: Minnesota Historical Society
Type:: Sound Recording Nonmusical
Format:: Oral histories

11. Interview with Saksady Xai Song Kham

Creator:: Kham, Saksady Xai Song
Date Created:: 2012-09-23
Description:: Saksady Xai Song Kham was born in 1958 in Pak Se Champassak, Laos. He arrived in Minnesota as a refugee in 1980. At the time of the interview he was an active union representative and a dedicated supporter and organizer of the Lao community in Minnesota. Subjects discussed include: Crossing the Mekong River to escape to Thailand, living in a refugee camp - traveling back to Laos to help his captured family escape - life in the refugee camp - adjusting to American culture - adjusting to the Midwest - building and supporting the Lao community.
Contributing Institution:: Minnesota Historical Society
Type:: Sound Recording Nonmusical
Format:: Oral histories

12. Interview with Bounlorm Soumetho

Creator:: Soumetho, Bounlorm
Date Created:: 2012-09-22
Description:: Bounlorm Soumetho grew up in Laos but escaped to Thailand after his land was taken from him at the end of the Vietnam War. He was a former president of Lao Community of Worthington, Minnesota, and at the time of the interview was chairman of the Lao Buddhist Organization of Southwest Minnesota. Subjects discussed include: Family, marriage, financial struggles, education, unemployment, immigration to Thailand and the United States, Vietnam War, Minnesota's Lao community.
Contributing Institution:: Minnesota Historical Society
Type:: Sound Recording Nonmusical
Format:: Oral histories

13. Interview with Terry Yang

Creator:: Yang, Terry
Date Created:: 2012-09-16
Description:: Terry Yang was born in 1956 in Luang Prabang, Laos. He and his family escaped to a refugee camp in Thailand in 1979, where they lived for one year before moving to the United States in 1980. At the time of the interview Yang was the President of the Yang Wang Meng Association of United States, a national organization dedicated to connecting the Hmong community, building Hmong leaders, and preserving Hmong culture. He was also on the board for the Walnut Grove PTA. Subjects discussed include: Escaping Laos - experiences in refugee camp - adjusting to life in America - family - Hmong cultural preservation and community-building.
Contributing Institution:: Minnesota Historical Society
Type:: Sound Recording Nonmusical
Format:: Oral histories

14. Interview with Makalio "Max" Leo

Creator:: Leo, Makalio
Date Created:: 2012-05-15
Description:: Max Leo was born November 2, 1962 in Samoa. SUBJECTS DISCUSSED: Early life in Samoa - family history - Samoan traditions and village life - becoming a priest - traveling to Rome - leaving Rome and coming to Minnesota - participating in Polynesian festivals in Minnesota - Samoans around the United States - working - helping Samoans back in Samoa - meeting his wife and getting married - traveling to New Zealand - hopes for the future.
Contributing Institution:: Minnesota Historical Society
Type:: Sound Recording Nonmusical
Format:: Oral histories

15. Interview with Dixie Riley

Creator:: Riley, Dixie
Date Created:: 2012-04-25
Description:: Dixie Riley was born in Honolulu, Hawaii in 1951. She worked for most of her life as a human rights activist. SUBJECTS DISCUSSED: Dixie's early life and family history - education - growing up in Minnesota - being the only woman in school and at her job - working as a social activist - meeting her husband and adopting his children as her own - being involved in organizations particularly the Nation Organization of Women (NOW) - protesting the Saint Paul Winter Carnival. COMMENTS ON INTERVIEW: As Dixie Riley passed away before the interview was to take place Dixie's sister Ellen Riley Miller and her daughters Mary J. Latu, and Helemine Latu narrated on her behalf.
Contributing Institution:: Minnesota Historical Society
Type:: Sound Recording Nonmusical
Format:: Oral histories

16. Interview with Ben Ho

Creator:: Ho, Ben
Date Created:: 2012-03-15
Description:: Ben Ho was born in 1936 in Hawaii. Ben was in the Marine Corps and later worked for Univac. He is the brother of singer Don Ho. SUBJECTS DISCUSSED: Early life - family history - living in Hawaii during World War II - different languages spoken at home - his career in the Marine Corps - working for Univac - meeting his wife - being a brother to the famous singer Don Ho - living in New York, Los Angeles, London, and finally Minnesota - not experiencing racism in the Marine Corps, and experience racism working for Univac - his children - growing up Mormon in Hawaii - Hawaiian traditions and how his family kept very few of them - being involved in Hawaiian issues, particularly the Hawaiian Situation - being on the water in Hawaii and Minnesota.
Contributing Institution:: Minnesota Historical Society
Type:: Sound Recording Nonmusical
Format:: Oral histories

17. Interview with Vichita Ounchith

Creator:: Ounchith, Vichita
Date Created:: 2012-03-14
Description:: Vichita Ounchith was born in 1983 in Lafayette, Louisiana. His parents were immigrants from Laos. At the time of the interview he was a high school football coach in Warroad, Minnesota. Subjects discussed include: Early life in Louisiana and California - family history in Laos and coming to the United States - being a junior monk in a Cambodian temple - moving to Minnesota as a child - living in Warroad, and being accepted by the white children - comparing California to Minnesota - going to school and ESL (English as a Second Language) classes - playing sports - experience playing college football - how proud he is to have graduated from college - teaching Lao and being active in the community - traveling back to Laos and feeling like a foreigner - coaching sports in Warroad - being in a leadership role within the school - not being involved in the Lao community.
Contributing Institution:: Minnesota Historical Society
Type:: Sound Recording Nonmusical
Format:: Oral histories

18. Interview with Kim Sueoka

Creator:: Sueoka, Kim
Date Created:: 2012-03-09
Description:: Kim Sueoka was born in Kaua'i, Hawaii. She was a trained musician and singer. SUBJECTS DISCUSSED: Early life in Hawaii and family history - picture brides and how her family came to Hawaii - education - singing and music - traditional Hawaiian music - coming to the Evansville, Indiana to study music therapy - coming to Minnesota - identifying herself as a Japanese American - working as a freelance singer and as part of the Rose Ensemble as a story teller and performer - religion - going back to Hawaii - comparing living in Minnesota to Hawaii - controversy around singing ancient Hawaiian songs - goals for the future, to be and making her career in the arts work financially.
Contributing Institution:: Minnesota Historical Society
Type:: Sound Recording Nonmusical
Format:: Oral histories

19. Interview with Faamati Winey

Creator:: Winey, Faamati
Date Created:: 2012-02-28
Description:: Faamati Winey was born in Samoa in 1976. At the time of the interview she was the owner of four Snap Fitness franchises. SUBJECTS DISCUSSED: Early life and family - education - meeting her husband - her Snap Fitness franchises - coming to Minnesota - languages spoken at home and learning English - Samoan traditions and history - the village she grew up in - Samoan foods - life in Minnesota and life in Samoa - Samoans and rugby, and playing in Minnesota - Samoans and gambling - her passion for camping, mountaineering, and scuba diving and playing sports - her goals for the future climbing Mount Everest and starting a new business.
Contributing Institution:: Minnesota Historical Society
Type:: Sound Recording Nonmusical
Format:: Oral histories

20. Interview with Kim Sin

Creator:: Sin, Kim
Date Created:: 2012-02-18
Description:: Kim Sin was born in TakTo, Cambodia in 1977. He started the Cambodian Association of Rochester, Minnesota. Subjects discussed include: Early life in Cambodia and family - living in Cambodia during the Khmer Rouge War - living in a refugee camp - coming to Minnesota - adjusting to living in Minnesota as a child - being behind in school - starting the Cambodian Association of Rochester, Minnesota (CARM) - involvement in the community and assimilating - never quite being treated as an American - accepting his own identity - future generations of children coming to Minnesota - starting a non-profit organization - helping out all people, not just certain groups - judging people fairly.
Contributing Institution:: Minnesota Historical Society
Type:: Sound Recording Nonmusical
Format:: Oral histories

21. Interview with Kei-Leung Albert Lun

Creator:: Lun, Kei-Leung Albert
Date Created:: 2012-02-18
Description:: Kei-Leung Albert Lun was born in 1947 in Shanghai, China. He came to the United States to attend college and worked for IBM. Subjects discussed include: Language and dialects in Shanghai - early life in China, and Hong Kong - John F. Kennedy's assassination - Martin Luther King's assassination - going to college in the US - the Vietnam War - events of the 1960s in the United States - family history - experiencing racism and prejudice - lack of an Asian community when he came to Rochester, Minnesota and then the area becoming more diverse - Rochester starting its Diversity Council, and his involvement - his view of the younger generation of Asians in Rochester - staying in Rochester despite experiencing racism - using his IT skills to help the community - Jeremy Lin - working for IBM - how being introverted can keep some Asians from advancing in their careers - how grateful he is to be an American.
Contributing Institution:: Minnesota Historical Society
Type:: Sound Recording Nonmusical
Format:: Oral histories

22. Interview with Noi Sinkasem

Creator:: Sinkasem, Noi
Date Created:: 2012-02-17
Description:: Noi Sinkasem was born in Bangkok, Thailand on September 20, 1961. At the time of the interview she owned a Sawatdee Thai restaurant in Saint Cloud, Minnesota. Subjects discussed include: Early life and family in Thailand - education - coming to the United States - applying to immigrate and waiting - going back to school in Minnesota - moving to Saint Cloud, Minnesota - owning Sawatdee Thai food restaurant in Saint Cloud - difficult owning a business and being a minority - her children.
Contributing Institution:: Minnesota Historical Society
Type:: Sound Recording Nonmusical
Format:: Oral histories

23. Interview with Hedy Tripp

Creator:: Tripp, Hedy
Date Created:: 2012-02-17
Description:: Hedy Tripp was born in 1948 in Singapore. Subjects discussed include: Early life in Singapore - family history - going to school in Singapore - getting married and divorced - coming to the United States - getting remarried in the United States - moving to Saint Cloud, Minnesota - worries about racism in Saint Cloud - teaching - comparing the educational systems in the United States and Singapore - working for groups such as the National Asian Pacific American Women's Forum - having breast cancer - calling Minnesota home.
Contributing Institution:: Minnesota Historical Society
Type:: Sound Recording Nonmusical
Format:: Oral histories

