Oral history interview with Sarah Thiero

Sarah Christian Thiero spoke of her memories growing up in Kingston, Jamaica until the age of 12. She explained her parents moved to the United States, on diplomat visas, before her; described in-detail her first moments and experiences in the United States; and explained her adjustment to the United States, particularly the differences in schooling between Jamaica and the United States. Thiero also spoke of her siblings and daily life in Washington, DC; her parents' work in Jamaica and the United States, including her mother working for the Kennedys; maintaining Jamaican culture and community in the United States; the neighborhoods where she lived in Washington, DC; her joy of singing; her children; the importance of religion throughout her life; her family helping other people; her education and work in television and radio broadcasting, including how her co-workers perceived and interacted with her; and her friendship with Bob Strickland. Thiero explained how her father helped to racially integrate retail stores and restaurants in the DC area; when and how her family was able to access Jamaican food; awards and accolades her parents received; the values her parents taught her and her siblings; her love of cooking; the importance of family and community; how often her family, including her children, visits Jamaica; how she and her family remain connected to and learn about their cultural heritage; importance of Marcus Garvey; how Rastafarians and reggae music have influenced Black American and white American communities; how Americans perceive and stereotype Jamaicans and Black community, particularly how Black men are treated in the United States; how to and why connect to own culture and other cultures; and her work in the AIDs community. Thiero stated her children call themselves "Westies" because of their connection to their cultural heritage, and that she is proud to be Jamaican and to live in the United States. Interview is in English. Digital audio files include loud white noise and static, and some background noise. Interviewee's voice is intelligible for the most part.