Black Stories Matter is TMI Project’s way to participate as an organization in the national outcry of injustice by using true storytelling to speak truth to power and to dismantle the white supremacist systems that hold racism in place. We support and amplify Black voices, share resources, and inspire anti-racist action. We acknowledge the historical predominance of white-centered narratives that permeate the cultural, political, and policy conversations in this country, and seek to elevate the full spectrum of Black experience to its proper place within the realm of American discourse.
Black Stories Matter provides Black-led true storytelling workshops where Black folks can write about, share, and reflect upon their experiences without having to justify, explain, or defend the truth of their lived experiences. The culminating content -- written stories, live storytelling performances, videos, and podcasts -- is accessible to an all-inclusive audience. We pair our storytelling media with strategic tools to inspire deep introspection, a willingness to transform oneself and take bold action to end systemic racism.
Black Stories Matter supports and is aligned with the mission of Black Lives Matter.
Partner with TMI Project for Black History Month!
We offer a variety of Black Stories Matter programming opportunities:
FREE
Watch or listen to stories from our Black Stories Matter content library. All content comes with a Discussion Guide to help facilitate post-engagement community conversations:
Listen: The TMI Project Podcast, Season 2: Black Stories Matter (as featured on Apple New and Noteworthy)
Watch: Black Stories Matter, a recording of a live performance that took place in Kingston, NY
Watch: Black Trans Stories Matter, a recording of a Zoom performance with a cast of Black Trans storytellers from around the country
FEE-FOR-SERVICE
(Fill out this form for more information.)
Performances: Bring a live Black Stories Matter virtual performance to your community via Zoom. This option provides the excitement of seeing radically true storytelling in real-time and the opportunity for a lively post-show Q&A with the storytellers and workshop leaders. This can be a stand-alone or paired with a workshop experience. It is available for an all-inclusive audience.
Black Stories Matter: True Storytelling Workshops: Black Stories Matter provides Black-led virtual true storytelling workshops where Black folks can write about, share, and reflect upon their experiences without having to justify, explain, or defend the truth of their lived experiences. These workshops are all Black spaces. You can book one session, a series, or book a full ten-session workshop that will culminate in your own Black Stories Matter performance.
Creating Brave Spaces: Radically True Storytelling Workshops for Authenticity and Belonging: Dated Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion programs rarely do more than check off a box. Even if they’re well-intentioned, many DEI programs cause harm and result in leaving historically marginalized people feeling othered and excluded. Creating Brave Spaces utilizes the power of true storytelling to cultivate school and workspaces that foster and encourage brave communication, authenticity, and a true sense of belonging for everyone. These workshops include storytelling performances along with a series of exercises designed to help your team build trust, improve communication, develop an anti-oppression-based mindfulness practice, illuminate blind spots, and uncover unconscious bias. These workshops focus on our four social justice initiatives: racial justice, gender equity, LGBTQIA+ rights, and mental health awareness, or based on the specific wants and needs of your group.
Join the movement to change the world, one story at a time. Make a donation today to support our Black Stories Matter programming.
Upcoming Workshops & Performances
Bring a Black Stories Matter storytelling performance to your organization, community group or home by hosting a viewing party. Fill-out our form to access our Viewing and Discussion Guide.
TMI Project’s mission with Black Stories Matter is to elevate the underrepresented stories of the Black experience in America – the full spectrum – the triumphs, humor, beauty and resilience. We’d love to include YOUR story.
Testimonials
Partner Organizations
Funders
Black Stories Matter is made possible by the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of the Office of the Governor and the New York State Legislature.