24. Interview with Dr. Bingkun K. Chen

Creator:: Chen, Dr. Bingkun K.
Date Created:: 2012-02-03
Description:: Bingkun Chen was born December 4, 1961 in Hegang in Heilongjiang province China. He earned a PhD in pathology from Kochi University in Japan and an MBA from the University of Minnesota. At the time of the interview he was working at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota. Subjects discussed include: Early life in China - religion - early education and medical school in China and then Germany and Japan - coming to the Minnesota to work for the Mayo Clinic - working for the Mayo Clinic - family in Minnesota - going back to China - living in Rochester, Minnesota - the Chinese community in Rochester - being grateful - diversity.
Contributing Institution:: Minnesota Historical Society
Type:: Sound Recording Nonmusical
Format:: Oral histories

25. Interview with Ashok Mahendra Patel

Creator:: Patel, Ashok Mahendra
Date Created:: 2012-02-02
Description:: Ashok Mahendra Patel was born in 1962 Kampala, Uganda. His parents were immigrants from Indore, India. Subjects discussed include: Early life and family - living in Uganda, India, and Canada - home life, doing chores, and being a kid - education, medical school, and coming to work for the Mayo Clinic - being involved in the community - calling Minnesota his home.
Contributing Institution:: Minnesota Historical Society
Type:: Sound Recording Nonmusical
Format:: Oral histories

26. Interview with Chanmany Sysengchanh

Creator:: Sysengchanh, Chanmany
Date Created:: 2012-01-29
Description:: Chanmany Sysengchanh was born in 1983 in a refugee camp in Napo, Thailand. His parents were refugees from Laos. At the time of the interview he was working for Saint Cloud University as part of a pre-college program for minorities. Subjects discussed include: Early life and family - coming to Minnesota as an infant - his parents silence about their struggles in Laos and Thailand - living in a large Lao community in south Minneapolis from an early age - going to school, and not speaking English - excelling at school - struggling to identify as Lao or American - working for Saint Cloud State University and the importance of higher education - helping kids get into college - being a positive Asian role model in the school environment - his writing and poetry - being the first in his family to graduate high school - how tempting it was to sell drugs or steal - thinking college was out of his reach - Asians clubs and support groups - his influence on a younger generation of Lao kids - his hope for more Lao civil engagement in the community - being happy that he ended up in Minnesota.
Contributing Institution:: Minnesota Historical Society
Type:: Sound Recording Nonmusical
Format:: Oral histories

27. Interview with Phiengtavanh Savatdy

Creator:: Savatdy, Phiengtavanh
Date Created:: 2012-01-14
Description:: Phiengtavanh Savatdy was born in 1981 in Vientiane, Laos. She enlisted in the Army National Guard, and attended St. Cloud College. Subjects discussed include: Early life in Laos - nicknames given to her as a child - coming to the United States - coming to Minnesota and going to public schools in Minneapolis - being different and wanting to fit in - educational achievements - becoming a citizen and enlisting in the National Guard - coming home from Iraq and going to college - being active in extracurricular groups in college - not being active in the local Lao community - personal, and career goals and goals for the Lao community.
Contributing Institution:: Minnesota Historical Society
Type:: Sound Recording Nonmusical
Format:: Oral histories

28. Interview with Val Vargas

Creator:: Vargas, Val
Date Created:: 2011-2-14
Description:: Val Vargas was born in Minneapolis. Vargas grew up in Brooklyn Center, Minnesota and later in New Brighton. She attended Oklahoma City University and studied accounting. She worked at Metropolitan Economic Development Association as a business consultant and owns the Vargas Company. Vargas is the founder and current president of the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Minnesota. SUBJECTS DISCUSSED: Jobs held - family background - Catholic religion - lack of Latino community in Minnesota - Latino culture and foods - Lake Street - being bilingual in Spanish and English - financial struggles growing up - childhood - Chicanos Latinos Unidos En Servicio - Choices - lack of services for Latino community - growing Latino population - emphasis on Spanish language - layoffs - budget cuts - and politics.
Contributing Institution:: Minnesota Historical Society
Type:: Sound Recording Nonmusical
Format:: Oral histories

29. Interview with Marissa Theis

Creator:: Theis, Marissa
Date Created:: 2011-11-02
Description:: Marissa Theis was born in San Simon, Pampanga, Philippines. Subjects discussed include: Early life in the Philippines - her family - leaving the Philippines for Saudi Arabia to work - working as a domestic worker in Saudi Arabia to financially support her family back in the Philippines - meeting her husband in an online chat room - coming to the United States and arriving in Baudette, Minnesota - running a business with her husband - her family coming to visit her in Baudette from the Philippines.
Contributing Institution:: Minnesota Historical Society
Type:: Sound Recording Nonmusical
Format:: Oral histories

30. Interview with Benita Clark

Creator:: Clark, Benita
Date Created:: 2011-11-02
Description:: Benita Clark was born in 1967 in Bohol in the Philippines. Subjects discussed include: Early life in the Philippines - parents and grandparents occupations, and her perceived lack of being impoverished - language, religion, and her responsibilities as a child - education, moving to Manila - having a long distance relationship with her husband before she even met him - coming to the United States to meet her husband for the first time - fitting into the community and raising her daughter - going back to the Philippines to visit her family - things she is grateful for.
Contributing Institution:: Minnesota Historical Society
Type:: Sound Recording Nonmusical
Format:: Oral histories

31. Interview with Robert Zan

Creator:: Zan, Robert
Date Created:: 2011-05-11
Description:: Robert Zan is the son of Mahn Ba Zan who was a prominent leader in the Karen struggle for independence. In turn Robert Zan was a leader in Karen struggles for independence. He is the author of a concise history "Mahn Ba Zan & The Karen Revolution", published in 1993. SUBJECTS DISCUSSED: Early memories of Burmese atrocities against the Karen - family - his father Mahn Ba Zan founder of Karen National Defense Organization and leader of the Karen resistance - becoming a solider - fighting
Contributing Institution:: Minnesota Historical Society
Type:: Sound Recording Nonmusical
Format:: Oral histories

32. Interview with Eh Thweet

Creator:: Thweet, Eh
Date Created:: 2011-05-11
Description:: Eh Thweet was born in Burma in 1986. SUBJECTS DISCUSSED: Early life - Burmese military burning his village - struggle to pay for school - running from the Burmese army - finding food - landmines - fleeing to Thailand - living in a refugee camp in Thailand - religion - religious persecution - taking children from Burma to Thailand - coming to the United States - working for Catholic Charities - hopes of further education in Minnesota - Karen folktales.
Contributing Institution:: Minnesota Historical Society
Type:: Sound Recording Nonmusical
Format:: Oral histories

33. Interview with Bless Say

Creator:: Say, Bless
Date Created:: 2011-05-11
Description:: Bless Say was born in Burma, August 8, 1950. She came to the United States in 2008. SUBJECTS DISCUSSED: Early life - family - school in Burma - dangers of being Karen in Burma - farming - Karen communities in Burma - fleeing to Thailand - refugee camps - moving to Minnesota - citizenship - working in Minnesota - learning English.
Contributing Institution:: Minnesota Historical Society
Type:: Sound Recording Nonmusical
Format:: Oral histories

34. Interview with Ahmay Ya

Creator:: Ya, Ahmay
Date Created:: 2011-05-11
Description:: Ahmay Ya was born in 1987 in Sanchaung in Rangoon, Burma. She graduated from the University in Burma in 2003-2004. She immigrated to the United States in 2008 as a Karen refugee. SUBJECTS DISCUSSED: Early life - her father the revolutionary Mahn Nyein Maung - family and how the Karen people name their children - her childhood in Rangoon - her mother working as a trader while her father was in prison - being questioned by the authorities - escaping from Burma - volunteering to help deliver babies, and helping other refugees - coming to the United States alone - getting an education and working in Minnesota - her father's book Against the Storm: Across the Sea" and her father's imprisonment and release - hopes for herself and the Karen - working with the Karen in Minnesota and mental health issues - "
Contributing Institution:: Minnesota Historical Society
Type:: Sound Recording Nonmusical
Format:: Oral histories

35. Interview with Sandra L. Vargas

Creator:: Vargas, Sandra L.
Date Created:: 2011-03-14
Description:: Sandra L. Vargas was born in Los Angeles before moving to Minnesota. Vargas attended the College of Saint Catherine in Saint Paul studying business administration and later the Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University for a mid-career degree on public policy. She held positions working at the State Department of Economic Development and as Minnesota Department of Transportation Director of Administrative Services for the metro district. Vargas is currently the president and CEO (chief executive officer) of the Minneapolis Foundation. SUBJECTS DISCUSSED: Jobs held - family background - Latino community in Minnesota - immigration - religion - financial struggles growing up - childhood - importance of education - Set-Aside Program - relationships - Hispanic Chamber of Business - racism - English translators - Minnesota Chamber of Commerce - Minority Issues Advisory Council - Chicano Esperanza - Hispanic Women's Development Corporation - Latino parents conference - fellowships - and leadership.
Contributing Institution:: Minnesota Historical Society
Type:: Sound Recording Nonmusical
Format:: Oral histories

36. Interview with Rafael E. Ortega

Creator:: Ortega, Rafael E.
Date Created:: 2011-02-28
Description:: Rafael Ortega grew up in New York City. He received his bachelor's degree from Fordham University and his master's degree in social work from the University of Minnesota. Ortega is the first minority to be elected to the Ramsey County Board (5th district) and the first Latino to a county board in Minnesota in 1994. SUBJECTS DISCUSSED: Family and early life - Puerto Rican parents - growing up on the Lower East Side - growing up in the era of social unrest and protest - being one of a few Latinos in college - student activities and organizations and racial issues in college - coming to Minnesota to do his master's - CLUES [Comunidades Latinas Unidas en Servicio] - challenges facing the Twin Cities Latino community in the 1980s-early 90s - getting Latinos appointed to state wide posts - Ramsey county commissioner - his children - campaigning - Highland Park neighborhood.
Contributing Institution:: Minnesota Historical Society
Type:: Sound Recording Nonmusical
Format:: Oral histories

