For the last few years, Story For All has directed a storytelling initiative in Oakland, listening to Opportunity Youth and their adult allies recount their experiences and support for the Reconnecting Youth Campaign (RYC). As we created the space for stories to be shared, a predictable magic happened: the storytellers become motivated to take further […]
“…And that’s how I met these group of players. I had no friends, man. I’m not used to being around people.” And then he stretched his arms out wide pointing at the 30 or so people in the bar and said with tears in his eyes, “These people are my family.” I was at […]
Empowering Youth through Creativity by Angela Zusman Alexa’s got a spring in her step. For the last several months, Alexa and a small team of high school students in San Lorenzo have been conducting interviews for Alliance for Arts Leadership’s Listening Campaign. They’ve listened to students, educators, parents, and principals all across Alameda County. […]
To our beloved community, Today we are witnessing the power of story in action. I believe this election was dominated and ultimately decided by two expertly wielded stories: She is crooked, and He will make America great again. Facts were irrelevant. Such is the power of story. To what end? Today, many people are […]
My Story….My name is Ne’Quwan Taylor. I just turned 18 on November 13. I have a total of 6 brothers, 3 are older and 3 are younger, also 4 younger sisters. I am the first of my siblings to graduate from a regular high school. While I was in high school I was a part […]
Story For All partners with the Jackson Medical Mall Foundation, to bring The SHINE to Jackson, Mississippi. On August 31st, President Obama announced that Jackson Medical Mall Foundation (JMMF) is one of six organizations selected to participate in the ArtPlace America Community Development Investments (CDI) Program. Over the course of three years, JMMF will receive […]
Young African-American men speak up about what it’s like living in Oakland. For once the cover of a book does it justice. The Griots of Oakland: Voices from the African-American Oral History Project is a gorgeous volume, richly illustrated with dozens of photos of African-American males sharing their answers to questions from, “Are you going […]
For the last several months, The Griots of Oakland exhibit has been housed at the Alameda County Office of Education headquarters in Hayward, CA. Day after day, educators, administrators, and many others have paused in the hallway to view the exhibit, watch the videos, peruse the book, and reconsider their perceptions of young African American men. […]
Greetings of IMANI (faith) Esteemed GOD (desses)S, May our Divine Mother-Father Creator of and in All – and Beloved Ancestors from yesteryear and yesterday – find you and (y)our extended family in healing Spirit. As Harriet Tubman, Health Conductor “#777,” I am so honored for being extended an invitation to participate in our “#HEALTHistheNEWBLACK” initiative, […]
What an amazing honor. A few weeks ago, I flew to Wisconsin to accept the Vox Populi Award, granted to Story For All for our design and implementation of the African American Oral History Project. This award is one of the highest honors in the oral history world. Vox Populi means “Voice of the People;” […]
Story For All’s latest book, The Griots of Oakland: Voices from the African American Oral History Project, has been nominated for the In the Margins Book Award. A national award, In the Margins strives to find the best books for teens living in poverty, on the streets, in custody – or a cycle of all […]
Our most recent book, The Griots of Oakland: Voices from the African American Oral History Project, is making its way into the national consciousness. Just in time! Here’s a reference to our book made in a great article by Wyatt Closs in the Huffington Post: There’s a recently published book called The Griots of Oakland, […]
