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Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month

In recognition of National Hispanic Heritage Month, we’re highlighting the stories that uplift Latine* voices as they share triumphs, achievements, legacies, and lived experiences from across the United States. As you listen to the stories below, take a moment to reflect on what heritage means to you and how you consider inclusivity in your day-to-day life.

Know any voices that are missing from the narrative of Latine history and heritage?

By sitting down with someone you love for a StoryCorps conversation, you’re showing them that their stories matter and preserving them for generations to come. Just download the StoryCorps App to record your conversation and upload it directly to the Archive, housed at the Library of Congress. Or, if an in-person interview isn’t possible, use StoryCorps Connect to conduct it remotely.

From StoryCorps Historias

Listen to and share stories from StoryCorps Historias, our initiative to record the diverse stories and life experiences of Latine people in the United States. You can also find our full collection of Historias stories here.


Facundo the Great

Ramón “Chunky” Sanchez remembers how teachers at his elementary school anglicized the Mexican American students’ names. But one name stumped them all.


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“I remember he had the white boots, the white mask, with kind of like a red beak.”
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A Son Remembers His Father, A Lucho Libre Wrestler

John Torres, Jr. came to StoryCorps with his dad’s best friend and fellow wrestler, Abraham Guzman, to remember John, Sr. and his stardom as a Lucho Libre Wrestler in the Bronx.


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"When Papu would talk to us it was like a king holding his court."
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They Called Him Papu

Martha Escutia and her cousin Marina Jimenez share the legacy of their grandfather, nicknamed Papu, who came to the U.S. as a Bracero worker in the 1940s.


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“There’s vultures circling all the time.”
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Providing Life-Saving Aid at the Border

Maria Ochoa, a 70-year-old grandmother, speaks about the many times she’s walked the Arizona desert, providing legal, life-saving water and aid to migrants crossing the border from Mexico.


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"Tell me about your childhood in Mexico."
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Growing Up in Tijuana

Francisco Ortega shares memories of his childhood in Tijuana with his daughter Kaya, and tells her about the day he left Mexico to reunite with his parents in Los Angeles.


Yelitza Castro and Willie Davis

Yelitza Castro, an undocumented immigrant, has been cooking meals for homeless people in her community since 2010. Through this work she has gotten to know Willie Davis, who has been the recipient of many of those meals.


Gabe and Chris López

Gabe López, age 8, remembers when things really changed for him as a transgender kid. With his mother and friends by his side, he knew he wouldn’t have to face these changes alone.


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“He was proud he was able to help save one of his fellow pilots.”
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Siblings Remember Their Father, A Combat Pilot Who Served In Three Wars

Lt. Col. Miguel Encinias was a military pilot at a time when combat pilots of Hispanic heritage were almost unheard of. At StoryCorps, Isabel and Juan Pablo Encinias reflect on their hero — their father — and his love for flying.


Mi Abuela Panchita

Bishop Ricardo Ramierez remembers his grandmother Panchita Espitia as a formidable and wise woman. He shares her memory and the valuable spiritual lesson she taught him at the end of her days.


Want to listen to more StoryCorps stories? Sign up for our Story of the Week newsletter to discover a new voice every week.


Looking for more activities related to Hispanic Heritage Month?

Check out a digital exhibition presented as part of our collaboration with the American Folklife Center and the Hispanic Division at the Library of Congress.

Digital Artifact Exploration (PDF): Celebrate Latine heritage by experiencing it with a Digital Artifact Exploration for Hispanic Heritage Month

*Throughout the brief history of this month-long commemoration multiple words have been used including Hispanic, Latino, Latina, Latinx and now Latine to highlight individuals whose roots tie them to Latin America. At StoryCorps, we try our best to be inclusive of all individuals, from any background. In doing so, we want to share our reasoning behind our wording. We believe that any individual should be free to use the word that they most identify with, and with the goal of creating inclusive spaces in mind, we will be using the word Latine as we share stories for Hispanic Heritage Month, and beyond. Latine is a gender-neutral version of Latino and Latina, that uses an -e instead of an -x (such as in Latinx), and can be considered more inclusive for Spanish and English speakers alike.

Commemorating the Anniversary of September 11

September 11th is a day where we remember and commemorate the pivotal moment in our nation’s story and honor each life lost during the attacks on September 11, 2001. It’s been twenty-two years since that day, yet the memories of the lives lost, the everyday heroes who emerged, and the unity that lifted us all endure in our hearts.

In 2005, in partnership with the 9/11 Memorial & Museum, StoryCorps launched the September 11 Initiative. The goal of the project is to record at least one story commemorating each life lost during the attacks on September 11, 2001 and the February 26, 1993 World Trade Center Bombing. In 2021, in recognition of the 20th anniversary of the September 11 attacks, StoryCorps released two new animated shorts highlighting the voices of those impacted by this tragedy, “September 12th” and “Father Mychal’s Blessing.” These new animations are part of a rich body of stories from the September 11 Initiative, which includes conversations with family members, colleagues, and friends who wish to commemorate the events of September 11.

These narratives reflect the profound impact of that day on individuals and communities across the nation. Through these conversations, we honor the lives lost, the heroes who emerged, and the enduring spirit of unity and resilience that defines our shared history.

These interviews were archived in the StoryCorps Archive in the American Folklife Center at the Library of Congress, and they were also part of a special collection at the National 9/11 Memorial & Museum.


Father Mychal’s Blessing

On 9/11, Father Mychal Judge, beloved chaplain to the NYC Fire Department, was killed during the attack on the World Trade Center while offering spiritual support, becoming the first certified fatality of the 9/11 attacks. His friend, Father Michael Duffy, read the sermon at his funeral. He remembers Father Mychal’s endearing mannerisms, constant positivity, and profound impact on everyone he knew.
Read the full transcript here.

September 12th

On 9/11, Vaughn Allex checked in two passengers arriving late for their flight. He learned later that they were two of the hijackers of the plane that crashed into the Pentagon. He recalls the toll it took on him.
Read the full transcript here.