37. Interview with Hector Garcia

Creator:: Garcia, Hector
Date Created:: 2011-02-14
Description:: Hector Garcia was born in Mexico and raised in Mexico City. Garcfa graduated from the Instituto Tecnol=gico Aut=nomo de Mexico studying business administration. He moved to Minnesota in 1973 and later created MEX-US, a consulting company. Garcia worked as executive director for the Spanish Speaking Affairs Council and the National Conference for Community and Justice. SUBJECTS DISCUSSED: Family background - campesino movement - childhood - pollution in Mexico City - poverty - racism - education - Latino culture - lack of diversity in Hawthorne, California - Minnesota weather - jobs held - businesses opportunities explored - North American Free Trade Agreement - decline of Mexican peso - anti-Semitism - wanting to help the lower class - organizations - Latino community - and the Legacy Fund.
Contributing Institution:: Minnesota Historical Society
Type:: Sound Recording Nonmusical
Format:: Oral histories

38. Interview with Eduardo Martinez-Yrizar

Creator:: Martinez-Yrizar, Eduardo
Date Created:: 2011-02-12
Description:: Eduardo was born in a small town in northern Mexico, but grew up in Mexico City. He came to Minnesota to attend graduate school to study animal reproduction. After finishing school and getting married Eduardo and his wife Jill briefly moved back to Mexico City before eventually settling in St. Cloud, Minnesota with their three children. Changing careers he worked his way up in the restaurant business and today is the owner of Mexican Village Too in St. Cloud. SUBJECTS DISCUSSED: Upbringing - importance of education in his life - moving to Minnesota - meeting his wife, Jill - struggling to get a job - changing careers - being underemployed - opening a restaurant - adjusting to the community - karate - his family - buying Mexican Village Too - the Latino community in St. Cloud - developing, branding, and marketing salsa - giving back to the community.
Contributing Institution:: Minnesota Historical Society
Type:: Sound Recording Nonmusical
Format:: Oral histories

39. Interview with Carmen Robles

Creator:: Robles, Carmen
Date Created:: 2011-02-05
Description:: Carmen Robles was born in the New York City borough of Brooklyn but grew up in Neillsville, Wisconsin. She went to school at Harvard. Robles has two children and one grandchild. She is the program director for the Association for Nonsmokers-Minnesota focusing on Latino outreach. She works primarily with at risk youth through her program Jovenes de Salud (Youth Community Health Workers). SUBJECTS DISCUSSED: Family - moving as a child - early marriage and children - working for Honeywell, Governor Arne Carlson, and various Latino organizations - her art - travel - being a Latino Republican - working with children - improving communities - perception of the Latino community - contributions by the Latino community to the state. COMMENTS ON INTERVIEW: Along with her interview Carmen includes
Contributing Institution:: Minnesota Historical Society
Type:: Sound Recording Nonmusical
Format:: Oral histories

40. Interview with Victorino Alojado Sr.

Creator:: Alojado, Victorino
Date Created:: 2011-01-28
Description:: Victorino Alojado Sr. was born in Zamboanga City, Philippines. Shortly before the Japanese invaded the Philippines Victorino married and started a family. They hid in the mountains during the Japanese occupation. He moved the family to Minnesota in 1976 to escape martial law in the Philippines. SUBJECTS DISCUSSED: Growing up in Zamboanga - family - Sipa, a Filipino game - school - World War II - Victorino's wife and children - becoming an American citizen - the American dream.
Contributing Institution:: Minnesota Historical Society
Type:: Sound Recording Nonmusical
Format:: Oral histories

41. Interview with Adelbert Batica

Creator:: Batica, Adelbert
Date Created:: 2011-01-26
Description:: Adelbert Batica was born in Manila, Philippines. He was imprisoned by Ferdinand Marcos for his opposition to martial law in the Philippines. After being released Batica and his wife left the Philippines for the U.S. He lives in Minnesota with his family working for the Department of Transportation and acting as a leader in the Filipino community. SUBJECTS DISCUSSED: Family - childhood - poverty in the Philippines - college - martial law under Ferdinand Marcos - being a political prisoner - marriage - immigrating - traveling to Peru - the Filipino-American community - People Power Revolution - politics - personal heroes - activism.
Contributing Institution:: Minnesota Historical Society
Type:: Sound Recording Nonmusical
Format:: Oral histories

42. Interview with Dr. Maryam Beltran Shapland

Creator:: Shapland, Dr. Maryam Beltran
Date Created:: 2011-01-25
Description:: Maryam Beltran Shapland was born in Quezon City, Philippines. After graduating magna cum laude from St. Olaf College in Northfield, Minnesota she went to medical school at the University of Minnesota. She lives in St. Paul, Minnesota with her husband and two children. SUBJECTS DISCUSSED: Growing up in the Philippines - education - immigrating and fitting in - theatre - college - multiculturalism - medical research - volunteering - dating and getting married - raising a family - keeping the Filipino languages alive.
Contributing Institution:: Minnesota Historical Society
Type:: Sound Recording Nonmusical
Format:: Oral histories

43. Interview with John Choi

Creator:: Choi, John
Date Created:: 2011-01-17
Description:: John Choi was born in Seoul, South Korea but immigrated to St. Paul, Minnesota with his parents at the age of 3. He received his bachelor's degree from Marquette University and his law degree from Hamline University. John was the Saint Paul City Attorney from 2006-2010, and is currently the Ramsey County Attorney. SUBJECTS DISCUSSED: Early life - family - the importance of education to Korean immigrant families - embracing American culture as a child - college - practicing law - becoming socially and politically active - becoming St. Paul Attorney and his achievements at the job - getting more Koreans active in society and politics - campaign for Ramsey County Attorney - similarities between all immigrants to the United States.
Contributing Institution:: Minnesota Historical Society
Type:: Sound Recording Nonmusical
Format:: Oral histories

44. Interview with Frank Fernandez

Creator:: Fernandez, Frank
Date Created:: 2011-01-17
Description:: Frank Fernandez was born in Las Vegas, Nevada. Fernandez attended Arizona State University majoring in political science. He later moved to Minnesota and attended Hamline University School of Law. He held several positions including executive director of the Nevada Association of Health Plans. Fernandez is currently the vice president of government programs for Blue Cross Blue Shield of Minnesota, president and CEO of Blue Plus, and co-chair to the Diversity Council. He is married with two children. SUBJECTS DISCUSSED: Jobs held - family background - childhood - Latino community - diversity - playing soccer - religion - bilingual in Spanish and English - folkloric dance and traditions - racism - relationships - friendships - Minnesota weather - Comunidades Latinas Unidas En Servicio - Latino Law Student Association - Hispanic Bar Association - Latino businesses - citizenship - Jovenes de Salud - working with high risk Latino youth - translating - National Society of Hispanic MBAs - fundraising - law school - and community involvement.
Contributing Institution:: Minnesota Historical Society
Type:: Sound Recording Nonmusical
Format:: Oral histories

45. Interview with JinHee Darmer

Creator:: Darmer, JinHee
Date Created:: 2011-01-10
Description:: JinHee Darmer was born in Pusan, South Korea. She immigrated first to Iowa then moved to Minnesota and graduated from the University of Minnesota. SUBJECTS DISCUSSED: Coming to the United States - marrying an American - being a single mom - working multiple jobs - her family - college - discrimination in the workplace - her son growing up and his difficulties being half American half Korean - Korean adoptees finding their birth parents - Korean American Women's Association.
Contributing Institution:: Minnesota Historical Society
Type:: Sound Recording Nonmusical
Format:: Oral histories

46. Interview with Maria Cristina Tavera

Creator:: Tavera, Maria Cristina
Date Created:: 2011-01-08
Description:: Maria Cristina Tavera was born in Minneapolis, to Maria Garcia Morales and Patrick James O'Brien, who met in Mexico. She grew up in Stillwater, Minnesota because her father was from Minnesota and wanted the family to move to the United States. Tavera studied Spanish and Latin American Studies at the University of Minnesota for her bachelor's degree and later her master's degree focusing on Latino art. She believed her artwork could enrich the Latino community. SUBJECTS DISCUSSED: Family - Latino community and culture - art - TRIO programs - Day of the Dead - education - Lake Street Latino growth - student organizations - immigration - bilingual (Spanish and English) - and developing a cultural center.
Contributing Institution:: Minnesota Historical Society
Type:: Sound Recording Nonmusical
Format:: Oral histories

47. Interview with Susan March

Creator:: March, Susan
Date Created:: 2011-01-02
Description:: Susan March was adopted and grew up in Coon Rapids, Minnesota. She received her bachelor's degree from Mankato State University. She currently works as an Executive Administrative Assistant at Deluxe Corp. SUBJECTS DISCUSSED: Adoption - growing up in a Caucasian family - being Korean child in a predominately white neighborhood and school - her Korean identity - Korean Adoptee Ministry Center - going back to Korea - Americans adopting Koreans - finding her biological parents - her career - differences between adoptees and immigrants.
Contributing Institution:: Minnesota Historical Society
Type:: Sound Recording Nonmusical
Format:: Oral histories

