GASP Unveils Storytelling Project Featuring Rick Sebak & Others

Can we get a drumroll, please? Because we’re thrilled to unveil our Fresh Voices - Oral History Project, which engaged high school students and GASP staff in documenting the lived experiences of Allegheny County residents concerning local air quality. 

Through interviews, we are collecting firsthand accounts to create an oral history archive that illuminates the historical and personal dimensions of air quality in the region.

Over the past several months, our Fresh Voices for Clean Air participants had the privilege of sitting down with some truly incredible people – from Pittsburgh public broadcasting legend Rick Sebak to long-time residents who have witnessed firsthand the changes in our air and passionate environmental activists dedicated to making a difference. 

Each conversation provided unique and powerful insight into the realities of living in an area with generational air quality issues, revealing both the challenges faced and the enduring hope for a healthier environment.

Why Oral Histories?

It’s simple: We believe real stories have the power to educate, inspire, and drive change. While scientific data is absolutely crucial, it's the personal narratives that truly bring serious public health issues to life. 

By helping to curate these stories, we hope to:

• Preserve local history

• Humanize air quality issues and

• Empower community voices

• Inform future advocacy

  
  

A Heartfelt Thank You to Our Participants!

We would be remiss if we didn’t stop here and extend a HUGE thank you to every single person who has participated in this year’s Fresh Voices project so far. 

“Your willingness to open up and share your experiences, memories, and insights has been truly invaluable,” GASP Project and Education Manager Laura Kuster said. 

Through the process of curating these stories, our Fresh Voices students not only learned more about the decades-long fight for clean air - they also honed research, interviewing, video, and photography skills.

Take A Listen!

Go ahead, grab your headphones and get comfy and take a listen.