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Collection Overview
 
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Description
This collection contains one letter from SSgt. Lorraina Nyanza, USAF to her mother. In the fourteen page letter she details some of her attempts to seek justice for racial mistreatment and harassment in the military while overseas.
Background
Staff Sergeant Lorraina Nyanza, United States Air Force is an African American woman born in New York City and graduated from Evander Childs High School before enlisting in the Air Force in 1982. She was deployed for overseas duty in Turkey, England, Spain and Texas. During her service, according to Nyanza, she was sexually harassed while overseas and suppressed her memories of these events until after her discharge, which she says included hostile work conditions secondary to racism while in Spain. She served until 1990 when she made the "heart-wrenching" decision to end her military career due to her treatment. Though she used Jones as her surname during her service, she has since reverted to the use of her maiden name Nyanza.
Extent
0.01 Linear feet (1 folder)
Restrictions
There are no restrictions on the use of this material except where previously copyrighted material is concerned. It is the responsibility of the researcher to obtain all permissions.
Availability
This collection is open for research.