48. Interview with Alberto Monserrate

Creator:: Monserrate, Alberto
Date Created:: 2010-12-29
Description:: Alberto Monserrate was born in Middlebury, Vermont. Monserrate grew up in Puerto Rico and England. He moved to Minnesota and attended the University of Minnesota majoring in sociology. He has held several positions including the state chair of the Minnesota Young DFL, Ameriprise, Board of La Oportunidad Incorporated, Prudential Securities as a financial advisor, and founding board of the KIPP Stand (Knowledge Is Power Program). Monserrate is currently a Latino Media owner of La Prensa, La Invasora, and LCN. He is currently serving on the Minneapolis School Board. SUBJECTS DISCUSSED: Jobs held - family background - being bilingual in Spanish and English - playing sports - crime exposure - Minnesota weather - scholarships - lack of Latino community in 1980s - racism - relationships - financial struggles - immigration - Comunidades Latinas Unidas en Servicio - Latino non-profits - education - technology - Lake Street - community involvement - Latino businesses - Latino rally - anti-immigrant sentiment - English as a Second Language - Development, Relief, and Education for Alien Minors.
Contributing Institution:: Minnesota Historical Society
Type:: Sound Recording Nonmusical
Format:: Oral histories

49. Interview with Martha A. Noyola

Creator:: Noyola, Martha A.
Date Created:: 2010-12-28
Description:: Martha Noyola was born in Houston Texas - her parents are immigrants from Mexico. She graduated from the University of California-Berkeley and works as a multicultural academic advisor for St. Cloud State University. She has served on the board of the Multicultural Center for Central Minnesota, and worked or volunteered for the Latino Coalition, Community Development Coalition, and National Latina Health Organization, and Catholic Charities. SUBJECTS DISCUSSED: Early life - family decision to come to the United States - crossing the border - education and fitting in at school - going away to college - gender roles in family and school - volunteering - family expectations of going to college - moving to Minnesota - racism in small town Minnesota - Latino community in and around St. Cloud - Catholic Charities - nonprofit work - working for St. Cloud State as a multicultural advisor - establishing a community within St. Cloud - being a mom and raising children in a predominantly white community - hopes for the Latino community to become more visible in central Minnesota.
Contributing Institution:: Minnesota Historical Society
Type:: Sound Recording Nonmusical
Format:: Oral histories

50. Interview with Sylvia Garcia

Creator:: Garcia, Sylvia
Date Created:: 2010-12-22
Description:: Sylvia Garcia was born in Crystal City, Texas but grew up in a migrant farming family. She married and settled in Moorhead, Minnesota where she raised her two children. Sylvia has a bachelor's degree in American Studies from Moorhead State University. SUBJECTS DISCUSSED: Family - migrant farming - education - community - Latino and American culture - raising her children - Latino foods - prejudices - Latino education in Moorhead - Spanish/English language barrier and medicine - Somali and Latino relations.
Contributing Institution:: Minnesota Historical Society
Type:: Sound Recording Nonmusical
Format:: Oral histories

51. Interview with Patrick Faunillan

Creator:: Faunillan, Patrick
Date Created:: 2010-12-22
Description:: Patrick Faunillan was born in Quezon City, Philippines but moved to the United States when he was three years old. He graduated as Salutatorian from the Main Street School of Performing Arts in Hopkins, Minnesota. He is a student at St. Olaf College in Northfield, Minnesota and hopes to become a nurse anesthetist. SUBJECTS DISCUSSED: Childhood in the U.S. and Philippines - transportation - Filipino foods - family structure - education - high school - theatre - dance - college - Filipino-American Youth Organization - volunteering - heroes - race and growing up - goals.
Contributing Institution:: Minnesota Historical Society
Type:: Sound Recording Nonmusical
Format:: Oral histories

52. Interview with Lisalan Thai

Creator:: Thai, Lisalan
Date Created:: 2010-12-22
Description:: Lisalan Thai was born in Da Lat, Vietnam. After experiencing the Fall of Da Lat and Saigon she left Vietnam with her son. She settled in Minnesota with the help of four Catholic churches and an adoptive family. She is a real estate agent. Subjects discussed include: Childhood - family - Fall of Da Lat - Fall of Saigon - immigrating - being "adopted" - divorce - going back to school - real estate - the American dream.
Contributing Institution:: Minnesota Historical Society
Type:: Sound Recording Nonmusical
Format:: Oral histories

53. Interview with Manuel P. Guerrero

Creator:: Guerrero, Manuel P.
Date Created:: 2010-12-18
Description:: Manuel Guerrero was born in Indiana and was brought up in Catholic schools. Guerrero attended the University of Notre Dame and later law school at Indiana University. He practiced law in Marion, Indiana and was elected as a state court judge. He landed a professor position to teach criminal justice at the University of Minnesota. Guerrero pursued his second law degree in juvenile law at Georgetown University, but afterward moved back to Minnesota. He gave back to the community by heading the Chicano Latino Resource Center and forming the Minnesota Latino Federation. He aspires to have the Latino community become more educated and involved in Minnesota. SUBJECTS DISCUSSED: Family support - immigration - baseball - scholarships - Latino culture - lack of diversity - his education path - Latino community - Chicano Studies Department at the University of Minnesota - growing diversity in Minneapolis - drug use and poverty in Latino communities - racism differences in the metro area compared to rural cities in Minnesota - and a Latino voice in politics.
Contributing Institution:: Minnesota Historical Society
Type:: Sound Recording Nonmusical
Format:: Oral histories

54. Interview with Patricia Torres Ray

Creator:: Ray, Patricia Torres
Date Created:: 2010-12-17
Description:: Patricia Torres Ray was born in Pasto, Colombia. Ray attended law school in Colombia before getting married and moving to Minnesota. She was part of the Chicano Latino Affairs Council and worked for the Department of Human Services. Ray was elected as the first Latina senator of Minnesota and is now serving her second term. SUBJECTS DISCUSSED: Family background - lack of diversity in Colombia - religion - friendships - Fundaci=n Social - Minnesota winter - Saint Frances Cabrini - community involvement - being bilingual in Spanish and English - Ethnic Heritage Act - helping families of color - Chicano Latino Affairs Council - Comunidades Latinas Unidas En Servicio - Department of Human Services - growing Latino population - West Side - campaigning for office - politics - and immigration.
Contributing Institution:: Minnesota Historical Society
Type:: Sound Recording Nonmusical
Format:: Oral histories

55. Interview with Roberto Trevino Jr.

Creator:: Trevino, Roberto Jr.
Date Created:: 2010-12-15
Description:: Roberto Trevino Jr. was born in Eagle Pass, Texas. Trevino moved to Willmar, Minnesota for better educational and financial opportunities. He received a bachelor's degree in business administration from Baylor University. Trevino was the director of human resources at a turkey processing plant in Marshall, Minnesota. SUBJECTS DISCUSSED: Family background - farm work - religion - growing Latino community in Willmar, Minnesota - financial struggles - differences between Willmar and Moorhead - racism - childhood - family reunion - bilingual in Spanish and English - retaining traditions and cultures - economics - Ecumenical Council - County Fair Board - immigration - Willmar Area Multicultural Marketplace Group - politics - and community involvement.
Contributing Institution:: Minnesota Historical Society
Type:: Sound Recording Nonmusical
Format:: Oral histories

56. Interview with Maria Esther Diaz

Creator:: Diaz, Maria Esther
Date Created:: 2010-12-02
Description:: Maria Esther Diaz was born in Cuauchichinola, Mexico. Diaz moved from California to Minnesota seeking better opportunities. She became an entrepreneur with a Mexican food business in Kandiyohi County. She is now an active Latino community organizer addressing issues of immigration, education, and business. Diaz has one daughter and lives in Willmar, Minnesota. SUBJECTS DISCUSSED: Family background - education - relationships - childhood - culture shock from California to Minnesota - difficulty communicating in English - Latino community in Minnesota - Latino culture and foods - Minnesota weather - racism - business - dual citizenship - Willmar community - contact with family and friends - bilingual in Spanish and English - holidays - Federal Immigration and Customs Enforcement - division between Hispanic groups - unifying Latino community - crime - immigration reform - English Language Learner - Willmar Area Multicultural Market - and politics.
Contributing Institution:: Minnesota Historical Society
Type:: Sound Recording Nonmusical
Format:: Oral histories

57. Interview with Belen Andrada

Creator:: Andrada, Belen S.
Date Created:: 2010-12-01
Description:: Belen Andrada was born in Butuan, in the southern Philippines. After World War II, Belen finished college with a bachelor's degree in math from Santo Tomas in Manila. She came to the U.S. as a master's degree student at the University of Chicago. After marrying she moved to Minnesota and worked in area high schools. She continues to be active in the Filipino community. Subjects discussed include: parents, growing up, World War II, Japanese occupation of the Philippines, college, immigrating, the Filipino community in the 1950s in Minnesota, and the Filipino since the 1950.
Contributing Institution:: Minnesota Historical Society
Type:: Sound Recording Nonmusical
Format:: Oral histories

58. Interview with Francisco Morales

Creator:: Morales, Francisco
Date Created:: 2010-11-17 - 2010-12-15
Description:: Francisco Morales was born in Mexico City, Mexico before moving to California. Morales later moved to Willmar, Minnesota seeking better opportunities. He completed two years of welding school, one year of cosmetology school, and went to canine schools to train guard dogs. Afterwards he held several positions including corn detasseling. Morales currently works as a youth counselor for schools and has served for over 23 years. He has two children and resides in Minnesota. SUBJECTS DISCUSSED: Family background - relationships - youth outreach - Latino community - diversity - racism - visiting Mexico - Minnesota winter - being bilingual in Spanish and English - culture and traditions - lack of community in Minnesota - importance of education - Elm Lane - crime issues - business - social issues - Chicano-Latino Affairs Council - immigration experience - friendships - religion - and Somalian immigrants facing similar struggles as Latino immigrants.
Contributing Institution:: Minnesota Historical Society
Type:: Sound Recording Nonmusical
Format:: Oral histories

59. Interview with Eloisa Echavez

Creator:: Echavez, Eloisa
Date Created:: 2010-11-08
Description:: Eloisa Echavez was born in Colombia as one of five sisters in her family. Echavez received her associate's degree in computer science and learned English through the Colombo Americano program. She completed her master's degree at Augsburg College in education and leadership for administration. She serves as a mentor and leader for the Latino community as director of La Oportunidad. SUBJECTS DISCUSSED: Family - religion - education's importance in her life as well as providing educational opportunities for others - culture - Latino community - leadership - bilingual benefits of learning Spanish and English - inspiration to help struggling Latinos - community programs - and communication for a unified Latino voice.
Contributing Institution:: Minnesota Historical Society
Type:: Sound Recording Nonmusical
Format:: Oral histories

