Latinx Oral History Lab

Mission

The Latinx Oral History Lab, nestled within the College of Integrative Sciences and Arts (CISA) at ASU, stands as a beacon of cultural storytelling and academic excellence. In alignment with ASU's designation as a Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI), our mission is to amplify Latinx voices from the East Valley and beyond, capturing the rich tapestry of experiences that form the core of our community's narrative.

About us

Our lab is more than a repository of tales; it is a crucible where storytelling is honored as both an art and a science. Co-directed by esteemed scholars Associate Professor Vanessa Fonseca-Chávez and Assistant Professor Rafael Martínez, the lab is a collaborative effort that stitches together the past and present to inspire a more inclusive future.

Co-directors

Our interdisciplinary team brings a unique perspective from Latinx spirituality to media studies and health determinants. Together, we explore the interwoven aspects of Latinx identity, contributing to a more nuanced understanding of our community.

News

Support

Engagement opportunities

Community Members: Participate in oral history interviews and contribute to the preservation of Latinx narratives
Students: Become a research fellow through IDS 401 or consider a project with the Latinx Oral History Lab as an internship or Barrett thesis project.
Faculty: Become an affiliate faculty of the lab

Funding and development

Donate to the Latinx Oral History Lab Fund
Support our quest for funding to bring specialized projects to life.
Assist in establishing co-created endeavors with our local communities to strengthen communal ties.

Fall 2024 upcoming highlights

Día de los Muertos
- Join us on October 29th from 4:00 - 7:00 PM for our Día de los Muertos Event at the ASU Polytechnic Campus Register HERE
- Bring a photo of a deceased pet and/or loved one and record a special message in their memory in our Latinx Oral History Lab sound booth.
Book Launches (Registration links coming soon!)
- Join us for two book talks featuring lab Co-Director Rafael Martínez to celebrate the publication of his new book, Illegalized: Undocumented Youth Movements in the United States (University of Arizona Press, 2024).
  - Thursday, October 17, 2024 at the ASU Chandler Innovation Center in Chandler, AZ
  - Friday, November 8, 2024 at the ASU California Center in Los Angeles, CA
Exhibits
- Check out the Querencia Chandler exhibit now on display at the ASU Polytechnic Library
- Join us for the opening reception of the East Valley Latinx Veteran’s Exhibit on Wednesday, November 13, 2024 from 5:00 - 7:00 PM at the ASU Chandler Innovation Center. This event is in collaboration with the Office for Veteran and Military Academic Engagement.

I'm excited to work with the CISA Latinx Oral History Lab at ASU because of their impactful and collaborative work with the community. Also, the unique ability to capture the passion and perspective from different people's life stories and display them to the public and for future generations to see is truly inspiring work.

Wade Niederhauser IDS 401 Research Fellow Fall 2024

Affiliated faculty

Location

Centrally located at the ASU Polytechnic campus in Santa Catalina Hall (SANCA) 230A, next to the CRUX Lab, our doors are open for collaboration, conversation and community engagement.

Connect with us

We're here to engage, listen and collaborate. Visit us at ASU Polytechnic campus, Santa Catallina Hall (SANCA) 230A, or reach out through our social media and contact details. Your story is our history — let's preserve it with the honor it deserves. Become an advocate for the Latinx narrative. Partner with us to expand the horizons of Latinx representation in academia and beyond. Your insights, stories, and support are the keystones of our endeavor. Together, let's weave a tapestry of stories that span continents and generations.