TOHA Statement on Racial Injustice

The Texas Oral History Association (TOHA), a network of oral history practitioners, stands with people across the country condemning the continued violence, prejudices, and systemic injustice against Black, indigenous, and people of color.

We echo and affirm the Oral History Association’s statement on the Solidarity with Black Lives Matter. We too believe Black Lives Matter.

As oral historians and practitioners we recognize our responsibility to seek out, record, and preserve this nation’s myriad voices.  We recognize our obligation to contribute resources, support, and skills so that communities can amplify their own stories and experiences.  In doing this work with deliberation and care, we endeavor to help achieve a more holistic understanding of the many distinct historical narratives that tell the story of America.  Voices cannot continue to be unheard or silenced.

TOHA has work to do.  We must acknowledge our own structural practices and be open to change. We need to do more to create a diverse network of individuals that allows for challenging conversations about the practice of oral history in the state of Texas.  We need to be proactive in sharing those resources, support, and skills. Our annual conference must push for presentations outside of traditional academic circles; from Black, indigenous, and communities of color where vital memory and narrative work is being realized.

TOHA is committed to learning and doing the self-work needed to become a trusted association that is diverse and inclusive.  We remain committed to doing our part in oral history documentation and believe that a collaborative practice is key to preserving narratives that honor and value communities and events that otherwise might be left out of the historical record.