NEW TRADITIONS FOR PRESERVING BLACK STORIES
Black Storytelling Week is being developed by a coalition of Black storytellers, community builders, creatives and healers. Working with an abundance mindset and collectivist principles, we are building this for the African diaspora, its people, and many cultures.
ABOUT BLACK STORYTELLING WEEK
WHO WE ARE
In the mosaic of time, we represent the next generation of culture keepers. We are a collective of community builders, storytellers, creatives, and healers. As culture shifters and futurists, we preserve the sanctity of Black storytelling.
What we do
We unearth the deep wells of oral tradition as a conduit to our ancestral wisdom. By conceiving fresh rituals and traditions, we kindle intergenerational healing and connections.
Why we do it
Our love for Black people is boundless; our desire - a world where every Black soul knows freedom. We construct pathways, knitting together hearts from all corners of the diaspora. We affirm the vast tapestry of Black life, identities, abilities, and families. We all belong.
How we do it
Our strength lies in community: we embody the harmony that once defined our existence. Shunning solitary ownership, we celebrate shared stewardship. We operate with mindful intent, attuned to our wellness, trust, and inherent capacities. We don’t claim mastery, but rather curiosity and collaboration.
To be part of this revolutionary work and journey, get in touch.
FAQs
-
What is Black Storytelling Week?Black Storytelling Week is an annual holiday for passing down family history. Each year, during the second week of September, we encourage every Black family to spend one hour sharing their family history. The purpose of the holiday is to rebuild a culture of sharing stories and history across generations - and in doing so, inspire connection and healing within Black families across the world.
-
When is Black Storytelling Week?Black Storytelling Week is the second week of September. In 2025, that’s September 7th – 13th.
-
Why is Black Storytelling Week important?Before books, films, and podcasts, our culture and history were passed down through oral tradition. From stories, and music, to recipes and remedies for wellness and survival, the spoken word was a format we revered and held sacred. This holiday reimagines oral tradition as a means to preserve our cultures, reclaim how we teach them, and ensure they live on for years to come. Making a habit of holding these kinds of conversations can bridge gaps between different generations and also inspire future ones to continue the legacy of our families and communities.
-
Who is Black Storytelling Week for?This holiday is for us. Those of us who identify as Black, African, Afro-Anything. This holiday is for Black people, and those who raise, love on, nurture, and care for us. It’s as simple as that. Whether you are adopted, or your family is biological, or chosen, this holiday honors and celebrates the many ways we make family and are family. Whoever you consider loved ones is who you are meant to celebrate this holiday with. This holiday is also for Black folks who have been adopted by non Black people. We are all a part of this legacy.
-
How do I celebrate Black Storytelling Week?Before: Mark your calendar or the second week of September and schedule a time to gather your loved ones. During: Use our guide to hold a family history conversation. After: Let us know how it went. Your reflections and feedback will let us know what resources family will need to feel supported and continue this tradition. You can email blackstorytellingweek@gmail.com.
-
What if I want to celebrate but I'm not in contact with my biological family?We recognize that family relationships can vary greatly. We encourage you to celebrate this holiday with whoever you call family, including chosen family. We are also exploring partnerships with communities and organizations to hold space for those who may not be in touch with biological family to gather.
-
Who is stewarding Black Storytelling Week?Black Storytelling Week was created by a coalition of Black storytellers, community builders, creatives and healers. With an abundance mindset and through collectivist principles, we are developing this holiday for the African diaspora, its people, and many cultures. Our purpose as a coalition is to build a culture around intergenerational story exchange and preserve Black diasporic history. Our priority is to ensure that all kinds of families, and people of all circumstances, identities, and intersections can participate. Finally, using a trauma-informed approach, we are committed to guiding families through their Black Storytelling Week experiences with care. Interested in joining us? Get in touch.