We also released a two-part podcast episode that shares first-hand reflections on 9/11. The first part, a collaboration with Consider This, looks at the lasting toll of 9/11 on U.S. civilians, U.S. veterans, and Afghan citizens. The second part remembers the life and legacy of Richard Palazzolo, who was killed in the attacks. Subscribe to the StoryCorps podcast wherever you get your podcasts.

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From StoryCorps and Consider This: The Lasting Toll Of 9/11
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From StoryCorps and Consider This: The Lasting Toll Of 9/11

In this episode of the StoryCorps podcast, we teamed up with NPR’s daily afternoon podcast, Consider This, to bring you stories from some of the people whose lives were forever changed by September 11 and its aftermath.


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“I opened up the back door of that church to see these hundreds of eyes all staring back at me, knowing where I had been.”
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Joe Dittmar

Joe Dittmar recounts making his way back home on September 11, 2001 after surviving the attacks on the World Trade Center.
Read the full transcript here.

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"He gave me the joys of motherhood, and the pains of motherhood."
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Salman Hamdani

Talat Hamdani remembers her son, an EMT and NYPD cadet who died at the World Trade Center on September 11, 2001 as a first responder and was wrongfully accused of having terrorist links.
Read the full transcript here.

She Was the One

When Richie Pecorella met Karen Juday, she captured his heart and changed his life. They were engaged when she was killed at the World Trade Center on September 11, 2001.
Read the full transcript here.

John and Joe

The late John Vigiano Sr., a retired FDNY captain, honors his sons — John Jr., also a firefighter, and Joe, a police detective — who were killed while saving others on September 11, 2001.
Read the full transcript here.

Sean Rooney

Beverly Eckert shares her final conversation with her husband, Sean Rooney, before he died in the south tower of the World Trade Center on September 11, 2001.
Read the full transcript here.

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"We were so close that it was like just being...one person."
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Richie Palazzolo

Ronnie and Richie Palazzolo were identical twins who did everything together, including working at the World Trade Center. They were both there on the morning of the September 11 attacks. 20 years later, Ronnie came to StoryCorps to remember his brother and best friend.
Read the full transcript here.

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“We were the luckiest of the unlucky.”
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Mark Petrocelli

Retired NYC Fire Chief Albert Petrocelli died from COVID-19 nearly two decades after losing his youngest son, Mark, on September 11, 2001. Before he passed, Chief Petrocelli and his wife, Ginger, sat down to remember the last time they saw their son.
Read the full transcript here.

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"People saw only a turban and a beard."
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Balbir Singh Sodhi

Rana and Harjit Sodhi remember their brother, Balbir Singh Sodhi, a Sikh man who was killed in the first hate crime following the September 11, 2001 attacks.
Read the full transcript here.

Always a Family

Monique Ferrer remembers the last time she spoke with her ex-husband, Michael Trinidad, on September 11, 2001, when he called her from the 103rd floor of the World Trade Center’s north tower to say goodbye.
Read the full transcript here.

 

From the Archive: More Stories of September 11

To hear more stories related to September 11, visit our Archive and search for the keyword “9/11”.

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Dawn Ennis and Amy Weinstein

Interview partners Dawn Ennis and Amy Weinstein talk about Dawn’s experience as a producer on CBS This Morning on the morning of September 11, 2001. Dawn describes the exact moment when newsrooms found out that a plane had hit the World Trade Center and she shares her feelings regarding the reactions that New Yorkers had after the attack. Read the full transcript here.

 


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Sharon Watts

Sharon Watts shares the story of her relationship with her ex-fiance Captain Patrick Brown of the FDNY, who passed away during the 9/11 attacks. Sharon affectionately recollects stories and reveals that soon after Patrick passed away, Sharon compiled stories and journals about his life to create a book. Read the full transcript here.

 


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Maria Dominguez and Phillip Cassanova

Rescue medical firefighter, Maria “Terry” Dominguez talks with her nephew Phillip Cassanova about her deployment with the USSR during the 9/11 attacks and shares her feelings about the aftermath of the tragedy while reflecting on the importance of loved ones. Phillip describes being 10 years old when the attack occurred and finding out in his 5th grade classroom. Read the full transcript here.

 


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Michael Doyle

Michael Doyle, along with StoryCorps facilitator Virginia Lora, recounts finding out that the attacks had occurred while he was riding the Q train over lower Manhattan. Read the full transcript here.

 


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Diane Davis and Leo McKenna

Spouses Diane Davis and Leo McKenna discuss their memories of 9/11, when 7,000 plane passengers were forced to land in the town of Gander, Newfoundland, Canada following the attacks in New York City. Diane, a third grade teacher at the time, remembers preparing the schools to house the passengers. Leo recalls the commotion that occurred due to the sudden landing of the passengers. Read the full transcript here.

 


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Seth and Lois Gilman

Seth Gilman, who was a rescue worker during 9/11, speaks with his mother Lois Gilman about assisting the New York City police and witnessing the loss of many lives on that day. He describes his journey to becoming a teacher, and the unity that he saw during a difficult moment in history. Read the full transcript here.

 


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Nadine Newlight

Nadine (Nai’a) Newlight tells StoryCorps facilitator Eloise Melzer about how close she was to being at World Trade Center on 9/11. She describes her love for the World Trade Center and her experience as a tour guide there. Read the full transcript here.

 


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Brian Muldowney and B. Kelly Hallman

Colleagues and close friends Brian Muldowney and B. Kelly Hallman discuss the loss of Muldowney’s brother, Richard Muldowney Jr., a fellow firefighter who passed away saving people on 9/11. Brian describes going down to the World Trade Center with his brother’s firehouse to help and discusses how his brother’s legacy affects his work. Read the full transcript here.

