Research Symposium

BIO

Da’Mya Bray is a first-year, first-generation student majoring in Media Communication at Florida State University. Originally from Broward County, Florida, she found participating in this research project to be a rewarding experience, as it allowed her to explore and learn more about areas surrounding her hometown.
Da’Mya is an aspiring sports media professional who is actively involved on campus. She currently serves as a Media Intern for the College of Communication and Information and a Creative Media Intern for Unconquered Media, and volunteers for Seminole Productions. She is also the Public Relations Chair for Class Council.

Through these roles, she continues to develop her skills in media production, storytelling, and communication. Passionate about sports media and creative storytelling, Da’Mya is excited to continue growing both professionally and personally during her time at Florida State University.

Sounding Out Sistrunk: A Historical Listening & Archival Collaboration with OTOWN​ Preserving Community Memory as a Legacy of Place ​ ​

Abstract

The Sistrunk community stands as a foundational pillar of African American culture and economic resilience in South Florida. However, as the neighborhood undergoes rapid redevelopment and its eldest generation passes on, the community’s undocumented histories and cultural traditions face the imminent risk of erasure. This research project addresses this critical gap by documenting the lived experiences, social landmarks, and institutional histories of Sistrunk. Utilizing a community-based methodology, the study centers oral history interviews with prominent community leaders and longtime residents, alongside the curation of rare archival materials—including photographs and private records—from local institutions like Dillard High School. The significance of cultural memory emerges as a key finding that aids with reconstructing historical narratives, a method often dismissed or disregarded by traditional academic disciplines. Key findings emphasize the significance of first-hand accounts and community memory in reconstructing historical narratives often overlooked by traditional academic records. The project culminates in a multi-platform preservation effort, including a written report, a digital archive, and an interactive presence on the OTOWN app. By bridging the gap between past and present, this study not only honors the Sistrunk legacy but also provides a replicable model for grassroots historical preservation that ensures historically Black communities can preserve their cultural memory, assert narrative agency, and sustain intergenerational knowledge within the broader African American diaspora. The significance of cultural memory emerges as a key finding that aids with reconstructing historical narratives, a method often dismissed or disregarded by traditional academic disciplines.​

Keywords: Black History, Community Storytelling, Digital Humanities