Brightness in Black - StoryCorps

A celebration, a truth-telling, a showcase of the richness and complexity of Black life in America—with your stories front and center. For too long, Black stories have largely been framed as one-dimensional and over simplified, failing to show the full spectrum of our humanity and experience. Which is why Brightness in Black is handing the mic to the Black community across the country and inviting us to share our personal stories of aspirations, connection, triumph, resilience, and gratitude.

Is there someone you want to honor who’s changed your life? A family member you’d love to sit down with and learn about their dreams? Or a best friend you’ve known since childhood who’s had your back through hard times? Now’s your chance to spread some love, get curious, and make history.

Join us for a webinar on Thursday, March 20 · 6:30 - 7:30pm EDT to learn how to record and preserve your family memories within our Brightness in Black collection. Register today!

StoryCorps Brightness in Black participant Natasha

Why does it matter?

Let’s be real, your story has the power to change how the world sees us, and most importantly, how we see ourselves and each other. It’s a chance to make our own history. We’re partnering with leaders in narrative change, like Trabian Shorters, to remind ourselves that we’re so much more than the limited narratives we see around us. We’re beyond definition.

Contributing your voice to Brightness in Black testifies to the entire spectrum of the Black experience. Not just today—but for as long as the StoryCorps Archive exists. To date, more than 700,000 first-person interviews have been added to the Archive, including those from Black people. Why stop there?

Join us for a webinar to learn how to record & preserve your family memories as a part of StoryCorps' Brightness in Black collection.

William Lynn Weaver's father, Ted Weaver, stayed up all night to be able to teach his son algebra.

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"If somebody needed help, Granny was going." –Mary Othelia Burnette to her daughter Deborah. Photos of StoryCorps participants Mary Othelia Burnette and Deborah Burnette.

Listen to Mary + Deborah

Graphic with text "When you and I communicate with each other, we can do it by beats. –Ed Cage to his daughter Nicole Paris" with a still preview of the animation Beat by Beat with StoryCorps interview participants Ed Cage and Nicole Paris.

Watch Beat by Beat

Graphic with text "My dream for you is for you to live out your dreams. – Albert Sykes to his son Aidan" with a photo of StoryCorps interview participants Albert Sykes and Aidan Sykes.

Listen to Albert + Aidan

Graphic with text "My basketball teammates were my first babysitters. – Wil Smith to his daughter Olivia." and photo of StoryCorps participants Wil Smith and Olivia Smith.

Listen to Wil + Olivia

Listen to more Brightness in Black stories

A bit about
StoryCorps

StoryCorps is a mission-driven, non-profit that’s been bringing people together around the country to connect and share their stories for 20 years and counting. Learn more about StoryCorps.

Their work is about listening, without judgement– providing a safe space and platform for people to get curious, reminisce, share their truth, and inspire generations to come.

And by partnering with the Library of Congress, the StoryCorps Archive can preserve your story in the library’s permanent collection. But hey, it’s your story. Add it to the archive, share with friends or keep the final edit to yourself. Your choice.

"The stories you tell will create the lives that people live." –Trabian Shorters

Learn More

Come with a story. Leave with a memory.

Get Inspired

Photo of StoryCorps Brightness in Black participant Asia

Set the Record Straight

Asia, B. talks about how Black folks make the world go ‘round and that there’s more to us than meets the eye.

Photo of StoryCorps Brightness in Black participant Romain

Family Matters

Romain M. shares how he aspires to move through the world with the same passion and love as his mother.

Photo of StoryCorps Brightness in Black participant Allie

Brightness in Black is…

Allie M. reminds us that Black people “just don’t know the word give up.” We are resilient and determined.

Want more? Hover and click to listen.

Photo of StoryCorps Brightness in Black participant Terrence

Photo of StoryCorps Brightness in Black participants Natasha and Kel

Photo of StoryCorps Brightness in Black participant Floyd

Photo of StoryCorps Brightness in Black participant Lex

Photo of StoryCorps Brightness in Black participant Tracy

Photo of StoryCorps Brightness in Black participant Zee

Photo of StoryCorps Brightness in Black participant Terrence with his daughter

Something so special that our family will always hold dear.

Ready to be a part of history?

Download the app and hit record

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Photo of StoryCorps Brightness in Black Fellow

Photo of StoryCorps Brightness in Black Fellows

Join Our College Fellowship Program!

Shape Black history and impact your community by facilitating and archiving Brightness in Black conversations. College fellows receive training and compensation in addition to being part of a transformative experience.

Learn more about joining the Brightness in Black Fellowship.

Meet the Fellows

Ivoryana Neal , Spelman College ’25

Sociology student at Spelman College, passionate about legal aid and community empowerment. Committed to fostering equity and justice through storytelling and advocacy.

Jorden Michael , Cheyney University ’23

An aspiring African American filmmaker from Philadelphia. Strives to ignite a passion for creativity within the African American community through his innovative work.

Anthony Jones , Community College of Philadelphia ’26

Sophomore student at Community College of Philadelphia, majoring Digital Video Production.

Emmanuel Lee , Morehouse College ’26

A rising junior journalism major at Morehouse College. One of the first fellows for the Brightness in Black fellowship.

Dammion Blackwell , Morehouse College ’26

A rising junior at Morehouse College from San Antonio Texas, majoring in communications and minoring in journalism on the Atlanta Fellows Team.

Destiny Jackson , Spelman College ’25

A rising senior political major (pre-law) with a minor in writing at Spelman College from West Philadelphia.

Giving light to the everyday moments that shape our lives.

Our Community Partners

We collaborate with local organizations within our anchor communities to broaden the reach and impact of Brightness in Black, placing your stories in the hands of your community.

Thank you to our major funders

Brightness in Black is made possible by lead support from Michael Jordan and
the Jordan Brand’s Black Community Commitment, and by the generous support
of The Hearthland Foundation.

Additional support was provided by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation and Stavros Niarchos Foundation (SNF).

What is Brightness in Black?