 


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Michael Fabiano

Michael Fabiano, a Deputy Controller for NY/NJ Port Authority, speaks with Sarah Geis about his experience being on the 69th floor of Tower 1 when the first plane attacked. He describes his escape from the building and his efforts to help bring to safety a colleague, John Ambrosio, who was wheelchair bound.
Read the full transcript here.

 


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Kris Gould and Scott Accord

On the morning of 9/11 as she watched the planes crash, Kris Gould tried to get in contact with a friend who worked on the 99th floor of Tower 1. She and her colleague Scott Accord talk about the vibe that fell over the city the day after the attacks occurred. Read the full transcript here.

 


Share your story. StoryCorps Connect makes it possible to interview a loved one remotely and then upload it to the StoryCorps Archive at the Library of Congress. Learn more at StoryCorpsConnect.org.

Stories to Start the School Year

For years, StoryCorps has worked closely with schools to provide teachers and students with resources for recording the stories of people they admire. With the new school year just around the corner, we’re sharing a few of these voices. Listen to stories from current and former students and educators as they share the memories they carry from school, and stories that can ignite conversations in the classroom.

You can honor a student or educator in your life with a StoryCorps interview like these. Just download the StoryCorps App to record your conversation and upload it directly to the Archive, housed at the Library of Congress. Or, if an in-person interview isn’t possible, use StoryCorps Connect to conduct it remotely.
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“I think you should get half my diploma.”
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A Special Kind of Thank You

Cole Phillips became blind shortly before he began high school. The late Rugenia Keefe was the paraprofessional assigned to help Cole. The two came to rely on each other’s humor and humility.


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"As if high school is not hard enough…"
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“As If High School Is Not Hard Enough”

Tierra Jackson, age 23, talks to John Horan, the president of her high school, about what her life was like when they first met.


School’s Out

As Black families were pushed out of his town of Sheridan, AR, Reverend James Seawood recalls how his mother became the principal, janitor, and more to ensure Black students had access to an education.


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"I did think I was the smartest person in class. But I realized that you were gonna give me a run for my money."
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50 Years After Desegregation, Two Classmates Remember

A half-century after the milestone Supreme Court case Alexander v. Holmes, former classmates Natalie Guice Adams and Eli Brown reflect together for the first time on life after court-ordered desegregation.


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“I feel like I have wings now.”
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Don’t Let Anybody Tell You That You Can’t

Ngoc Nguyen talks with her GED instructor Chris Myers about her childhood and the impact his teaching has had on her.


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"You have this unique ability to — even in the darkest times — just tell people it's going to be okay."
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Two Teachers on Supporting Their Students and Each Other During the Pandemic

High school English teacher Alexia Dukes speaks with her mentor and colleague, Maria Rivera, about teaching during the COVID-19 pandemic.


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"In my old school, I never went to class."
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Wanting the Best for Your Students, Even When They Don’t See It

When Sarah Benko first began tutoring Meliza Arellano, the two did not hit it off. They sat down to look back on the year when Meliza became a serious student.


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"You showed me that I'm not alone."
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“You Always Have a Family Here.”

Warning: this story discusses child abuse.

At the time when Rogelio Martinez enrolled in Lisa Moya King’s high school dance class, his family members were abusing him. Years later, Rogelio talks with Lisa about how she took care of him when he needed it.


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"He said, 'You make sure you call that teacher.'"
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An Unexpected Phone Call

Eighth grade science teacher Al Siedlecki, or “Mr. Sie,” was helping a group of students study for a test when he received a surprise phone call from former student Lee Buono, now a neurosurgeon.


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"I always walk them through the lunch line…"
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The Cost of Lunch

Kenny Thompson, a volunteer mentor, discovered that some kids he worked with couldn’t afford school lunch. He spoke with students Gary Barber and Dakota Gibson about the weight of paying for school lunches, and what his help meant to them.


Lessons Learned

From the first roll call of the 1964 school year, Dr. Weaver knew his new teachers didn’t have his success in mind. Luckily, one former teacher did.


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“I realized, wow, somebody else has these feelings. This isn’t just me.”
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50 Years Later: Giving Thanks to the Teacher Who Changed His Life

Russell King sat down with his elementary school music teacher Paige Macklin to tell her about how she changed his life with a musical number.


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"You were just doing what you felt you needed to do for us to be better people."
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How A Dedicated Teacher Turned Into A Lifelong Friend

6th grade math teacher Raymond Blanks speaks with his former 7th grade teacher and friend, Sean Lloyd, about how Sean inspired him to follow in his footsteps.


The Saint of Dry Creek

As a teenager, Patrick Haggerty began to understand he was gay — something he thought he was hiding well. One day after performing at a high school assembly, he learned that his father could see him more clearly than he realized.


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"What was the hardest thing that happened to you in Iraq?"
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“that’s what sets people apart, is that desire to know more, and you do that.”

Erik Booker is a seventh grade social studies teacher who served more than 20 years in the United States Army, including two deployments to Iraq. He never mentioned his time in the military  to his class, but one student noticed the common mannerisms that he shared with her father, who was also a veteran.


Some stories for your classroom…

Over the summer, we unveiled an animation season titled “History Lessons,” that pays tribute to the defining moments that have shaped our history as we know it today. We’re bringing history to life like never before, showcasing the defining moments that have shaped our world today through the eyes of the people who lived them.

The Echoes of War

In early 1943, U.S. Army Sergeant Harrison Wright was drafted into World War II. When the war ended, he was stationed in a small village in Belgium near the border with Germany. At StoryCorps, he talks to his grandson, Sean Guess, about the honorable way he paid tribute to his fallen comrades on such a momentous occasion.


The Busboy

On June 5, 1968, Senator Robert F. Kennedy won California’s Democratic primary in his bid to become President of the United States. That night, Senator Kennedy delivered his victory speech at the Ambassador Hotel in Los Angeles, where 17-year-old Juan Romero was working as a hotel busboy. Juan came to StoryCorps to remember the tragic historical event that followed and how it impacted his life.


