Let's Make Something That Tells Your People's Story

Hey Y’all,

Somehow we are almost half way through August, which means Black Storytelling Week is just a few weeks away! This year’s theme is, “What we inherit, what we pass on.” What lessons have tattooed themselves on your heart? Whose features did you receive? What recipes have you been entrusted to keep? What prayers were you taught? What land has your name on it? Black Storytelling Week 2026 is a call to reflect on, honor, or release the tangible and intangibles that pass through generations: lessons, recipes, heirlooms, traditions, gifts, blessings, dreams, habits, features, land, and more.

Falling on the second week of September, Black Storytelling Week is an annual holiday for passing down Black family history. Whether your family is adopted, given, or chosen, it’s a time to create new rituals and traditions around sharing and preserving stories about who you are and where you come from. In 2026, Black Storytelling Week is Sunday, September 6 to Saturday, September 12.

The best way to celebrate Black Storytelling Week is with people you love and who love you back. Whether its spending an afternoon learning a recipe from an elder; gathering your cousins to finally begin that family tree project; showing a little one photos of their ancestors; envisioning a new family with your friends; or some solo journaling, meditation, and reflection; there is no one way to mark this occasion.

If you need ideas for a place to start, check out our Conversation Guide for activities and pre-and after care. Watch this space for more closer-to, including question and journal prompts catered to our theme.

In the meantime, add Black Storytelling Week to your calendar, and don’t forget to let your people know about it, too! Pick an hour that you all will spend together now, so that you’re not scrambling when the week arrives (you know time flies).

This year I’m also hosting two community celebrations, one virtual and one in-person in Brooklyn NY:

“What We Inherit:” A storytelling circle about things passed between generations. Wednesday, Sept 9, 2026 | 7-9PM EDT | Online

Think of this storytelling circle as a virtual campfire: an intimate, participatory and gentle space to share and express memories while being held in community.

Bring a story to share. Together, we’ll reflect on, celebrate and release things we’ve inherited, and dream about we’d like to pass on.

RSVP

Black Storytelling Fest: Make something that tells your people’s story. Saturday, September 12 | 12-5PM | Brooklyn, NY

We are taking over the historic Akwaaba Mansion to bring a day of FREE family portraits, grocery giveaway, scrapbooking, family interviews, archiving kits, deed theft support, music and more to Black families of all make ups across New York City! Bring your grandma, your play cousins, your love, or your best friends to make something that tells your story, together.

Reservations are highly recommended for portraits and family interviews.

REGISTER

More to come!

Peace,

Martina