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What decides which stories survive the test of time? Who determines which voices echo through history's halls? These questions lie at the heart of our fascinating conversation with Dominique Luster, a master storyteller and dedicated archivist who's revolutionizing how we preserve Black narratives.

Describing her work as "Harriet Tubman meets Indiana Jones," Dominique shares her remarkable journey from theater major to founder of The Luster Company, a groundbreaking archival firm named after her fifth great-grandmother Charity—born enslaved in 1825 and later became an entrepreneur against extraordinary odds. This ancestral connection drives Dominique's mission to uncover, preserve, and celebrate the rich tapestry of Black history that traditional institutions have often overlooked.

Dominique offers profound insights into the power dynamics underlying historical preservation. "History doesn't repeat itself. Humans do," she explains, challenging us to recognize how the mere 1% of documents preserved in archives represents deliberate choices made by those with the power to decide which stories matter. Every preserved photograph, letter, or record reflects not just its creator's perspective but also the values of those who deemed it worthy of saving.

What resonates most powerfully is Dominique's celebration of everyday Black life. Beyond focusing solely on extraordinary achievements or devastating tragedies, she illuminates the meaningful middle—the beauty salon owner who served her community for decades, the thriving neighborhoods that created spaces of belonging, the ordinary triumphs that ground families in their heritage. These stories provide essential "anchor points" that help people understand themselves as part of something greater than themselves.

Ready to preserve your own family's legacy? Listen as Dominique shares practical strategies for conducting oral histories with elders and properly documenting family photographs. These simple acts of preservation might be the difference between stories that live on and those lost forever. Connect with Dominique at thelustercompany.com and through her upcoming contribution to "Brave Women at Work: Lessons in Letting Go."

Learn more about Dominique's Work Here: https://www.thelustercompany.com/

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