The Room

Debra Fisher’s father, Oscar — a Holocaust survivor — was imprisoned in Auschwitz concentration camp when he was a teenager. Growing up, Debra longed to learn her father’s story, but he protected her from his painful memories and only shared the sanitized version of his reality. At StoryCorps, Debra reflects on the moment her father finally opened up about the truth of his experience.


Role Models

Now a Reverend, Farrell Duncombe was once a mischievous young boy. Growing up in 1950s Montgomery, Alabama, he had role models who kept him in line, including his father, the pastor of their church, and his Sunday school teacher, Rosa Parks. Farrell went on to become a public school band teacher, then principal, and later, pastor of his childhood church. At StoryCorps, Reverend Farrell reflected on the people who nurtured him and the humility he felt standing at his father’s pulpit.

Want to listen to more StoryCorps stories? Sign up for our Story of the Week newsletter to discover a new voice every week.

Are you an educator? Sign up for our Educator’s Email Series for more resources for your classroom.

Stories of Sweet Summer Memories

Summer love, family trips, lazy afternoons … everyone’s got their own sweet memories from the sunnier months. Listen to some of our favorite stories about whimsical summer days and reflections on seasons past.  

Do you want to have a conversation like these with someone you love? Just download the StoryCorps App to record your conversation and upload it directly to the Archive, housed at the Library of Congress. Or, if an in-person interview isn’t possible, use StoryCorps Connect to conduct it remotely.


Joyce’s Neighborhood

All the children in a quiet California neighborhood wanted to play at Mary Mills’ house where they would hang out with Mary and her mom, Joyce Carter Mills.


You Move Me

One summer evening, Jay McKnight was singing acapella with his friends and caught the ear of a girl named Andrea. The rest was history.


Two By Two

Hunny and Elliot met in the summer of 1946… and so did their identical twins. The two pairs of twins got married in a double wedding, and after sixty-one years of marriage, Hunny and Elliot sat down to share some memories.


Silvia’s Legacy

Ellaraino spent the summer with her great-grandma Silvia, who lived through the Civil War and had a lot to teach about the true meaning of freedom.


Marking the Distance

When Gweneviere Mann lost her short-term memory she was forced to navigate life in a new way. With the support of her boyfriend, Yasir, Gweneviere found she could tackle the challenges of her condition.


Want to listen to more StoryCorps stories? Sign up for our Story of the Week newsletter to discover a new voice every week.

We the People: Voices of the United States

The United States is a nation that encompasses both incredible beauty and complex experiences. Its people come from diverse backgrounds, each with their own unique history, values, and perspectives. These elements contribute to a rich tapestry of experiences that cannot be fully captured by a single narrative of celebration. It is important to recognize and honor the multifaceted nature of our nation.

On this Independence Day, let us embrace the opportunity to listen to the voices of many different Americans. By doing so, we can gain a deeper understanding of what it means to be part of the United States. Each individual has an important story to tell, adding to the overall fabric of our country’s collective identity. Let us celebrate and appreciate the richness of our diverse experiences and the complexity that shapes our shared American journey.

What’s your U.S.A. experience? By uploading an interview to the StoryCorps archive at the Library of Congress, you and a loved one preserve your stories for generations. Download the StoryCorps App to record a conversation and add it directly to the collection. If an in-person interview isn’t an option, use StoryCorps Connect to conduct it remotely.


The Busboy

In the famous image of Robert F. Kennedy just moments after he was shot, Juan Romero, a busboy, was cradling the Senators head. Hear how Juan remembers that life-changing moment.


A Life of Honor

When Joseph Patton joined the Navy in 1955, he had to serve in silence. At the time, the LGBTQ community could not be open while in the military. Despite being the “perfect sailor,” Joseph was kicked out of the Navy under the assumption that he was homosexual. At StoryCorps, Joseph remembers the pride he took in his service and the beauty and joy that love has brought to his life. From the Military Voices Initiative.


Driving Lessons

Mohammad Ashraf Faridi immigrated from Pakistan to the United States in the 1980s. He settled in New York City, and his family joined him almost a decade later. By then, Mohammad was earning a living driving a cab. His oldest son, Muhammad, opens up to him about growing up as the son of a taxi driver.


A Mother’s Promise

Maria Rivas and her teenage daughter Emily prepare for the possibility of Maria returning to El Salvador if she is forced to leave the U.S. From the American Pathways Initiative.


Where I Come From

The U.S. government forced Barnie Botone’s great-grandfather, a Kiowa chief, to board a train and leave his tribe’s land behind. Almost a century later, Barnie got a job on the railroad. From the StoryCorps animated season, “This Land.”


The Golden Rule

“I don’t think we could be any further apart as people.” Joseph Weidknecht, a Trump supporter, sits down with Amina Amdeen, a Muslim student who rescued him at an anti-Trump rally. From One Small Step.


The Icing on the Cake

Blanca Alvarez immigrated to the United States from Mexico in 1972. She crossed the border with her husband and son while she was pregnant with her daughter, Connie. At StoryCorps, Blanca and Connie remember those early years. From StoryCorps Historias.


The Rent We Pay

Ajmal Achekzai and his family fled to the United States to seek asylum during the onset of the Soviet-Afghan war. He reflects on the dualities he faced as an Afghan-born U.S. Marine. From the American Pathways Initiative.


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“It wasn't your typical home. But it was a home for us.”
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Sisters Remember Growing Up In Their Parents’ Hollywood Laundry Business

Sisters Suzi and Donna share stories of what it was like growing up at their family’s laundromat just minutes from all the big movie studios in Hollywood, California… but a world away.


Tom’s War

After being drafted in 1969, Tom Geerdes served as an Army medic in the 11th Armored Cavalry in Vietnam and Cambodia. Like many veterans, he returned home a changed man. He shares his long journey toward healing with his daughter, Hannah Campbell.


A More perfect Union

When Theresa Burroughs came of voting age, she was ready to cast her ballot—but she had a long fight ahead of her.