60. Interview with Elia Dimayuga-Bruggeman

Creator:: Dimayuga-Bruggeman, Elia
Date Created:: 2010-11-01
Description:: Elia Dimayuga-Bruggeman was born in the small town of Las Mesas, Mexico. She moved to Sleepy Eye, Minnesota where she married and had three children. Dimayuga-Bruggeman attended Mankato State University to become a teacher. She worked as a Spanish teacher and as an ESL (English as a Second Language) teacher before pursuing her master's in Spanish Literature and Culture. She continued her education receiving her superintendent's degree and her K-12 principal licensure. She would serve as Dean of Students of Sleepy Eye Public Schools and later as a high school principal. Dimayuga-Bruggeman was the academic dean of Shattuck-St. Mary's private school. She was the Director of Educational Services of the Northwest Suburban School District, and is now Assistant Commissioner of Education to the State of Minnesota. SUBJECTS DISCUSSED: Family background - Bracero Program - farm work - importance of education - financial struggles - Mexican folklore dancing - difference in treatment from being a migrant student to a foreign exchange student - Youth For Understanding - Minnesota winter - English as a Second Language - Latino culture - Minnesota Migrant Program - Hispanic community - racial tensions - student leaders - diversity - cultural center - Chicano Latino Affairs Council - high school graduation rate - and the Chicano Latino Affairs Council. COMMENTS ON INTERVIEW: Transcript is available in both English and Spanish.
Contributing Institution:: Minnesota Historical Society
Type:: Sound Recording Nonmusical
Format:: Oral histories

61. Interview with Hue Van Lien

Creator:: Lien, Hue Van
Date Created:: 2010-10-29
Description:: Hue Van Lien was born in rural Vietnam. After his father passed away when he was 13 he moved to Saigon. At that time he began working for an electrical company and got married. He got his GED when he arrived in Minnesota and is now the president of Modern Manufacturing and Engineering, Inc. Hue has four daughters. Subjects discussed include: Childhood in Vietnam; Fall of Saigon; living in refugee camps; immigrating; learning English; charity work; Vietnamese culture; family; going back to Vietnam.
Contributing Institution:: Minnesota Historical Society
Type:: Sound Recording Nonmusical
Format:: Oral histories

62. Interview with Valeria Silva

Creator:: Silva, Valeria
Date Created:: 2010-10-25
Description:: Valeria Silva was born in Antofagasta, Chile. She moved to Saint Cloud, Minnesota for more opportunities. Silva attended British University and Saint Cloud State University to study English and become a teacher. She worked as an LPN (licensed practical nurse) before she landed a teaching position. Silva continued her education receiving her master's degree and is the superintendent of Saint Paul Public Schools. SUBJECTS DISCUSSED: Family background - physical developmental problems as a child - education - childhood - financial struggles - Salvadorian revolution - sneaking out to meet Fidel Castro and making it on the front cover of a newspaper - difficulties learning English - strict schools - relationships - friendships - scholarships - inspiration to become a teacher - teaching in poverty stricken areas - English as a Second Language - experiencing different cultures - wedding ceremony - views of Mexican community towards other South American countries - Association for Latino Administrators and Superintendents, and importance of family.
Contributing Institution:: Minnesota Historical Society
Type:: Sound Recording Nonmusical
Format:: Oral histories

63. Interview with Edgardo E. Rodriguez

Creator:: Rodriguez, Edgardo E.
Date Created:: 2010-10-25
Description:: Edgardo E. Rodriguez was born in Puerto Rico. Rodriguez worked at Price Waterhouse as a senior accountant before being lured to International Multifoods as an assistant controller. Once retired, Rodriguez became the treasurer of the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce and the Chicano Latino Affairs Council (CLAC). He became involved with communities after joining the Metropolitan Economic Development Association (MEDA), a nonprofit dedicated in helping communities of color with their businesses. SUBJECTS DISCUSSED: Family background - religious influences - financial struggles - education - job history as an accountant - Minnesota weather and ethnic environment - MEDA involvement - Hispanic community and culture - Venezuela - helping Latino businesses - Small Business Champion of the Year for Minnesota and the Midwest - addressing education and documentation for the Latino community - importance of learning English and computer skills for Latinos - music and art - VocalEssence - and community participation.
Contributing Institution:: Minnesota Historical Society
Type:: Sound Recording Nonmusical
Format:: Oral histories

64. Interview with Hung Duc Phung

Creator:: Phung, Hung Duc
Date Created:: 2010-10-22
Description:: Hung Duc Phung was born in Central Vietnam but moved around because of his father's occupation as a ranger. He escaped Vietnam at the age of 19 and lived in the Philippines and Hong Kong until moving to Minnesota. Hung has a master's degree in education and works as a guidance counselor. He lives in Bloomington, Minnesota with his wife and two daughters. Subjects discussed include: Name change - childhood - moving - war - education and propaganda - escaping Vietnam - religion - family - Vietnamese mothers - working as a advocate for refugees and students - Vietnamese Cultural and Science Association.
Contributing Institution:: Minnesota Historical Society
Type:: Sound Recording Nonmusical
Format:: Oral histories

65. Interview with Brother Simon-H

Creator:: Phan, Brother Simon-H
Date Created:: 2010-10-22
Description:: Brother Simon-H=a Phan was born in Saigon, Vietnam. Phan left Vietnam near the end of the war by helicopter from the U.S. embassy before the country fell to the Communist Party. Phan and his family sought refuge in Colorado and California. He later made his way to Minnesota to join the Benedictine monastery and completed college in the seminary. He then acquired a Bachelor of Fine Arts in painting and a Masters of Fine Arts in film. He teaches at St. John's University in Collegeville, Minnesota. Subjects discussed include: Family background - Vietnam War - immigration - childhood memories - family business - seeking refuge from the Communists shelling the air force base - warfare and traumatic experiences - education - Asians in Vietnam and America - film and art - religion - celebrating Vietnamese culture - feeling discrimination as a minority - Vietnam Culture camp - being bilingual in Vietnamese and English - and the Vietnamese community.
Contributing Institution:: Minnesota Historical Society
Type:: Sound Recording Nonmusical
Format:: Oral histories

66. Interview with Carl R. Valdez

Creator:: Valdez, Carl R.
Date Created:: 2010-10-19
Description:: Carl R. Valdez was born in the village of Penn Yan, New York. After high school Valdez joined the Air Force as a Russian linguist. He moved to Minnesota to attend Saint Thomas University and later became a school teacher for 22 years. He has worked in the ministry since 1991 working primarily with the Hispanic community. Valdez is married with six daughters. SUBJECTS DISCUSSED: Family background - jobs held - Catholic religion - father's struggles - importance of education - military experience at the Black Sea - traveling - poem writing - Minnesota winter - issues with the Vietnam War - special education - languages - ministry - Mexican American Cultural Center - Latino community - baptism - Comunidad Latina Unida en Servicio - Lake Street with a strong Latino influence - growing Latino population - immigration topic - racial tension - and bilingual Mass.
Contributing Institution:: Minnesota Historical Society
Type:: Sound Recording Nonmusical
Format:: Oral histories

67. Interview with Luis Fitch

Creator:: Fitch, Luis - Uno Hispanic Branding
Date Created:: 2010-10-11
Description:: Luis Fitch was born in Tijuana, Mexico. He grew up in California and Mexico, and moved to San Diego to attend New School of Architecture and San Diego City College where he found his calling in art. He would work as a freelancer and gained admission to the prestigious Art Center College of Design. Fitch continued his art career focusing on Latino arts and was truly inspired by his heritage. His talents allowed him to work in both the corporate and local communities. SUBJECTS DISCUSSED: Family - childhood - attending Catholic schools - interest in art - mother's influence in his life - financial struggles - questioning the United States Mexico border or the tortilla wall" - bilingual (Spanish and English) - Latino culture - commercial and local art - Minnesota art - CreArte - internet's impact on Mexico - working for Fitch
Contributing Institution:: Minnesota Historical Society
Type:: Sound Recording Nonmusical
Format:: Oral histories

68. Interview with Thuy Duong Nguyen-Tran

Creator:: Nguyen-Tran, Thuy Duong
Date Created:: 2010-10-10
Description:: Thuy Duong Nguyen-Tran was born in Minneapolis and raised in Richfield, Minnesota. Thuy graduated from the University of Minnesota in the College of Biological Sciences with a biochemistry degree. She also attended the College of Liberal Arts and received a B.A. in physiology. Thuy is currently attending medical school and strives to become a pediatrician. Subjects discussed include: Family background; education; social injustice in Vietnam; speaking Vietnamese and English; connecting with her grandmother; Vietnamese culture and foods; Vietnamese community involvement; Buddhism; Ho�ng Anh Vietnamese Dance Group; time management; differing rules and values of Asian and American cultures; racism; diversity; and moving out on her own and becoming more independent.
Contributing Institution:: Minnesota Historical Society
Type:: Sound Recording Nonmusical
Format:: Oral histories

69. Interview with Mario Duarte

Creator:: Duarte, Mario
Date Created:: 2010-09-17
Description:: Mario Duarte was born in El Salvador, to Raul Bustamante and Maria Luisa Duarte. He attended the Dale Carnegie Institute and the National University of El Salvador for sociology. Duarte later married Esperanza Quesada and together raised four children. Due to the Civil War in El Salvador Duarte and his family escaped to the United States in 1982. He would serve as a prominent figure for the Latino community in Minnesota. SUBJECTS DISCUSSED: Family - financial hardships - education - community organizations - social injustice - Civil War - learning the English language - Chicano community - travel - media and radio - and identity.
Contributing Institution:: Minnesota Historical Society
Type:: Sound Recording Nonmusical
Format:: Oral histories

