Power Politics

Power Politics is an oral history project organized by Scribe Video Center, exploring strategies for political empowerment by historically disenfranchised communities, specifically interviewing organizers, activists, strategists, and leaders in the Black, Puerto Rican, Asian-American, and other economically disadvantaged communities. These interviews, covering the period from 1945 until today, are carried out by Oral History Interns, who are area high-school and college students trained in oral history methodology and documentary techniques by experienced journalist mentors.
 
For more information, contact Dylan Lewis, project coordinator, at dylan@scribe.org.

Applications are now closed

Application FAQs

Research individuals and movements involved in Black, Puerto-Rican, Asian-American, and other economically disadvantaged communities' empowerment movements, including community activists working in social, political, and cultural movements.

Participate in oral history training sessions

Research, contact, and communicate with interview subjects

Conduct video oral history interviews either in person or via Zoom

Research institutional and private archives for photos, recorded audio, and documents related to issues affecting communities

Transcribe and fact-check the interviews

Assist in the public presentation of their work

A deep interest in community organizing and community histories

Familiarity with recording software (Zoom, Audacity)

Possesses strong verbal communication skills

Solid research skills

Willingness to learn new software (Adobe Premiere, Hindenburg)

Participating oral history conductors will spend an estimated 50 hours on the project from May through September 2025, including an orientation, training, research, and interview sessions.

$1000 stipend


1. A letter of Interest that addresses:

  • What have been your sources of knowledge to understand the history of your community?

     

  • Please describe three distinct ways that you would research the history of your community.

     

  • Why is Philadelphia’s history of Black and Puerto-Rican Political empowerment important to you?

     

2. Resume

3. Letter of Recommendation from a professor, teacher, school administrator, or guidance counselor