During the Jim Crow era, the board of registrars at Alabama’s Hale County Courthouse prevented African American people from registering to vote. Undeterred, Theresa remembers venturing to the courthouse in pursuit of her right to vote.


Love Lost, And Found

Sue McConnell and Kristyn Weed are best friends and Vietnam-era veterans. Although they didn’t serve in the war together, they share a story of courage — on and off the battlefield. From Stonewall OutLoud.


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“When we take out big chunks of history, that diminishment diminishes us.”
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After four decades in the classroom a texas teacher keeping history alive

Nelva grew up with a love and respect for learning that she carried with her throughout her life. When faced with the option of retiring, Nelva instead decided to help found an all-girls institution serving predominantly Black and Hispanic students. She reflects on the importance of teaching ‘the whole history’.


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“The next best thing could be around the corner.”
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“Optimism Never Failed Me:” Former Child Actor and Cuban Refugee Tells Grandson to Keep Dreaming

Mario García was a child actor in Cuba, who was forced to flee during the Castro Regime under Operation Peter Pan. Adjusting to a new life in the U.S., his career was put to a halt. He remembers his love for acting with his grandson Maximillian García


Want to listen to more StoryCorps stories? Sign up for our Story of the Week newsletter to discover a new voice every week.

LGBTQ+ Voices to Honor This Pride Month

June is Pride Month, and we’re celebrating by sharing stories from LGBTQ+ people finding peace and acceptance with themselves, their families, and the people they love — and sometimes, making history in the process. These conversations are all about finding love, your people, and your place in the world. Dive into memorable and touching stories from our LGBTQ+ community.

Is there an LGBTQ+ person in your life who you want to honor with a StoryCorps conversation? Learn how you can help them feel heard and record a meaningful conversation at StoryCorps.org/OutLoud.

An Honest Life

When Tony Perri first told his childhood priest he was gay, he was told, “be careful who you tell that to, son.” Seventeen years later, he came out to his wife and eventually his children. Tony’s honesty with his family paved the way for his grandson, Jeffrey, to live his life openly and be proud of his sexuality. The two came to StoryCorps to reflect on how Tony’s life has paved the way for Jeffrey.


Still the One

After 10 years of marriage and two children, Les and Scott were struggling. Les had a secret that caused him to fall into a deep depression, pulling away from his family. Finally, Scott confronted Les, and their family changed forever. At StoryCorps, their family talked about how they supported Les throughout his gender transition and how love served as the foundation of their relationships.


A Life of Honor

When Joseph Patton joined the Navy in 1955, he had to serve in silence. At the time, the LGBTQ+ community could not be open while in the military. Joseph remembers the pride he took in his service and the beauty and joy that love has brought to his life.


A Good Man

Bryan Wilmoth and his seven younger siblings were raised in a strict, religious home. At StoryCorps, Bryan talks with his brother Mike about what it was like to reconnect years after their dad kicked Bryan out for being gay.


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Love and a Life Complete
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StoryCorps Podcast: Love and a Life Complete

Many people come to StoryCorps to have a conversation with someone who’s been meaningful in their lives. Some of our favorite interview moments come from partners and spouses — especially when they’re discussing matters of the heart.


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"You said that you were in the wrong body, that you should be a man."
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A Family Transition

In 1997, Les and Scott GrantSmiths’ marriage was on the rocks. They had been together for ten years and were raising two children. But Les was hiding something: although he was born female, he felt like a man in the wrong body.


The Saint of Dry Creek

As a teenager, Patrick Haggerty began to understand he was gay — something he thought he was hiding well. One day, he learned that his father could see him more clearly than he realized.

 


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We're Still Here
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StoryCorps Podcast: We’re Still Here

A collection of stories from trans women of color, who have often been the first to stand up for equality, and the last to be recognized for their contributions.


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"That was the only thing we could do to legalize our relationship."
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Loving Unconventionally

Walter Naegle recounts to his niece Ericka what it was like falling in love with the iconic civil rights leader Bayard Rustin, in a time where marriage between two men was impossible.


A Life Worth Living

MJ Seide never thought that she would live a happy, fulfilling life. Then she met her future partner, who at the time had been married to a man and raising children.


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"I was debating whether I would say something at dinner..."
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After Facing A Difficult Coming Out, One Couple Changed A Mother’s Heart

Leslye Huff and her partner, Mary Ostendorf, met in 1983. Leslye was open about her feelings for Mary, while Mary felt less comfortable with public displays of affection and had not told many people in her life about her sexuality, including her family.


Growing Up Gabe

Chris López always knew there was something different about her youngest child, Gabe. Assigned female at birth, Gabe felt like he was a boy.


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No One's Going to Stop Me
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StoryCorps Podcast: No One’s Going to Stop Me

Many of our LGBTQ+ stories center the voices of elders. Let’s look to the future, and hear what the next generation has to say.


Love Lost, and Found

Sue McConnell and Kristyn Weed are best friends and Vietnam-era veterans. Although they didn’t serve in the war together, they share a story of courage — on and off the battlefield.


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“He would sit and tell us what it was like to be gay in 1890.”
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Remembering a Gay Icon in Mother Bryant

At 82 years old, Alexei Romanoff came to StoryCorps with his husband, David Farah, to remember the person who taught him to be proud of who he is.


The Door She Opened

At the age of 63, Dee Westenhauser came out as a transgender woman. She remembers growing up in El Paso, Texas in the 1950s, and the one person who made her feel like herself.


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"In high school when I first started wearing make-up, my family didn't notice."
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Pink Lipstick, Fur Coats, and Authenticity

Kiyan Williams had a conversation with their friend Darnell Moore about growing up feeling different from other kids and grappling with his family’s expectations. Today, Kiyan works with LGBTQ+ youth in New York City.


