Shirley Nathan-Pulliam (Finding Aid)

Shirley Nathan-Pulliam

1939 -

Favorite Color: Fuchsia

Favorite Food: Jamaican food; fried plantains

Favorite Time of Year: Spring

Favorite Vacation Spot: Jamaica

Interview Length: 125 minutes

Interview Date(s): September 22, 2004

Interview Location(s): Annapolis, Maryland

Abstract

Legislator and nurse Shirley Nathan-Pulliam shares her family background, detailing the lives and personalities of her mother and father, and also discussing her grandfathers. Nathan-Pulliam details her childhood in Jamaica, and talks about the complicated family situation caused by her parents' separation. Nathan-Pulliam also shares some vivid early memories and stories from her childhood, most of which involve her family. Legislator and nurse Shirley Nathan-Pulliam continues to discuss her childhood in Jamaica, where she talks about battling with dyslexia and various health problems, including rheaumatic fever and migranes. Nathan-Pulliam then discusses her dreams and aspirations as a child and youth, and details her high school experience in Kingston, Jamaica. Nathan-Pulliam explains how her interests in the sciences and England led her to attend nursing school in Yorkshire, England, where she met her husband. Nathan-Pulliam then describes her experience following her husband to the United States and details her period of adjustment in a new country. Legislator and nurse Shirley Nathan-Pulliam continues to describe her adjustment to the culture of the United States after moving to Baltimore from England with her new husband. Nathan-Pulliam describes her career aspirations and explains her success as a reigistered nurse in Baltimore, and also discusses her decision to obtain a bachelors of nursing degree and start her own nursing business independent of a hospital. Nathan-Pulliam then explains her decision to enter legislative politics, describing her first unsuccessful run for office in 1986, and her decision to continue her pursuit of office despite her defeat. Legislator and nurse Shirley Nathan-Pulliam details her service in the Maryland House of Delegates, to which she first won election in 1994. Nathan-Pulliam emphasizes her commitment to improving health care for minorities in Maryland, as well as her advocacy for the rights of immigrants. Nathan-Pulliam explains that her immigrant and nursing background help her deliver unique characteristics to her constituents and to the legislative body. Legislator and nurse Shirley Nathan-Pulliam shares her hopes and concerns for the African American community, discusses her adult daycare center, and considers her legislative career, her legacy, and how she would like to be remembered.

32 Stories (See Ordered Story Set)