Elizabeth Melton
This interview is with Elizabeth Melton, the public engagement director at IDCL, from Crumpler, NC. Elizabeth describes her childhood in Longview, TX, where she was surrounded by her extended family with deep ties to public education and the Presbyterian Church (USA). She shares how her childhood involvement in theater eventually led to her PhD in performance studies. Elizabeth talks about her experience of the Texas Freeze of 2021. She also discusses her complicated relationship to Texas as both a beloved home and site of political strife.
Walter Celestine
This interview is with Walter Celestine, Program Director of the Native American Employment Training Program at the American Indian Center of Houston, who is from the Alabama-Coushatta reservation in Livingston, Texas. Walter discusses the history of the reservation, their traditional practices, and finally, integrating with society off of the reservation. The First Indian Baptist church was created by Walter’s family and the reservation has changed significantly. He speaks to the importance of dispelling stereotypes of Native American culture and taking care of Mother Earth. He also speaks to the challenges the Alabama-Coushatta community have faced through the COVID-19 pandemic.
Gregory Han
This interview is with Gregory Han, an educator and Presbyterian minister active in interreligious dialogue in Houston. Gregory shares his story of growing up biracial in a very White area and the experience of simultaneously fitting in anywhere and nowhere. He talks about his path in education toward discovering his passions for both academics and ministry. Gregory discusses his work with Interfaith Ministries for Greater Houston, such as leading visits to houses of worship and organizing dialogue between leaders and communities of different faiths. He also talks about the unique challenges of interfaith work in Texas as well as doing this work in the aftermath of 9/11.
Kevin Ireland
This interview is with Kevin Ireland, a seminarian studying at Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary. Kevin talks about his perceptions of gender growing up, including the media and family dynamics that shaped those perceptions. He talks about his experiences parenting a child in the LGBTQ+ community, such as supporting their engagement with the Texas legislature.
Kristin Galle
This interview is with Kristin Galle, a professional interim minister who is ordained with the United Church of Christ. Kristin’s ambition is to help church leadership through transition periods and times of chaos. Kristin also discusses the importance of building community while staying safe during the COVID-19 pandemic. Kristin attended Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary and speaks fondly of that experience.