Celebrating AANHPI Voices

Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) communities encompass a wide range of cultures, hardships and lived experiences, and each one is an important part of the American narrative. Their stories are American stories, and their voices deserve to be heard. That’s why we’re highlighting a few of the stories from our AANHPI participants, to help people find connection and understanding by amplifying their words.

Whose voices do you want to see included in the narratives of Asian American and Pacific Islander history? By sitting down with someone you love for a StoryCorps conversation, you’re showing them that their stories matter and preserving them for generations.

StoryCorps Connect makes it possible to interview a loved one remotely and then upload it to the StoryCorps archive at the Library of Congress.


No More Questions!

Strong-willed Kay Wang allowed her son and granddaughter to ask her a few brief questions about her adventures in life — from disobeying her mother and rebuffing suitors while growing up in China to late-life escapades as a detective for Bloomingdale’s.


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“When I buy a new book, I don’t start reading the first page. I smell it.”
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A Love Story in 10,000 Books

Alagappa Rammohan has amassed enough books over the course of his life to fill a small library. He shares his love of the written word with his daughter, Paru Venkat, and his plans to donate all of his books to his hometown in India.


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"I thought that my best friend was lost forever."
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An Ocean Away

Born in Hong Kong, Pak Yan and Joe Chan were inseparable as kids, but when Joe was in the 6th grade, his family moved to the U.S. The friends lost touch for 38 years until Pak tracked Joe down. At StoryCorps, the two friends reflect on their reunion, picking up where they left off.


Lola’s Work

Kenneth Tan celebrates the life of grandmother, Crescenciana Tan, whom he called Lola. He remembers Lola’s hard work and unwavering commitment to her family. 


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“She wasn’t like the mothers of my friends...she lived and breathed dancing.”
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My Mother the Performer

In the late 1930’s, dancer Dorothy Toy debuted on Broadway with her partner Paul Wing. It capped years of hard work on the Vaudeville circuit and launched them to stardom. Decades later, her daughter Dorlie came to StoryCorps to remember her mother’s life and legacy.


Driving Lessons

Muhammad Faridi talks to his father about what it was like to grow up as the son of a NYC cab driver. Although he used to be embarrassed to talk about his family, Muhammad learned to be proud of his father’s work.


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“If I’m in front of a blank sheet of paper with a pencil, I find such solace.”
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From Internment to Disney

Willie Ito dreamed of becoming an animator, but his dreams were put on hold when his family was sent to a Japanese American internment camp. At StoryCorps, Willie reflects on his internment and his career as an animator at Disney


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“It wasn't your typical home. But it was a home for us.”
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Growing Up in the Hollywood Laundry Business

“We lived in the back of the laundry in Hollywood. It wasn’t your typical home. But it was a home for us.” Sisters Suzi and Donna Wong lived minutes from big movie studios, but a world away.


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"It was all about saving a life and not taking a life.”
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A Purple Heart Vet on What It Means To Be a “Hero”

U.S. Army veteran Richard Hoy tells his daughter, Angel, about serving as a medic during the Vietnam War.


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“Because she was Asian, they wouldn’t accept her. Mom said she didn’t care; she enlisted anyway.”
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Remembering One Tough Veteran: Lieutenant Susan Ahn Cuddy

Susan Ahn Cuddy was the first Asian American woman in the Navy and the first woman gunnery officer teaching air combat tactics. Her children, Flip and Christine, remember her as a tough, yet loving mother.


From the Archive

David and Sophie Wong

David Wong talks with his daughter Sophie about how his life has unfolded since he immigrated from China in the 1940s.


Gloria Park and Julia Kim

Gloria Park talks with her daughter Julia Kim about creating meaning in their personal lives, ideas around home, and self care.


Julia Tinker and Carlene Tanigoshi Tinker

Julia Tinker and her mother Carlene Tanigoshi Tinker talk about their respective Japanese American identities. They also discuss Carlene’s experience in an Amache internment camp, dealing with racism, and returning to Amache as an adult to help preserve the history of those interned.


Phu Van Huynh and Phu Huynh “Sam”

Phu Van Huynh talks with his brother Phu Huynh “Sam” about his experience being incarcerated for 25 years. The two brothers talk about apologies, their family, their past gang involvement, and how Phu Van is helping to better his community after getting out of prison.


Al Pola and Mani Mahadevan

Al Pola connects with Mani Mahadevan over their experience as immigrants and discuss topics like cultural identity, police perceptions of the public, and racism.


Joselyn Geaga-Rosenthal and Jason Yap

Joselyn Geaga-Rosenthal tells her son, Jason Yam, about her arrival to the United States, including the trip by ship, and about her political awakening in the U.S.


Jake Van Yahres and Jason Spellman

Jason Spellman and Jake Van Yahres discuss how growing up around Charlottesville, Virginia and attending Virginia Commonwealth University influenced them.


Billy Taing and Jill Hanhong

Cousins Billy Taing and Jill Hanhong discuss Billy’s upbringing, the changes that led him to gang life and the crime that changed his life.


Cecilia Chung and Annalise Ophelian

Cecilia Chung is interviewed by friend and colleague Annalise Ophelian. Cecilia talks about moving to San Francisco in the 1980s, being a trans woman, and the unconditional and supportive love from her family.


Veronica Seymour and Marian Atkins

Marian Atkins shares her mother’s life story with her daughter, Veronica Seymour. She survived WWII as a child in Japan, immigrated first to Taiwan, then to the U.S. She later passed away from dementia.


Giving Thanks to Teachers Everywhere

Over the past few years, educators of all kinds have risen to many challenges, both new and old, while teaching and supporting students. Trust us, we see all your hard work and know how much you mean to your community. Even during tough times, teachers everywhere are lighting up minds and spreading knowledge.

To show your appreciation to a teacher in your — or your child’s — life, listen and share from our selection of stories from teachers of all backgrounds. Then, #ThankAnEducator by recording a memory using our self-directed tools. These expressions of gratitude (and funny classroom anecdotes!) will be archived in the Library of Congress.


