Passing It Forward: Oral History Interview with Odell

One of my core values is the importance of passing on stories and information from one generation to another. This tradition of storytelling is key to keeping and uplifting the experiences of a community and hopeful to inspire a younger generation.

I had the opportunity to be a part of a project affiliated with Spelman College and the Atlanta University Center’s Woodruff Library entitled, “Passing It Forward: Oral History Interviews”. This project was designed to uplift and highlight the stories of LGBTQ+ people of color over the age of 50 who have been a part of many political and social movements over the years.

My interview allowed me to not only tell my story but it also gave me an opportunity to talk about how my lived experiences have shaped my perspective on my professional life and how I do what I do. I am hoping the interview conveys something about my journey in making me the man that I am today.