Africatown Project

Project Title

Africatown Project

Faculty Mentor(s)

Project Description

Project Description: 

This project centers around the ongoing research and collaboration led by Dr. Fiskio and members of the Africatown community. Under Dr. Fiskio’s guidance, I've been actively engaged as a web developer for the dedicated Omeka archive of Africatown. My responsibilities involve enhancing the existing site and closely collaborating with the Digital Initiatives Coordinator at Oberlin to implement these improvements. Additionally, within our team, we've prioritized ensuring thorough documentation and effective presentation of information on the website. Our aim for the publication of the archive is to share the rich history of Africatown, both past and present, as well as to convey the collective experiences of community members.
 

Why is your research important?

This research has taught me to look beyond my field, in Computer Science, and look at the different areas of study that are interconnected with it. It has been an impactful experience being able to connect with members of the town and to also use my skills within my field to help with the continuation of Dr. Fiskio’s research.
 

What does the process of doing your research look like?

In a small group we have divided tasks amongst ourselves which involve interviews, transcriptions, reviewing, and videography. During the videography and transcription process, with the consent of our interviewees we take videos of the interviews conducted and later transcribe and sync them together. Once we have all information together, we receive additional consent from the interviewee and review the transcription and video together for further editing. 

 

What knowledge has your research contributed to your field?

I have gotten to meet various members of Africatown and have learnt about their times growing up in the town, attending Mobile County Training School and the impacts of industry. These stories have highlighted the importance of community and the preservation of the town for the coming years.
 

In what ways have you showcased your research thus far?

I am grateful to have had the opportunity to co-present the Africatown Archive to community members with Dr.Fiskio and the team this past January. We flew down to the town in Alabama and along with this presentation we conducted interviews and set meetings with previous interviewees to review transcriptions.
 

How did you get involved in research? What drove you to seek out research experiences in college?

I joined Dr. Fiskio's team through a colleague who introduced me to the project. Working with Dr. Fiskio, I could see her dedication and commitment to Africatown and the community members especially during the times we have been able to visit the town. She has inspired me to think beyond my academic research here at Oberlin and the importance in fostering meaningful relationships with the community.
 

What is your favorite aspect of the research process?

Working with Dr. Fiskio has been a very strong influence on what I want to do beyond Oberlin. Through her research I have felt I have been able to use my field to make a direct impact on various people and has encouraged me to look further from my initial plans.
 

How has the research you’ve conducted contributed to your professional or academic development?  

Working with Dr. Fiskio has been a very strong influence on what I want to do beyond Oberlin. Through her research I have felt I have been able to use my field to make a direct impact on various people and has encouraged me to look further from my initial plans.
 

What advice would you give to a younger student wanting to get involved in research in your field?

I have really enjoyed my time working with Dr.Fiskio and being able to create connections with members in Africatown. I have felt extremely supported throughout my time helping in the Africatown project.