Through the Power of Storytelling

At the 2022 National Storytelling Festival, ISC partnered with New Orleans-based nonprofit E Pluribus Unum to create a series of videos showcasing the power of storytelling. During the Festival, we interviewed some of the South’s greatest professional storytellers about their craft and ability to change hearts and minds, to build empathy, to break down walls, and call us all to action. The project honors storytelling’s past, celebrates the 50th National Storytelling Festival, and uses the power of honest, frank stories around hard topics to impact people’s hearts and minds so we can forge ahead to a better tomorrow.

E Pluribus Unum was formed in 2018 with the premise that we must confront the issue of race head-on if we are to move forward. Their focus is building programs and initiatives focused on cultivating and empowering courageous leaders who are advancing racial equity, changing the divisive narratives that perpetuate systemic and interpersonal racism, and championing transformative policy change. Through this work, they help to create a more just, equitable, and inclusive South, setting an example for the rest of the nation. Together, we can chart a new course for the South — one that centers on racial equity and moves toward reconciliation. 

The Power of Storytelling

Share Your Story with Us

When you share your story on Soapboxx, you are adding to our ever-growing library of voices from around the world who believe in the power of storytelling. Once you record your video, we add it to the Soapboxx gallery so others can watch and listen. You can also share your story on social media and inspire others to contribute! Don’t feel comfortable in front of the camera? Email your story to angela@storytellingcenter.net with the subject “EPU Video Response” and we will archive your story via text.

Watch the Entire Video Collection

Storytellers

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Sheila Arnold

Read her bio here

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Ray Christian

Read his bio here

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Elizabeth Ellis

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Lyn Ford

Read her bio here

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Josh Goforth

Read his bio here

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Bil Lepp

Read his bio here

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Carol Moore

Read her bio here