Interview with Mayor Justin Elicker
InterviewerInterviewed by
Samariya Smith
Date2023 April 5
Mediumborn digital audio file
DimensionsDuration: 27 Minutes, 40 Seconds
ClassificationsInformation Artifacts
Credit LineCommunity History Project Collection
Object number2022.20.68
DescriptionInterview with Justin Elicker, Mayor of New Haven. Interviewed by Samariya Smith on 5 April 2023 in New Haven, Connecticut. He was interviewed as part of the Connecticut Historical Society's Community History Project discussing his experience during the COVID-19 Pandemic.
Justin recalled the increased awareness of Covid during January 2020, particularly during a Chinese New Year celebration in New Haven. The early disruptions in his life due to covid included decisions to close schools, working from home, having meetings on Zoom, and collecting personal protective equipment for first responders. Justin protected himself by isolating, wearing masks, and hosting necessary work events outdoors.
Justin supported mask mandates and worked with community leaders to encourage New Haven residents to get the vaccine. He received reliable information from the medical staff on his team, specifically a medical doctor and the leader of New Haven’s community services administration.
He felt that his mental health was “A-OK” throughout the pandemic because he was busy and able to interact with different groups of people as part of his job.
Justin recalled the Black Lives Matter protests in New Haven. He shared that there were difficult decisions he had to make during that time. He also discussed his approach to protests and how they have changed. He highlighted the importance of showing up to listen and have conversations with protesters.
Justin voted for Joe Biden in the 2020 election because he felt that Donald Trump’s rhetoric was dividing the nation. He shared his shock during the January 6, 2021 attack on the U. S. Capitol.
Justin says he gained more during the pandemic than he lost because of the examples in his community of people willing to help each other. The greatest lesson that he learned during the pandemic was the importance of a team.
NotesSubject Note: The Connecticut Historical Society’s Community History Project (CHP) is a public-facing initiative, focused on contemporary collecting, gathering items of the recent past as well as from events happening today. This program developed community historians to identify, document, and preserve their experiences as residents of Connecticut, and to share these experiences during a series of community presentations. The project focused on the impact of Covid-19 on Connecticans, particularly on Black and Brown communities, funeral homes, and on nursing home and elder care populations.Justin recalled the increased awareness of Covid during January 2020, particularly during a Chinese New Year celebration in New Haven. The early disruptions in his life due to covid included decisions to close schools, working from home, having meetings on Zoom, and collecting personal protective equipment for first responders. Justin protected himself by isolating, wearing masks, and hosting necessary work events outdoors.
Justin supported mask mandates and worked with community leaders to encourage New Haven residents to get the vaccine. He received reliable information from the medical staff on his team, specifically a medical doctor and the leader of New Haven’s community services administration.
He felt that his mental health was “A-OK” throughout the pandemic because he was busy and able to interact with different groups of people as part of his job.
Justin recalled the Black Lives Matter protests in New Haven. He shared that there were difficult decisions he had to make during that time. He also discussed his approach to protests and how they have changed. He highlighted the importance of showing up to listen and have conversations with protesters.
Justin voted for Joe Biden in the 2020 election because he felt that Donald Trump’s rhetoric was dividing the nation. He shared his shock during the January 6, 2021 attack on the U. S. Capitol.
Justin says he gained more during the pandemic than he lost because of the examples in his community of people willing to help each other. The greatest lesson that he learned during the pandemic was the importance of a team.
Cataloging Note: This cataloging project was made possible in part by the Institute of Museum and Library Services MA-249472-OMS-21.
Status
Not on view
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