From the time I was able to read and write, I have been obsessive about documentation. My notes from middle and high school, even elementary school, are saved and dated. I have always felt that including the day, month and year on all my documents was of utmost importance; I always imagined my future self looking back on what and when I learned something, or needing to trace back how I made a past decision. This is still important to me today. But to benefit community, not just myself.
I have been part of several organizations over the years that have struggled to keep consistent documentation. This meant the important organizing being done, stories shared, and lessons learned were not written down, and newer group members had no way of learning from mistakes we had previously made. It also meant that newer members were unaware of our past successes and the positive lessons learned. This lack of historical documentation, and thus a lack of being able to learn from the past, has hampered the ability of these communities to grow into even more powerful forces of good.
My experience as a union organizer, tenant organizer, and Advisory Neighborhood Commissioner has prepared me well for this role. I have much practice facilitating meetings, notetaking, and making those notes accessible. I am a lover of WPFW, a musician, and, of course, an advocate. The honor of keeping the station’s history is one I do not take lightly. I was thrilled to hear about officer elections because I appreciate the station for the beacon of light and space for radical liberation that it provides for the city. I hope to have the honor of serving my fellow neighbors, listeners, organizers, revolutionaries and all as the History Keeper.