70. Interview with Anita Astran

Creator:: Astran, Anita
Date Created:: 2010-09-06
Description:: Anita Astran was born in Bluffton, Ohio. She attended one year at a community and technical college. She married Rudy Astran and together raised two children. Astran worked as a scholarship advisor providing financial assistance to prospective students. She supports community organizations such as the YMCA, Centro Culture, Migrant Legal Services, and Migrant Health. SUBJECTS DISCUSSED: Family background - education - her son's direction and career choices - her daughter's personality and interests - Christian influences - differences between Crystal City and Moorhead ethnically - using Facebook for a Crystal City social network - keeping in touch with family - discrimination and racism - relationships with neighbors - Moorhead community becoming more understanding of different cultures - Latino community - community organizations - deciding on living in Minnesota vs. North Dakota - and immigration.
Contributing Institution:: Minnesota Historical Society
Type:: Sound Recording Nonmusical
Format:: Oral histories

71. Interview with Ramon Leon

Creator:: Leon, Ramon
Date Created:: 2010-08-23
Description:: Ramon Leon was born in Mexico City before moving to the state of Mexico. Leon worked as a journalist in Mexico, but relocated to California and dedicated his time to business. He later moved to Minnesota for an opportunity to open his own furniture manufacturing company. He would soon wed in Minnesota and continued to build his businesses and help the Latino community establish their own businesses. Leon formed the Joint Committee on Immigration and was the chair of the board for Mercado Central. He envisioned Latinos solving their social issues through community programs, businesses, and involvement. SUBJECTS DISCUSSED: Family - education - jobs worked - climate and social differences of California to Minnesota - bonding with Latino community - business - financial struggles - religion - Mex-Am Vending - Latino Economic Development Center - financing - protecting the local Latino businesses - Latino Scholarship Fund - immigration issues - and the Institute for Economic Development of the Americas.
Contributing Institution:: Minnesota Historical Society
Type:: Sound Recording Nonmusical
Format:: Oral histories

72. Interview with Reginaldo Haslett-Marroquin

Creator:: Haslett-Marroquin, Reginaldo
Date Created:: 2010-07-26
Description:: Reginaldo Haslett-Marroquin was born in Puente de Pl_tanos, Guatemala. Hasslet-Marroquin attended the Central National Agriculture School and the University of San Carlos studying agriculture. He was the president of ENLACE Guatemala before moving to Minneapolis. In Minnesota he attended the University of Minnesota to hone his English. He then created the Peace Coffee Company, National Fair Trade Federation, Transfair, and the Rural Enterprise Center. Reginaldo is married with three children. SUBJECTS DISCUSSED: Family background - civil war - organic farming - childhood - Mayan languages - education - experience at an all boys boarding school - Faith and Hope program - volunteering - Minnesota weather - organizations - co-ops - difficulties of learning English - 1995 Farm Bill - Peace Coffee Company - creating fair treatment towards farmers - atrocities of war - funding - Community Supported Agriculture - Latino community in Minnesota - and environmentalism.
Contributing Institution:: Minnesota Historical Society
Type:: Sound Recording Nonmusical
Format:: Oral histories

73. Interview with Carlos Mariani Rosa

Creator:: Mariani Rosa, Carlos
Date Created:: 2010-07-26
Description:: Carlos Mariani Rosa was born in Michigan and grew up in Chicago. Rosa moved to Minnesota to attend Macalester College and soon married. He worked at the Minnesota Council of Churches and is now the executive director of the Minnesota Minority Education Partnership. He is currently a member of the Minnesota House of Representatives since 1990 and chair of the House K-12 Education Policy Committee. SUBJECTS DISCUSSED: Family background - jobs held - racial tension in Chicago - diversity - importance of education - networking - factory work - scholarship for college - Minnesota weather - racial differences from Chicago and Minnesota - traveling - community outreach - racism - farmer issues - social issues - church - Hispanic Directors Association - National Institutes for Health - Chicanos Latinos Unidos En Servicio - politics - funding - Latino community - Cinco de Mayo - Lake Street - non-profit organizations - and community involvement.
Contributing Institution:: Minnesota Historical Society
Type:: Sound Recording Nonmusical
Format:: Oral histories

74. Interview with Jesse Bethke Gomez

Creator:: Gomez, Jesse Bethke
Date Created:: 2010-07-19
Description:: Jesse Bethke Gomez was born in Robbinsdale, Minnesota and grew up in Brooklyn Park and in New Hope. Gomez attended the University of Minnesota majoring in sociology of law and Chicano Studies. He continued school at Metropolitan State University for his master's in management administration. Gomez is the executive director of the Chicanos Latinos Unidos En Servicio (CLUES). SUBJECTS DISCUSSED: Family background - immigration of parents - passion for music and arts - El Instituto de Arte y Cultura - Human Rights Act for Minnesota - farm work - population of Latino community in Minnesota - experiencing European and Latino cultures as a child - dance groups - having faith - education - non-profit organizations - CLUES - Consulate of Mexico in Chicago - English as a Second Language (ESL) - budget - focus groups - and Lake Street.
Contributing Institution:: Minnesota Historical Society
Type:: Sound Recording Nonmusical
Format:: Oral histories

75. Interview with Ted Guerrero

Creator:: Guerrero, Ted
Date Created:: 2010-04-19
Description:: Ted Guerrero was born in Saint John's, Michigan. He was drawn to Minnesota to work on the farms and stayed for financial support offered by Moorhead State University. Guerrero received his bachelor's degree from Moorhead State University in guidance and counseling. Guerrero later worked for the University as a recruiter for minority students for over 35 years. He served as president of the Hispanic Caucus of Minnesota Education Association promoting bilingual education and ESL (English as a Second Language). Guerrero also served four years on the Minnesota State Board of Health under Governor Rudy Perpich. SUBJECTS DISCUSSED: Family background - education - moving to Minnesota - jobs held - Minnesota winter - Hispanic music - speaking Spanish and English in the family - Latino culture - Tejano band - his five sons - education system in Minnesota - comparing North Dakota to Minnesota - cascarones - religion - Mexican food - diversity - racism renting a home - immigration - and networking.
Contributing Institution:: Minnesota Historical Society
Type:: Sound Recording Nonmusical
Format:: Oral histories

76. Interview with Jose H. Trejo

Creator:: Trejo, Jose H.
Date Created:: 2010-04-11
Description:: Jose H. Trejo was born in Rosita, Mexico. Trejo and his family moved to Minnesota from Texas for better opportunities. He attended Austin Community College majoring in biology and later Mankato State University majoring in Spanish Studies. Trejo proceeded to teach at Red Wing High School for four years. He was the town supervisor for Eureka Township in Polk County, Wisconsin and served as director for Buckbee Mears Company. Trejo would later hold many more positions including working for the North American Free-Trade Agreement, as associate director for Metropolitan Interfaith Council on Affordable Housing, as director of the Saint Croix Falls Chamber of Commerce, for the Minnesota Human Trafficking Task Force, for the Cooperative Council on AIDS and HIV Prevention, and for the Agricultural Committee of the United States Department of Agriculture. He is currently working as director of the Breaking Free organization. SUBJECTS DISCUSSED: Jobs held - organizations - civil unrest - immigration - politics - trip moving to Minnesota - Minnesota weather - importance of education - discrimination in school - financial struggles - scholarships - teaching Spanish - bilingual in Spanish and English - active Latino community - civil unrest in Saint Paul - community involvement - Christian Science program - Neighborhood Watch - Spanish Speaking Affairs Council - Minnesota Migrant Council - lawsuits - funding - Minnesota Hispanic Chamber of Commerce - Chicano Liberation Front - Minnesota Hispanic AIDS - Hispanic Women's Conference - Migrant Health Program - Latino Employment Program - President Carter - human rights - diversity - and leadership.
Contributing Institution:: Minnesota Historical Society
Type:: Sound Recording Nonmusical
Format:: Oral histories

77. Interview with Susana de Leon

Creator:: de Leon, Susana; United States
Date Created:: 2010-04-08
Description:: Susana de Leon was born in northern Mexico, in Zacatecas. De Leon attended normal school for four years for teaching. Afterwards she moved from California to Minnesota. She continued her education at the University of Minnesota and is currently an immigration attorney. SUBJECTS DISCUSSED: Family background - childhood - education - Latino food and culture - jobs held - financial struggles - bilingual in Spanish and English - friendships - immigration - personal relationships - teaching - Minnesota winter - college recruiting - working with people with disabilities - West Side Latino community in Minnesota - folkloric Mexican dancing - and being proud of her heritage.
Contributing Institution:: Minnesota Historical Society
Type:: Sound Recording Nonmusical
Format:: Oral histories

78. Interview with Gilbert de la O

Creator:: de la O, Gilbert; United States
Date Created:: 2010-03-39
Description:: Gilbert de la O was born in New Ulm, Minnesota. His family moved from Texas to Minnesota in search of work. He started working at the Neighborhood House, a community center, as a teen and continued for over fifty years. De la O is married with two children. He also served as the first Chicano ever on the St. Paul School Board. SUBJECTS DISCUSSED: Family background, community involvement - childhood growing up at the Neighborhood House child care center - revolution of 1910 - financial struggles - Our Lady of Guadalupe church - Jewish community - Latino community - lack of diversity - Black Bridge - racism in the classroom - the Chicano Movement with the Brown Berets - Chicano Studies at the University of Minnesota - serving in the Vietnam War - military order in his life - changing views towards being against wars - impact of sports - unemployment - growing diversity in Saint Paul - uniting the Latino community - education - and the West Side Boosters.
Contributing Institution:: Minnesota Historical Society
Type:: Sound Recording Nonmusical
Format:: Oral histories

