Welcome Project

In this 3-part series, jazz musician and educator Billy Foster examines national and local forces behind the de-urbanization of Gary, shares early memories of musical influences and the jazz scene, and considers how his cancer diagnosis has changed how he lives his life. Part 3 focuses on his outlook after being diagnosed with cancer.

In this 3-part series, jazz musician and educator Billy Foster examines national and local forces behind the de-urbanization of Gary, shares early memories of musical influences and the jazz scene, and considers how his cancer diagnosis has changed how he lives his life. Part 2 focuses on jazz.

In this 3-part series, jazz musician and educator Billy Foster examines national and local forces behind the de-urbanization of Gary, shares early memories of musical influences and the jazz scene, and considers how his cancer diagnosis has changed how he lives his life. Part 1 focuses on deindustrialization and racism.

It Takes Time by Welcome Project at Valparaiso University

Neither Mexican Nor American - Radio Edit by Welcome Project at Valparaiso University

Professor discusses the impact gender has played in her life, especially her professional life. She reflects on the power of naming to bring injustices to life and to start a deeper transformative process.

Former Gary resident describes neighborhood life growing up and why her mother will never leave.

Dodged A Bullet by Welcome Project at Valparaiso University

Gary resident remembers Gary's vibrant downtown and Miller Beach neighborhood, and considers the consequences of ignoring Gary's current plight.

Storyteller reflects on different ways of approaching family and responsibility based on bicultural upbringing. What happens when you're a "hyphenated" American?

Iron Curtain by Welcome Project at Valparaiso University

Storyteller describes how often the poor are judged and treated differently. She reminds us that poverty doesn't indicate character, only circumstances.

Hijab Is Not Just A Cloth - Radio Edit by Welcome Project at Valparaiso University

Son reflects on his experience growing up in a deaf home, the assumptions other people had about his family, and his belief that people can be curious about each other's differences.

A first-generation student discusses the impact that her desire to go to college had on her and her family.

Chorus of residents from Kouts, Indiana, talk about their community and what it means to be a good neighbor. Produced by Matt Janke for an NEH Enduring Questions course at Valparaiso University in Spring 2017. Music excerpted from Clodhoppa’s Bluegrass Lullaby. You can hear other tracks by heading over to blackdogindustries.co.uk/music.

"There can be some tension. But it doesn’t seem to be that way, especially in this northwest area up here." Produced by Rebecca Werner with interviews recorded by StoryCorps, a national nonprofit whose mission is to provide Americans of all backgrounds and beliefs with the opportunity to record, share, and preserve the stories of our lives. www.storycorps.org

“You help get his crop in, he helps get your crop in. Never a dime is exchanged.” Produced by Rebecca Werner with interviews recorded by StoryCorps, a national nonprofit whose mission is to provide Americans of all backgrounds and beliefs with the opportunity to record, share, and preserve the stories of our lives. www.storycorps.org

“He was surprised. He figured there would be some backlash. He never dreamed it would be that bad.” Produced by Rebecca Werner with interviews recorded by StoryCorps, a national nonprofit whose mission is to provide Americans of all backgrounds and beliefs with the opportunity to record, share, and preserve the stories of our lives. www.storycorps.org

“It's hard to be in Gary and not be involved in politics.” Produced by Rebecca Werner with interviews recorded by StoryCorps, a national nonprofit whose mission is to provide Americans of all backgrounds and beliefs with the opportunity to record, share, and preserve the stories of our lives. www.storycorps.org

“We’ve always been extremely close... because we know that here in Gary, we have to stick together.” Produced by Rebecca Werner with interviews recorded by StoryCorps, a national nonprofit whose mission is to provide Americans of all backgrounds and beliefs with the opportunity to record, share, and preserve the stories of our lives. www.storycorps.org

Residents of Northwest Indiana share through their experiences some of the central history that continues to shape the region.

Residents of Northwest Indiana share through their experiences some of the central history that continues to shape the region.

Residents of Northwest Indiana share through their experiences some of the central history that continues to shape the region.

Residents of Northwest Indiana share through their experiences some of the central history that continues to shape the region.