JOIP Internship
The MLP and the Jean O’Connor-Snyder Program have partnered to sustain “Our Stories, Our Strength,” a community storytelling initiative now in its second year. This internship explores storytelling as a form of civic engagement—a way to strengthen social bonds and center more inclusive historical narratives.
In the 2025–2026 school year, a cohort of four student interns will work across local communities to launch an oral history project that bridges generations, uplifts overlooked stories, and expands MLP’s digital archive of community memory. Alongside fostering belonging and pride in place, the program equips interns with the skills, knowledge, and confidence to grow as future community leaders.
Interpretations
“Anything you create, you have to just trust-fall into it and make sure you’re doing a project that is bringing you joy in your heart.”
— Ahmir “Questlove” Thompson
In partnership with the Jean O’Connor-Snyder Internship Program, the Montevallo Listening Project worked with University of Montevallo undergraduates Damian McCrickard and Bridget McCurrach during the 2024–2025 school year to explore the town’s queer community through digital storytelling and community organizing.
Their project traced Montevallo’s queer history—its silences, celebrations, and generational threads—by building relationships, hosting intergenerational events, and conducting oral history interviews. This blog post offers their final reflection, blending research, personal insight, and community quotes that invite us to consider the importance of community and memory.