BASE Oral History

The people behind Chicago’s civil rights history.

Listen to the interviews

Senior citizens at a march along Lake Shore Drive, Chicago. October 1973.John H. White / U.S. National Archives · DOCUMERICA · NAID 556257 · 412-DA-13805 · Source ↗

Interviews

All interviews

2 audio interviews

Portrait of Bishop Derrick Fitzpatrick wearing glasses, a dark suit, and a purple tie.

audio · 18:15

Audio conversation

Bishop Derrick M. Fitzpatrick

Recorded September 11, 2026

I asked Bishop Fitzpatrick about his grandfather, growing up in Chicago, and how Stone Temple responds to its neighbors’ needs.

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Photograph provided for BASE Oral History

Two people standing together indoors with Chicago Theological Seminary publications.

audio · 53:08

Audio conversation

Reverend Dr. Brian E. Smith

Recorded September 15, 2026

I asked Dr. Smith about his family’s move to Chicago, his work in housing, and what he learned from interviewing people involved in the civil rights movement.

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Photograph provided for BASE Oral History

HISTORICAL BACKGROUND

The history we talk about

The interviews mention churches, neighborhoods, and movements that may be unfamiliar to some listeners. This timeline offers background on those references.

History & Timeline