Sola Akinola
This interview is with Sola Akinola, a musician and musical instructor in Grand Prairie, TX. Sola talks about his childhood as the son of Nigerian immigrants, describing a sense of alienation from both his peers and his culture. He discusses his interests such as favorite school subjects, stories, games, and musical involvement that led to his current career. Sola shares his experiences of discimination and racism as a Black man and first-generation American, and he describes how these experiences have impacted his relationship with and understanding of the United States. He also talks about the intersection of these aspects of his identity with his neurodivergence.
Meili Criezis
This interview is with Meili Criezis, a former member of the Institute for Diversity and Civic Life team. Meili talks about growing up as a minority in majority White spaces, and the negative impacts of racial dynamics on her high school experience and opinion of Texas. She then discusses how her positive college experiences, as well as her involvement with IDCL, tempered that negativity with more respectful treatments of diversity. Meili also speaks about how she found Islam through exploration of her heritage, and what her current relationship with her faith looks like.
Marie Betcher
This interview is with Rabbi-Cantor Marie Betcher, a female rabbi in Austin, Texas. Rabbi Betcher discusses her upbringing, growing up in Brooklyn, NY in an Italian family. She shares her multicultural background and the migration story of her family. She also discusses the gender dynamics she experiences as a female rabbi. In this interview, we hear her account of life in the pandemic and her involvement in the community. She currently serves as a chaplain with the Austin Police Department.