Get Inspired by Listening to Their Stories


Here are some animations on the theme of — you guessed it — the impact educators can have.

Lessons Learned

From the first roll call of the 1964 school year, Dr. William Lynn Weaver was targeted and harassed by the faculty of his previously all-white high school. Then a former teacher stepped in and saved his life.
Read the full transcript here.

Making It

Noe Rueda tells his high school teacher Alex Fernandez about how as a child, he used his entrepreneurial talents to help his family make ends meet.
Read the full transcript here.

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“You have to dream for that child.”
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A Teacher’s Perseverance

Eunice Wiley, one of the first Black teachers at a predominantly white Florida elementary school, persevered through an uphill battle and retired as a principal in 2005, and in a StoryCorps session with her friend and fellow teacher, Martha Bireda, remembered defining teaching experiences with her students.
Read the full transcript here.

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“When we take out big chunks of history, that diminishment diminishes us.”
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Four Decades in the Classroom

Nelva Williamson’s mother was a teacher for 52 years and her father was a career military man. She reflects on her 42-year career and the importance of teaching ‘the whole history.’
Read the full transcript here.

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"You were just doing what you felt you needed to do for us to be better people."
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From Teacher to Friend

Raymond Blanks had very few Black teachers when he was growing up in Newark, NJ. But the ones he did have, made a big impact on how he saw himself and what he believed he could be.
Read the full transcript here.

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"You have this unique ability to — even in the darkest times — just tell people it's going to be okay."
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Teachers Supporting Teachers

Alexia Dukes was a first-year high school English teacher in Gary, Indiana when she met her colleague, and mentor, Maria Rivera. Alexia leaned on Maria’s guidance and support. Maria was drawn to Alexia’s energy and enthusiasm for a great first year. Neither of them anticipated the obstacles that laid ahead.
Read the full transcript here.


Thank An Educator by Recording a Memory


StoryCorps wants to spark a moment of gratitude for the educators who have been working tirelessly to support and teach their students of all ages and needs. #ThankAnEducator using StoryCorps Connect, our remote interview platform. StoryCorps Connect interviews allow you to have meaningful conversations and preserve them at the Library of Congress through video conference technology. You can learn more and get the conversation started today at storycorps.org/thankaneducator.


Explore a Collection of Interviews from the 2021 State Teachers of the Year


Notes about CCSSO’s National Teacher of the Year Program: The Council of Chief State School Officers (CCSSO)’s National Teacher of the Year Program is the most prestigious teacher recognition program in the country. These exemplary educators used StoryCorps Connect to reflect on the year, share wisdom, reconnect with the teachers who shaped them, and show a lot of gratitude for the work educators across the country do day in and day out.

Kim Stock and Chris Stock

Kim Stock, the 2021 Delaware Teacher of the Year, and her older brother talk about what it means to be a highly effective teacher… and learn about each other in the process

John Arthur and Kathy Anderson

John Arthur, the 2021 Utah Teacher of the Year and one of four National Teacher of the Year Finalists, talks with his 9th grade English teacher, Kathy Anderson, about her career in the classroom and how she inspired him to become a teacher.

Jennifer Wolfe and Audrey Miller

Jennifer Wolfe, the 2021 New York Teacher of the Year, interviews Audrey Miller, who teaches Digital Technology and Communications at Oceanside High School. Together they talk about teaching, why they love it, why kids need teachers especially now in the era of COVID sequester, and what it takes to be an effective teacher for kids today.

Alisa Cooper de Uribe and Mary Trinidad Uribe Tolar

Mary Trinidad Uribe Tolar talks with talks with her sister-in-law, Alisa Cooper de Uribe about her teaching career in New Mexico. Mary shares how her experience as a student in the Mexico City area inspired her to foster students’ love for learning in classrooms that ranged from kindergarten to the university level. Alisa shares how Mary’s encouragement and foresight laid the foundation for her own work in education, which includes being named the 2021 New Mexico Teacher of the Year.

Donnie Piercey and Jeff Heil

Donnie Piercey, the 2021 Kentucky Teacher of the Year, listens to his friend Jeff Heil reflect on his 25 year career teaching students in a homeless shelter in San Diego.

Analyn Palugod and Marites Del Castillo Garcia

Analyn Palugod, 2021 Guam Teacher of the Year, reconnects with her favorite and former third grade teacher Marites Garcia.

Lachanda Garrison and Joshua Garrison

2021 Department of Defense Education Activity Teacher of the Year Lachanda Garrison interviews fellow educator and husband Dr. Joshua Garrison for Teacher Appreciation Week.

Kristi Borge and Linda Marsh

Kristi Borge, the 2021 Montana Teacher of the Year and a multi-grade teacher in a one-room schoolhouse in southwest Montana, visits with her supervisor and mentor Linda Marsh, who is the Beaverhead County Superintendent of schools.

Lori Miki Kwee and Jen Moku

2021 Hawaii Teacher of the Year Lori Miki Kwee has a conversation with Jennifer Moku, who she describes as a school librarian, colleague, and good friend. Their conversation spans many topics, including gratitude and inspiration.

Ashley Adamson and Victoria Travis

Ashley Adamson, the 2021 Rhode Island Teacher of the Year, speaks with her co-teacher, Victoria Travis, about their shared co-teaching experience, their early teaching inspirations, and so much more.

Stories to Lift Your Spirit for Spring

Spring means fresh starts, clean slates, and if you’re anything like us, a whole new positive outlook. This season, let’s shake off the winter cobwebs with some of our favorite uplifting, funny, and inspiring stories.


Who in your life would you like to share a laugh with? By sitting down with someone you love for a StoryCorps conversation, you’re showing them that their stories matter and preserving them for generations. You can record in person using the StoryCorps App, or remotely using StoryCorps Connect.

 


Marking the Distance

Gweneviere Mann lost her short-term memory following surgery to remove a brain tumor. She and her supportive boyfriend, Yasir, have learned to navigate life in a new way, together.
Read the full transcript here.