79. Interview with Rosalinda Gonzalez

Creator:: Gonzalez, Rosalinda
Date Created:: 2010-02-15
Description:: Rosalinda Gonzalez was born in Mercedes, Texas. Gonzalez moved to Minnesota for opportunities to work on farms and for education. She attended two years of college at Moorhead State and works as a nutrition education assistant. Gonzalez is married with one child. SUBJECTS DISCUSSED: Family background - importance of education - farm work - traveling - financial struggles - Migrant Farm Workers Program - Minnesota winter - racism - lack of Mexican stores - differences in churches in Texas and Minnesota - Moorhead Health Initiative - community programs - Creative Care for Reaching Independence - missionary trips - spending time with family - being bilingual in Spanish and English - and Latino food and culture.
Contributing Institution:: Minnesota Historical Society
Type:: Sound Recording Nonmusical
Format:: Oral histories

80. Interview with Martha Castanon

Creator:: Castanon, Martha
Date Created:: 2010-02-15
Description:: Martha Castanon was born in Moorhead, Minnesota. Castanon traveled between Texas and Minnesota in her youth, but chose Minnesota for better opportunities. She graduated from Moorhead High School and completed two years of vocational technical school as an accounting clerk. She later served as an election judge pushing the importance of voting. SUBJECTS DISCUSSED: Family background - education differences from Texas and Minnesota - childhood - being bilingual in Spanish and English - struggles fitting into predominantly White schools - technology such as Facebook for communication - Latino culture in food, Tejano music - racism and stereotypes in Moorhead - being multicultural - quincea
Contributing Institution:: Minnesota Historical Society
Type:: Sound Recording Nonmusical
Format:: Oral histories

81. Interview with Anna Amaya

Creator:: Amaya, Anna
Date Created:: 2010-01-10
Description:: Anna Amaya was born in Moorhead, Minnesota. Through the Youth Exchange and Study she earned her GED and attended Moorhead State for two years. She married in Moorhead and raised four children. SUBJECTS DISCUSSED: Education - family background - Latino community - organizations - personal relationships - racism - bilingual in Spanish and English - church - farm work - lack of diversity - domestic struggles - financial struggles - Latino culture and tradition - La Virgen de Guadalupe - quincea
Contributing Institution:: Minnesota Historical Society
Type:: Sound Recording Nonmusical
Format:: Oral histories

82. Interview with Idalia "Charly" Leuze

Creator:: Leuze, Idalia
Date Created:: 2009-08-11
Description:: Idalia Leuze was brought up in San Antonio, Texas and moved to Minnesota. Leuze was raised in Willmar and went to Ridgewater College (formerly Willmar Vo-Tech) studying legal administration. She worked for the Chamber of Commerce, Public Defender's office, as an interpreter, as a corrections counselor, at PACT 4 Families, and as director of West Central Integration Collaborative. SUBJECTS DISCUSSED: Childhood - family - Latino culture in Texas and Minnesota - religion - education - lack of diversity in Willmar - suing the Willmar School District over Latino student rights - dangerous living conditions - having to get tamale ingredients from Chicago - grand opening of Taco John's restaurant - Somali integration - visit to China - and funds and grants.
Contributing Institution:: Minnesota Historical Society
Type:: Sound Recording Nonmusical
Format:: Oral histories

83. Interview with Rev. J. Pablo Obregon

Creator:: Obregon, Reverend J. Pablo
Date Created:: 2009-07-14
Description:: Rev. J. Pablo Obregon was born in Lima, Peru. Obregon attended Lutheran Bible Institute in southern California for ministry. He later attended Luther Seminary in Saint Paul, Minnesota on his path towards becoming a pastor. He accepted a pastor internship in Willmar where he would meet his future wife. Obregon would become the Pastor Chaplain for Bethesda Health and Housing in Willmar. SUBJECTS DISCUSSED: Family background - Peru's religious stance - Peru weather and culture - Chinese influence in Peru introducing rice to diet - holidays and New Year's celebrations - playing the guitar - education - teacher strikes and social injustice - learning English by watching television shows along with classes - calling to become a pastor - Minnesota weather - dealing with stereotypes - immigration - racial tensions and discrimination in Willmar - ELCA - and educating the community of Willmar about God and understanding different cultures.
Contributing Institution:: Minnesota Historical Society
Type:: Sound Recording Nonmusical
Format:: Oral histories

84. Interview with Lourdez Ortega Schwab

Creator:: Schwab, Lourdez Ortega
Date Created:: 2009-05-10
Description:: Lourdez Ortega Schwab was born in El Paso, Texas before moving to Minnesota. Schwab worked at Housing Redevelopment Authority helping low income families. She currently works in a bank where she enjoys educating the Latino community about finances. Schwab also is serving in the Navy Reserves and is married with three children. SUBJECTS DISCUSSED: Family background - childhood - opportunities in Minnesota - farm work - different racial perceptions from Minnesota to Texas - importance of education - relationships - immigration - Latino community - educating about banking - jobs held - Heartland Community Action Agency - being bilingual in Spanish and English - West Central Collaborative - mercado - Latino culture and foods - businesses - diversifying community - religion - citizenship - family ties - fishing memories - difficulties translating English to Spanish for her parents - quincea
Contributing Institution:: Minnesota Historical Society
Type:: Sound Recording Nonmusical
Format:: Oral histories

85. Interview with Dorjee Norbu

Creator:: Norbu, Dorjee T.
Date Created:: 2005-09-30
Description:: Dorjee Norbu was born in Jaipur, Rajasthan, India. He moved with his family to Mussoorie and then Rajpur. His mother moved to Minnesota in 1992. Norbu and the rest of the family followed in 1996. SUBJECTS DISCUSSED: Parents, family, school experiences in India and the United States, expectations of Minnesota, first experiences in Minnesota, snow, differences in social relationships between Tibetans and Americans, similarities and differences between Tibetan, Indian, and American culture, making friends, attending college, Tibetan dance group, international students, Tibetan Institute for Performing Arts (TIPA), preserving Tibetan culture, community, challenges, including gangs and violence, differences between adults and adolescents, stereotypes, economic differences within the community, race, working on the Minnesota Tibetan Oral History Project.
Contributing Institution:: Minnesota Historical Society
Type:: Sound Recording Nonmusical
Format:: Oral histories

86. Interview with Tenzin Yangdon

Creator:: Yangdon, Tenzin
Date Created:: 2005-09-24
Description:: Tenzin Yangdon was born in Rajpur, India. She moved to Minnesota in 1996. Yangdon graduated from high school in Minnesota and is pursuing her undergraduate degree at Hamline University. SUBJECTS DISCUSSED: Parents, family, being sent to boarding school, differences and similarities between schools in India and the United States, family separation, coming to Minnesota, initial reaction to Minnesota, making friends, deciding to go to college, selecting a college, selecting a career, Tibetan Youth Congress (TYC), Middle-Way, autonomy, independence, Tibetan politics, Students for a Free Tibet (SFT), Westerners and the Tibetan cause, community, college experiences, Tibetan Cultural Center, preserving culture, differences and similarities between Tibetan, Indian, and American culture, working on the Minnesota Tibetan Oral History Project.
Contributing Institution:: Minnesota Historical Society
Type:: Sound Recording Nonmusical
Format:: Oral histories

87. Interview with Tenzin Khando

Creator:: Khando, Tenzin
Date Created:: 2005-09-20
Description:: Tenzin Khando was born in New Delhi, India. She moved to Minnesota in 1997 at the age of twelve. Khando is an undergraduate student at the University of Minnesota. SUBJECTS DISCUSSED: Parents, family, moving to Minnesota, family separation, experiences in boarding school in India, similarities and differences between schools in India and the United States, expectations of Minnesota, American TV, making friends, change in diet, college experiences, future education plans, service, community, similarities and differences between Tibetan, Indian, and American culture, Buddhism, preserving culture, identity, stereotypes, working on the Minnesota Tibetan Oral History Project.
Contributing Institution:: Minnesota Historical Society
Type:: Sound Recording Nonmusical
Format:: Oral histories

88. Interview with Tsewang Sangmo Lama

Creator:: Lama, Tsewang Sangmo
Date Created:: 2005-09-19
Description:: Tsewang Sangmo Lama was born in Boudha, Kathmandu, Nepal. She graduated from the Tibetan Children's Village (TCV) in Dharamsala, India. Lama moved to Minnesota in 2000 to attend St. Cloud State University. SUBJECTS DISCUSSED: Parents, family, Tibetan Children's Village (TCV), school in India, coming to Minnesota, first impressions of Minnesota, adjusting to the United States, college experiences, Students for a Free Tibet (SFT), starting a political organization, Tibetan American Foundation of Minnesota (TAFM), International Campaign for Tibet (ICT), activism, U.S. politics, influence of older Tibetans, community, future education plans, international students, adjusting to weather, preserving culture, Tibetans in Nepal, differences and similarities between Tibetan and American values, working on the Minnesota Tibetan Oral History Project.
Contributing Institution:: Minnesota Historical Society
Type:: Sound Recording Nonmusical
Format:: Oral histories

89. Interview with Tashi Lhamo

Creator:: Lhamo, Tashi
Date Created:: 2005-09-08
Description:: Tashi Lhamo was born in India and grew up in Mysore. She studied Tibetan medicine at the prestigious Tibetan Medical and Astrological Center in Dharamsala. Lhamo has practiced Tibetan medicine in India and in the United States. She moved to Minnesota in 2002. SUBJECTS DISCUSSED: Parents, family, Tibetan medicine, studying at the Tibetan Medical and Astrological Center, moving to the United States, nursing, practicing Tibetan medicine in India and the U.S., teaching at the University of Minnesota, similarities and differences between Tibetan and Western medicine practices, common ailments of Tibetans, changes in Tibetan health, preserving culture, Tibetan Cultural Center, similarities and differences between India and the U.S., living with parents.
Contributing Institution:: Minnesota Historical Society
Type:: Sound Recording Nonmusical
Format:: Oral histories

