Ken Nakamura interview, 2017

Nakamura, Ken - Oral History Interview for the California Social Welfare Archives (CSWA) ❧ Interviewer: Pamela Brown. Date: October 21, 2017. An interview with Ken Nakamura (Social Worker and Professor of Social Work), MSW, PPSC as he discusses believing in the capacity of others, his successes at Humboldt State University, and dealing with the struggles of social work. Length of interview: 1 hour 48 minutes 9 seconds. ❧ CONTENTS: (00:28) -- Introduction. (01:06) -- Beginnings in social work and influence of early life experience. (05:39) -- Impactful events of 1968. (07:48) -- Volunteering experiences at UC Berkeley. (13:53) -- Confines of modern social work. (16:34) -- Shortcomings of social services. (23:26) -- Manifestation of values and principles. (28:22) -- Combining education and collective experience in the classroom. (40:39) -- Obstacles faced in achieving collaboration. (54:11) -- Social issues in the 60s & 70s vs. today. (01:01:47) -- Guiding principles for all – believing in the capacity of people. (01:09:43) -- Personal successes. (01:15:22) -- Being a ‘border worker’ in Humboldt. (01:19:22) -- Successes in teaching. (01:22:31) -- How to deal with the struggles of social work. (01:26:04) -- Personal experience with fearing to persist. (01:32:40) -- Finding emotional strength to combat fear. (01:39:30) -- Sources of emotional support and inspiration. ❧ ADDITIONAL MATERIALS: 1. California Social Work Hall of Distinction Biography ( http://socialworkhallofdistinction.usc.edu/honorees/ ). 2. DVD containing interview. 3. Curriculum Vita