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“When I heard the lyrics I just imagined in my head...Grandpa and I."
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A Grandfather’s Musical Legacy

William Salter, 84, helped write one of America’s most iconic love songs, ‘Just the Two of Us’ — made famous by Grover Washington Jr. in 1981. Salter’s granddaughter sat down with him to learn how he found his sound and made his life musical.
Read the full transcript here.


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“In the kitchen, we’re like poetry in motion.”
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“We Mesh Together Like One”: A Miami Love Story

Nearly 50 years after they first met in Miami, George Ju and Angela Rivas come together to tell their love story.
Read the full transcript here.


Clean Streets

Sanitation workers Angelo Bruno and Eddie Nieves worked together for nearly 10 years on the same garbage route in Manhattan’s West Village. The partners remember the neighborhood and friendships that made their time together meaningful.
Read the full transcript here.


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“Ice cream has given me a name, like a Ted Williams or a Babe Ruth or a Larry Bird.”
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Life Through the Window of an Ice Cream Truck

Allan Ganz and his wife Rosalyn reminisce about his seven-decade-long career as an ice cream man in Peabody, Massachusetts.
Read the full transcript here.


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“When I took you home, I didn’t know how to feel.”
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A Mother on the Challenges of Becoming a Teenage Parent

April Gibson speaks with her son Gregory about having a baby at sixteen, battling the expectations of others, and finding a sense of self.
Read the full transcript here.


Double Major

Wil Smith enrolled in college at age 27, baby daughter in tow. He shares with Olivia, now grown up, all about how he got by in those early years.
Read the full transcript here.


Want even more stories? Follow us on YouTube to watch even more, and sign up for our Story of the Week newsletter to discover a new voice every week.

Stories to Honor Women’s History Month

Women’s History Month commemorates women’s groundbreaking contributions to society and culture. Listen to and share the stories of women who have loved hard, worked hard, and broken down barriers. Honor the everlasting impact they have made in their industries, families, communities, and more.

Let’s record more voices to build a more complete archive of women’s history in our country. We want to hear the stories and voices of the women in your life. Show your loved ones that their stories matter by connecting with them for a StoryCorps conversation and preserve their narratives for generations to come.You can record in person using the StoryCorps App, or remotely using StoryCorps Connect.


Miss Betty’s Calling

For 25 years, Betty Thompson worked for the Jackson Women’s Health Organization as a counselor. By 2022, it was forced to close as a result of the US Supreme Court decision to overturn Roe v. Wade. At StoryCorps, Betty reflects on the journey that led her to this work. 


Lola’s Work

To Crescenciana Tan, family meant everything. Her grandson Kenneth reflected on all he learned from her work and love with his mother, Olivia Tan Ronquillo.


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“When she spoke, everybody just sort of came to a hush.”
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On the Basis of Sex

Sharron Cohen was represented by a young  Ruth Bader Ginsburg in the 1973 Supreme Court case Frontiero v. Richardson, which would become one of the first successful sex discrimination cases in U.S. history.


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"It changes the way that you carry yourself."
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“Strong Lines; Beautiful Lines”

Grete Bergman and Sarah Whalen-Lunn make their mark through Traditional Native Face Markings connecting them to their roots and reviving the lost tradition.


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"I had nightmares for years..."
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Cleaning Off the Crude

On March 24, 1989, the Exxon Valdez ran aground spilling over 11 million gallons of crude oil into Prince William Sound, devastating marine wildlife. Suzanne and LJ met when they volunteered at the Wildlife Rescue Center.


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“My earliest memory is when you came to the first-grade classroom to dissect cow hearts.”
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A Multigenerational Passion for Medicine

Jenna Lester comes from a long line of women who have dedicated their lives to medicine: her grandmother was one of the first African American women to become a nurse practitioner in New York.


The Icing on the Cake

Blanca Alvarez took a huge risk when she crossed the border from Mexico to the United States. She ended up inspiring her daughter to follow her dreams.


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"I applied to NASA four times."
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Turning to the Clouds

Wally Funk grew up wanting to fly, hoping to reach the ultimate destination: outer space. In 1961 she nearly got the chance.


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“She wasn’t like the mothers of my friends...she lived and breathed dancing.”
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My Mother the Performer

Dorlie Fong remembers her mother, Dorothy Toy, and the connection she made backstage with the star.


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“You see that spark that you put in this child?”
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For the Love of Books

Rich Jean wasn’t always sure how to keep his 3-year-old daughter, Abigail, busy and happy. Librarian Hasina Islam quickly changed that and Abigail’s love for books was born.


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“I felt kind of cheated out of the last part of my pregnancy.”
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“I Want This Not to Be Normal.”

Sabrina Beavers and Shantay Davies-Balch have spent their careers fighting for Black maternal and infant health. When  both women had their babies early, they found themselves at the center of that issue.


Love Lost, And Found

Sue McConnell and Kristyn Weed are best friends and Vietnam-era veterans. Although they didn’t serve in the war together, they share a story of courage — on and off the battlefield.


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“Because she was Asian, they wouldn’t accept her. Mom said she didn’t care; she enlisted anyway.”
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Remembering One Tough Veteran

Susan Ahn Cuddy was a loving mother, the first Asian American woman in the Navy, and the first woman gunnery officer teaching air combat tactics.


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“She had this determined nature– if something was right, hell or high water wasn't going to stop her from doing it.”
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A Pandemic Couldn’t Stop Her

Helen Merrill, age 91, prides herself on one simple fact: that in her lifetime, she’s never missed a single presidential election.


Alexis Martinez and Lesley Martinez Etherly

Growing up, Alexis Martinez knew that she had to hide from others that she is transgender. Forty years later, Alexis spoke with her daughter, Lesley, about growing up, parenthood, and now living as a woman.


Want even more stories? Sign up for our Story of the Week newsletter to discover a new voice every week.