Kierra Ryant oral history interview

Kierra Ryant oral history interview

McKenzie, Ryneisha A.

Ryant, Kierra

Kierra Ryant is from Southwest Philadelphia and was a student in Drexel University's Biological Sciences program at the time of this interview. Kierra Ryant discusses first learning about COVID-19 and how it impacted spring break plans. Kierra Ryant shares initial feelings and thoughts about COVID-19. This interview describes the moment Kierra Ryant realized the gravity of the pandemic, reflecting on the closure of Drexel's residence halls and moving out. Kierra Ryant comments on how the United States government handled the pandemic and compares to other countries. This interview also comments on President Donald Trump's language when discussing COVID-19 and the impact of his anti-Asian remarks about the virus. This interview also discusses the White House Coronavirus Task Force. Kierra Ryant shares thoughts on mask-wearing, stores requiring masks to be worn, and the effect of mask-wearing on healthcare workers. This interview touches on how COVID-19 relates to racism, regarding healthcare and mask-wearing. Kierra Ryant shares thoughts on the future of the pandemic and its lasting effects. This interview further discusses how the pandemic changed people's perspectives of the United States. The interview concludes with a discussion on Drexel's plans to offer hybrid classes.

This interview was conducted during HNRS 301: COVID-19, taught by Scott Knowles during summer quarter 2020.

COVID-19 seminar oral history interviews (Collection MC.00.100), Drexel University Archives

COVID-19 (Disease)

COVID-19 (Disease)--Social aspects

Education, Higher

College students

Racism--United States

Trump, Donald, 1946-

Protective clothing

Listen to the audio recording of this interview and read a raw transcript in Drexel University's digital repository.

August 13, 2020

31:44 minutes

McKenzie, Ryneisha A.

Ryant, Kierra