90. Interview with Tenzin Chodon

Creator:: Chodon, Tenzin
Date Created:: 2005-09-05
Description:: Tenzin Chodon was born in Nyigo, Tibet. She moved with her parents to India in 1959. Chodon was a teacher in India until moving to the United States as part of the U.S. Tibetan Resettlement Project. She is one of the principal founders of the Tibetan Women's Association (TWA) in Minnesota. Subjects discussed include: Parents, family, traveling from Tibet, Tibetan Institute for Performing Arts (TIPA), Tibetan Children's Village (TCV), school in India, teaching in India, death of husband, separation of family, deciding to come to the United States, first jobs in the U.S., transportation, translating, community, immigration clinic, Tibetan Woman's Association (TWA), Tibetan Youth Congress (TYC), preserving culture, community, challenges, children, adjusting to the U.S., food, Buddhism, activism, differences and similarities between India and the U.S.
Contributing Institution:: Minnesota Historical Society
Type:: Sound Recording Nonmusical
Format:: Oral histories

91. Interview with Gyen Gedun Kalsang

Creator:: Kalsang, Gyen Gedun
Date Created:: 2005-09-04
Description:: Gyen Gedun Kalsang is from the village of Makham in Tibet. At the age of 16 he joined Norbulinpa Monastery. He traveled to many monasteries inside and outside of Tibet. Kalsang left Tibet in 1959 and traveled to India. He has been a member of various monasteries including Drepung (Lhasa), Ramoche Jowo Minthuejee (Tibet), monasteries in Dalhousie and Kalimpong (India), and the Gyuto Wheel of Dharma Monastery in Columbia Heights, Minnesota. SUBJECTS DISCUSSED: Tibet, monastery experiences in Tibet, India and the United States, Buddhist practices, moving to the US, differences between monasteries in Tibet and elsewhere, schedules of a monk, spirituality, Tibetan medicine, Western medicine, living in the U.S., community, relationship between monastery and community, challenges of monastery. COMMENTS ON INTERVIEW: This interview was conducted in Tibetan and transcribed in English.
Contributing Institution:: Minnesota Historical Society
Type:: Sound Recording Nonmusical
Format:: Oral histories

92. Interview with Tenzin Dolsel

Creator:: Dolsel, Tenzin
Date Created:: 2005-09-02
Description:: Tenzin Dolsel was born in Bylakuppee, India. She moved to Minnesota in 1997. Dolsel is a graduate of Edison High School and is an undergraduate student at the University of Minnesota. SUBJECTS DISCUSSED: Parents, family, moving to Minnesota, expectations of Minnesota, growing up in a Tibetan settlement, similarities and differences between India and the United States, English, school experiences in India and the U.S., Students for a Free Tibet (SFT), making friends, moving to a big city, college experiences, nursing, Middle-Way, Tibetan Youth Congress (TYC), autonomy, Tibetan political issues, Buddhism, non-violence, preserving culture, China, His Holiness the Dalai Lama.
Contributing Institution:: Minnesota Historical Society
Type:: Sound Recording Nonmusical
Format:: Oral histories

93. Interview with Kalsang Phuntsok

Creator:: Phuntsok, Kalsang
Date Created:: 2005-09-02
Description:: Kalsang Phuntsok was born in Pithoragarh, India. He grew up and attended high school in Dharamsala. Phuntsok then attended college in the United States at Berea College in Kentucky. He now lives in Minnesota. SUBJECTS DISCUSSED: Parents, family, similarities and differences between India and the US, Regional Tibetan Youth Congress (RTYC), leadership in the community, Tibetan American Foundation of Minnesota (TAFM), Tibetan Cultural Center, community, preserving culture, His Holiness the Dalai Lama's visit to Minnesota, Tibetan Cultural School, Tibetan Association of Minnesota (TAM), citizenship, marriage, Tibetan politics, Tibetan Welfare Office, Students for Free Tibet (SFT), youth, challenges, future of Tibet.
Contributing Institution:: Minnesota Historical Society
Type:: Sound Recording Nonmusical
Format:: Oral histories

94. Interview with Jigme Ugen

Creator:: Ugen, Jigme
Date Created:: 2005-08-31
Description:: Jigme Ugen was born in Kalimpong, India. He moved to Minnesota in 2000. Ugen has worked with many political organizations including the 2002 senate campaign for Paul Wellstone. SUBJECTS DISCUSSED: Parents, family, Indo-Tibetan Buddhist Cultural Institute (ITBCI), Australia, identity conflicts, similarities and differences between Tibetan, Indian, and American culture, politics, Senator Paul Wellstone, immigration difficulties, assimilation, workers rights, unions, parenting, preserving culture, challenges, Tibetan Cultural Center, community, stereotypes, Tibetan politics, future of community, Regional Tibetan Youth Congress (RTYC), Service Employees International Union (SEIU), Tibetan language, joint family living.
Contributing Institution:: Minnesota Historical Society
Type:: Sound Recording Nonmusical
Format:: Oral histories

95. Interview with Tenzin Khenrab

Creator:: Khenrab, Tenzin
Date Created:: 2005-08-29
Description:: Tenzin Khenrab was born in Bhandara, India. He grew up in Dharamsala attending the Tibetan Children's Village (TCV). Khenrab moved to the United States in 1997. SUBJECTS DISCUSSED: Parents, family, siblings, Tibetan Children's Village (TCV), difficulties adjusting to American teaching styles, college experiences, youth, future education plans, English, working in the United States, adjusting to food in the U.S., music, Tibetan Youth Congress (TYC), activism, community, citizenship, differences and similarities between Tibetan and American culture, Tibetan Green Book.
Contributing Institution:: Minnesota Historical Society
Type:: Sound Recording Nonmusical
Format:: Oral histories

96. Interview with Tashi Lhewa

Creator:: Lhewa, Tashi
Date Created:: 2005-08-28
Description:: Tashi Lhewa was born in Mussoorie, Uttaranchal, India. He moved to Montana at the age of 17 and later moved to Minnesota. Lhewa obtained an undergraduate degree from the University of Minnesota and is attending the University of Minnesota Law School. SUBJECTS DISCUSSED: Family, parents, attending school in India, moving to the United States, differences between schools in India and the U.S., diversity, deciding to move to Minnesota, college experiences, community, challenges, deciding to study law, parental influence, future plans, similarities and differences between living in small and large Tibetan communities in the U.S., Student for Free Tibet (SFT), overcoming cultural challenges, similarities and differences between Tibetan and American culture, Tibetan Cultural Center, Tibetan American Foundation of Minnesota (TAFM), expanding community, Tibetan Youth Congress (TYC), obligations of being Tibetan, civic duty, preserving culture, economic differences within the community, assimilation, parenting.
Contributing Institution:: Minnesota Historical Society
Type:: Sound Recording Nonmusical
Format:: Oral histories

97. Interview with Yangchen Dolkar

Creator:: Dolkar, Yangchen
Date Created:: 2005-08-26
Description:: Tenzin Dolkar was born in Dingri, Tibet. She moved to Nepal when she was young with her family. Dolkar moved to Minnesota in 1993 as part of the United States Tibetan Resettlement Project. SUBJECTS DISCUSSED: Parents, family, leaving Tibet, living in a Tibetan settlement in Nepal, United States Tibetan Resettlement Project, Tibetan Green Book, deciding to come to the U.S., family separation, coming to the US, challenges, including gangs and violence, community, His Holiness the Dalai Lama, finding work in Minnesota, immigration challenges, caring for ill husband, death of son, Buddhism, opportunities in the U.S., Tibetan Youth Congress (TYC), singing. COMMENTS ON INTERVIEW: This interview was conducted in Tibetan and transcribed in English.
Contributing Institution:: Minnesota Historical Society
Type:: Sound Recording Nonmusical
Format:: Oral histories

98. Interview with Tenzin Tsering

Creator:: Tsering, Tenzin
Date Created:: 2005-08-26
Description:: Tenzin Tsering was born in Dharamsala, India. He attended school in Mussoorie, India before moving to Minnesota in 1998 to attend DeLaSalle High School. He is pursuing his undergraduate degree at Hamline University. SUBJECTS DISCUSSED: Parents, family, wanting to come to the United States, first impressions of school in Minnesota, differences and similarities between schools in India and the U.S., English, future career, Chinese language, selecting a college, college experiences, Students for a Free Tibet (SFT), activism, including youth and college, Hamline University, attending college with other Tibetan students, starting a political organization, community, preserving culture, Tibetan American Foundation of Minnesota (TAFM), citizenship, challenges of being an international student, race, Tibetan Youth Congress (TYC), Westerners and the Tibetan cause, China, roots, identity, Middle-Way, differences and similarities between Tibetan and American culture, Tibetan politics, religion.
Contributing Institution:: Minnesota Historical Society
Type:: Sound Recording Nonmusical
Format:: Oral histories

99. Interview with Tashi Khongertsang

Creator:: Khongertsang, Tashi
Date Created:: 2005-08-24
Description:: Tashi Khongertsang was born in India and moved to Nepal with his parents. He attended school in Kalingpong, India. Khongertsang moved to Seattle as a teenager to live with family. He then moved to Minnesota in 1996. He is the owner of Tibet's Corner, the first Tibetan-owned restaurant in Minnesota. SUBJECTS DISCUSSED: Parents, family, attending school in India, moving to the United States, adjusting to life in the U.S., weather, first jobs in the U.S., opening a restaurant, generational differences within community, Tibetan food, educating Westerners, running a business, community, stereotypes, differences and similarities between Tibetans and Westerners, citizenship, preserving culture.
Contributing Institution:: Minnesota Historical Society
Type:: Sound Recording Nonmusical
Format:: Oral histories

100. Interview with Namgang Tsering

Creator:: Tsering, Namgang
Date Created:: 2005-08-20
Description:: Namgang Tsering was born in Tibet and later moved to India. He studied engineering at the University of Bangalore. Tsering moved to Minnesota in 1993 as part of the United States Tibetan Resettlement Project. SUBJECTS DISCUSSED: Family, parents, school in India, grades, difference in engineering and technology between India and the United States, raising children, community, Buddhism, moving to the US, Minnesota weather, decision to come to the U.S., transportation, adjusting to life in Minnesota, Regional Tibetan Youth Congress (RTYC), preserving Tibetan culture.
Contributing Institution:: Minnesota Historical Society
Type:: Sound Recording Nonmusical
Format:: Oral histories

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