Columbia INCITE | Oral History_David Castillo-Philander Harris-3-4-19
Q:
Today's date is March the 4th. My name is David Emanuel Castillo. I am the planning system for the Department of Black and Latino Male Achievement. I am interviewing Philander. Your last name, please?
HARRIS:
Harris.
Q:
I knew it. I'm interviewing Philander Harris. Philander, do I have your permission to record this interview for the 2019 Art Start Portrait Project?
HARRIS:
Yes.
Q:
Yes. He said yes. He nodded his head and then he said yes. So real quick. This year we're focusing on young men of color of Milwaukee. Through the 2019 Art Start Portrait Project these young men will have their images captured and participants will be able to illustrate how they want themselves to be seen with the world. The oral histories component to this will accompany the composite image that goes into the portrait project in which students will share excerpts from this interview with people that attend the opening exhibition. It's important that, Philander, for this interview that you share what you want to share as captured in your words which is why we are recording this. So with that said, we're going to get started. Tell me about the most memorable childhood experience you can recall.
HARRIS:
When I was first born I was born prematurely. My mom thought I wasn't going to make it. And then she kept praying and I made it. And then when she thought I was dumb I rolled my eyes at her.
Q:
How do you hear about this story?
HARRIS:
She told me.
Q:
Your mom told you? OK. So you just shared you were born prematurely.
HARRIS:
Yes. Had to stay in the hospital for months.
Q:
OK. I was about to say what's more you can recall from that story?
HARRIS:
Huh?