Cincinnati Honors Dr. Peggy Douglas with Stetson Kennedy Vox Populi Award for Advancing Human Rights Through Oral History

Cincinnati Welcomes Dr. Peggy Douglas with Open Arms!

In a heartwarming ceremony held last week in Cincinnati, Ohio, Dr. Peggy Douglas was bestowed with the prestigious Stetson Kennedy Vox Populi Award by the Oral History Association. This accolade shines a light on pioneers in the field of oral history, particularly those whose work champions human rights and pushes the boundaries of social change. This year, Dr. Douglas shares the honor with an incredible organization, Voice of Witness, dedicated to capturing oral histories that drive social justice forward.

A Grateful Heart

When asked about receiving the award, Dr. Douglas joyfully expressed her gratitude, saying, “I am grateful to the Oral History Association and the Stetson Kennedy Foundation for this award, and to my colleagues, partners, narrators, and community members whose experiences and collaboration shape my work every day.” She went on to extend heartfelt thanks to several organizations, including ArtsBuild, Barking Legs Theater, Mark Making, Obvious Dad, the Tennessee Arts Commission, and Walnut Street Publishing. Each of these groups has played a vital role in amplifying voices from marginalized communities on stage.

A Career Dedicated to Amplifying Voices

Dr. Douglas has dedicated her career to lifting up the stories and experiences of marginalized individuals through the transformative mediums of art, theater, and education. As the Oral History Director at Southern Exposure, she works within an innovative framework called Applied Theater. This approach allows her to stage powerful poetic monologues and theatrical performances that represent an incredibly diverse cross-section of the Chattanooga community, including voices from the LGBTQ+ community, the black experience, and the working-class reality.

Furthermore, Dr. Douglas’s passion for storytelling culminated in the publication of her book, We Speak: Voices from Chattanooga’s Disregarded. This anthology captures personal narratives and presents them through the expressive power of poetry, providing a platform for those whose stories often go unheard.

Teaching the Next Generation

Not only is Dr. Douglas an accomplished director and poet, but she also shares her knowledge and experience with the next generation. As an adjunct professor at the UTC Honors College, she teaches a course on Oral History for Social Justice. This is an incredible opportunity for students to learn from someone who lives and breathes the values of history and activism, helping shape responsible citizens and future historians.

Looking Forward

Fans of the arts have much to look forward to! Dr. Douglas’s continued work with Southern Exposure will see their theatre season resume in March 2025. This is a chance for the community to experience firsthand the rich tapestry of stories that Dr. Douglas and her team are dedicated to bringing to life.

The award ceremony may be over, but the impact of Dr. Peggy Douglas’s work will undoubtedly resonate throughout the community for years to come. She continues to inspire others to embrace the beauty in diversity and celebrate every voice!