So, when I was leaving class today I was talking with our classmate (Alan Wolfe) about our research. I mentioned my topic was DATP. Turns out, he used to work there! Obviously not during the WWII era, but certainly an awesome resource (especially considering Alan was the first person I actually met at the MSU History Department meeting!)
So I am pretty excited. I am starting to keep my fingers crossed for the chance to interview people who experienced the influx of workers to Detroit for armament production, which Alan suggested he may be able to help with. I am also hoping to go down to the plant at some point and see the place first hand.
I think that reading Maya of Morganton and watching the Harlan County, U.S.A video, the information that had the highest impact on me personally, was seeing the effects of changes in the community through the eyes of people who had been through these changes, or struggles. While there is always bias in first hand accounts, I always think that the most compelling information comes from those who have a perspective close to the topic. I think that finding people either who worked in the plant, had family who worked in the plant, or whose community was shaped by the incoming workers (both women and African American) would offer a great perspective of the changing community, working conditions, motivations, and industry that I most likely will not find in archives or through articles on the internet, etc.
I am excited about this prospect, hopefully it works out!
-Stace
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