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 area high-school and college student trained in oral history methodology and documentary techniques by experienced journalist mentors.
 
For more information contact Dylan Lewis, project coordinator, at dylan@scribe.org.
 
Application is now open. Apply now at https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/FP739RV
 
The deadline to apply is March 14, 2025. 
 
Responsibilities:
 
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

Qualifications:

A deep interest in community organizing and community histories

Familiarity with recording software (Zoom, Audacity)

Possess strong verbal communication skills

Solid research skills

Willingness to learn new softwares (Adobe Premiere, Hindenburg)

Term: 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.

Pay: $1000 stipend
 

Application Requirements:

1. 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

 

WE INVITE YOU TO JOIN US FOR THE FREE LISTEN-INS AT THE FREE LIBRARY OF PHILADELPHIA. MONDAYS, MARCH 31 - MAY 19 at 6:30PM. MORE INFORMATION CAN BE FOUND HERE.