Rachel Hassna Oral History Conducted by John Horan and Lindsey Waldenberg

Rachel Hassna discusses her life and family history as the descendent of a Lebanese American in Northern California. Rachel describes her early life in Oakland, California, organizing work as a young adult in the Bay Area after 9/11, and graduate studies in urban planning in New Mexico. Over the course of the interview, Rachel describes her evolving awareness and connection with her Arab or Lebanese heritage. She traces the Hassna history from her great-grandfather, Spaeer, who emigrated from the Ottoman Empire. Rachel did not identify as Arab or know about her family’s background, which she attributes to her father’s desire to distance himself from his abusive father and be accepted in mainstream American society. She identifies research in urban policing and social justice work as catalysts for exploring her own identity and family history. Rachel frames her journey as an evolving process of reclamation, research, and healing, driven by a desire to face her family’s traumas, correct the family record, and ensure her son has pride and confidence in his identity

Moise A. Khayrallah Center for Lebanese Diaspora Studies

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