Jennifer Caroll oral history interview, June 6, 2008
Scope and Contents
Interviewed by Terri Wilder. Jennifer Carroll begins her interview by talking about the unusual circumstances surrounding her HIV diagnosis in 1990. She explains that she was silent about the disease for almost a decade after her diagnosis. Her second husband encouraged her to speak out about her story and become a voice for the disease and others like her. She began by talking to clients at her hair salon about her story and found that it allowed a space for them to open up to her. She went on to become an HIV advocate and educator in her local school system, speaking out and connecting with people whenever she can. Carroll also talks about her experience with doctors and medications and the logistics of pregnancy and giving birth to a son, who is HIV negative.
Dates
- Creation: June 6, 2008
Creator
- Carroll, Jennifer, 1968- (Interviewee, Person)
Restrictions on Access
Oral history available for research in the Special Collections and Archives Reading Room.
Biographical Note
Jennifer Carroll grew up in Lynchburg, Virginia before moving to Atlanta at the age of nineteen. She was diagnosed with HIV in 1990 and estimated at that time to have 4-9 years to live. Carroll owns a hair salon in South Georgia and uses her business as a platform to discuss her experiences, educate her clients, and give encouragement to others. She is involved with HIV education in schools, sharing her story with students and her community.
Extent
2 item(s) (audio (24:14 duration) transcript (15 pages))
Language of Materials
From the Collection: English
Repository Details
Part of the Special Collections Repository
100 Decatur St., S.E.
Atlanta, Georgia 30303
404-413-2880
404-413-2881 (Fax)
archives@gsu.edu