StoryCorps Griot

StoryCorps Griot is an initiative to ensure that the voices, experiences, and life stories of African Americans will be preserved and presented with dignity. A Griot (pronounced gree-oh) is a storyteller, a position of honor in West African tradition, who hands down family and community history from one generation to the next.

All interviews recorded as part of the Griot Initiative will be archived at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of African American History & Culture in addition to the American Folklife Center at the Library of Congress.

StoryCorps Griot partners with the NAACP
In honor of the NAACP’s 100th anniversary, StoryCorps produced a CD highlighting StoryCorps Griot interviews, including several with NAACP leaders and luminaries, to mark this historic year. This CD, hosted by Farai Chideya, was distributed to delegates attending the NAACP’s Centennial Convention in New York City, July 11-17, 2009. StoryCorps also recorded interviews throughout the convention as part of our Door-to-Door service.

Listen to more Griot stories.

How to Participate

StoryCorps Griot began as a one-year national tour funded by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting. The tour ended in 2008, but you can still record your story as part of StoryCorps Griot. Here’s how:

Record your story

Make a reservation to record your story at one of our StoryBooths, or record from the comfort of your own home through our StoryKit program. Please indicate that you want your recording included in the Griot archive when making your reservation.

Then, prepare for your interview by using our great questions for Griots, created especially for StoryCorps Griot.

Bring StoryCorps to your community

Groups, organizations, and institutions can sponsor on-site recording days with our Door-to-Door service. StoryCorps send trained staff and professional recording equipment to the location of your choice for one or more days of recording.

View a list of our community partners.