Warwick, Rhode Island – The National Black Storytelling Festival and Conference wrapped up this week, marking the first time in 23 years that the event was hosted in Rhode Island. The three‑day gathering, themed “Unbreakable Spirit: Telling Our Story, 250 Years and Beyond,” brought together storytellers, educators and community members for performances, workshops and youth programming.
Local partnership brings the festival home
Rhode Island Black Storytellers co‑hosted the festival, providing a local platform for the national organization’s mission to preserve and share Black narratives. Festival Director Tahira emphasized the sacred nature of documenting stories rooted in Black experiences, citing the work of Zora Neale Hurston as an inspiration.
Voices on the importance of storytelling
Valerie Tutson, co‑founder and executive director of Rhode Island Black Storytellers, explained that stories help individuals and communities understand themselves. “Stories are the way we make sense of who we are as individuals, as a community,” she said. Project manager and grant writer Karen Abdul‑Malik urged attendees to keep sharing untold stories, noting that doing so “keeps us alive, and it bears the truth of who we truly are.”
Challenging stereotypes through personal narratives
Chetter Galloway, president‑elect of the National Association of Black Storytellers, highlighted how hearing personal narratives can break down misconceptions and stereotypes. “Once you know a person and you know their story, you know more about them, and all misconceptions or stereotypes disappear,” Galloway said.
Youth programming and future generations
The festival placed a strong emphasis on youth, offering workshops that taught young participants how to craft and share their own stories. Attendees praised the intergenerational exchange, noting that the event helped preserve cultural traditions for future generations.
Community celebration
As the conference concluded, participants gathered to celebrate the power of storytelling and the resilience of Black culture. The event underscored the importance of community‑driven initiatives that honor heritage while fostering dialogue across ages and backgrounds.
The National Black Storytelling Festival will return in 2027, with organizers hopeful that the momentum built in Warwick will inspire other communities across the nation to host future gatherings.
Original reporting: NBC 10 WJAR (Sinclair) – local — read the source article.
