Join us via Zoom for a Community Mapping Activity with the Invisible Histories Project (IHP). IHP locates, preserves, researches, and creates an accessible collection of the rich history of LGBTQ life in the U.S. South. The mapping activity will collect data about pivotal moments in the life of LGBTQ Jacksonians and provide participants with a platform to share their stories that center the experiences of LGBTQ community in the South. The discussion will be led by MMA’s Monique Davis, Josh Burford, and Maigen Sullivan.
Registration is required. Please register here.
About the Discussion Leaders
Joshua Burford is an award-winning historian, archivist, and educator with over 20 years of experience creating stronger communities for Queer and Transgender people across the U.S. He is perhaps best known for his work to preserve and make accessible the Queer history of the American South through the development of archival collections and oral histories. Josh is a nationally recognized educator and trainer who has worked with K-12 schools, colleges and universities, corporations, and non-profits to bring greater knowledge about the ways each can be more inclusive of diverse identities, engage in self-evaluation about best practices, and can create pathways for increased retention of minority individuals. Josh is a native of Alabama who grew up in Anniston. He attended The University of Alabama for his undergraduate degrees in English and History. Josh finished his Master’s degrees in 2006 with an MA in American Studies (with a concentration in LGBT history of the late 20th century) as well a Masters in Library and Information Studies. His specialties include working with communities of color, diversity education, student development, and the creation of archives for the preservation of community history. A historian and archivist by training, Josh is passionate about education and advocacy for Queer Youth and the preservation and documentation of Southern Queer History. In 2013 Josh began a project to document the Queer and Trans history of Charlotte North Carolina. This project has created new pathways to understand the complex and invisible history of Queer and Trans communities in the American South and has allowed Josh the opportunity to take the history of Charlotte into museums, boardrooms, schools, and virtual spaces all over the world. Josh is committed to the work of creating more affirming spaces for underrepresented groups in all walks of life and continues to advocate for those without a voice whenever he can.
Maigen Sullivan has over 10 years of experience in community outreach, grant management, organizational development, and social justice education. Maigen earned her BA in History and her MA in Women’s Studies from The University of Alabama (UA). During her time as a graduate student at UA, Maigen was an instructor of Women’s Studies for the Department of Gender & Race Studies. Her research focused on Queer studies, body studies and Southern women. Her Masters Thesis won the Stephen Karatheodoris Memorial Award for Theoretical Writing in 2011, The Department of Gender & Race Studies Nominee for Outstanding Thesis in 2011, and The University of Alabama College of Arts & Sciences Runner-Up for Outstanding Thesis in 2011. Maigen is presently pursuing a PhD from University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) School of Education in Studies of Diverse Populations. Maigen was the founding organizer of Ladyfest Deep South a three day festival celebrating music, film, craft and food from women and Queer folks hosted in Tuscaloosa, AL and has been involved in a number of professional and volunteer organizations concerning Queer and women’s issues. She has worked for a number of nonprofits and higher education departments. Currently, she is an instructor for Women’s Studies at UAB and provides consultation and training to universities on how to create welcoming spaces for Queer and Trans people.
