Being Bold, Black, and Radical in Preserving Our History
World Storytelling Day 2026 | 1PM-4PM | Latimer Café & Orientation Theatre
Join us on Saturday, March 21, 2026 at the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History in celebration of World Storytelling Day for an afternoon rooted in Black storytelling, memory, and collective care. Guided by this year’s global theme, “Light in the Dark,” this program centers storytelling as a powerful tool for survival, resistance, and illumination.
Across generations, Black communities have used stories to preserve and document the truth, cultivate joy, and carry wisdom forward—especially in moments when our histories have been threatened, erased, or overlooked. Being Bold, Black, and Radical in Preserving Our History brings together storytellers, memory workers, artists, and cultural stewards who are committed to keeping that light alive.
After the dynamic panel conversation, the program will include a community digitization workshop designed to help you preserve your history for future generations. You are welcome to bring 3-5 items you’d like to have digitized. At this time we are only able to handle printed or paper objects like photographs, letters, and documents. You will receive free archival supplies and a flash drive with your archived items. You will also have the option to donate digital copies of your items to Black Bottom Archives to become part of our digital archive.
Our team of experts will guide you in:
• Scanning and digitizing your personal photos and documents
• Organizing and labeling digital files for easy access
• Learning tips for long-term digital preservation
This is more than just scanning – it’s a celebration of community stories, memories, and legacies. Come connect with neighbors, share stories, and ensure your history lives on.
For our young archivists in training (and the young at heart) the day will also feature an intergenerational, hands-on activity with coloring pages from From the Bottom, Up: Go Back and Color It, a community-centered coloring and activity book rooted in oral history, storytelling, and Black Bottom legacy. This creative offering invites reflection, rest, and imaginative engagement with our shared past.
Together, this gathering invites us to honor memory as both practice and possibility—lighting the way forward by boldly preserving where we’ve been.
What to Bring (Optional)
Participants are encouraged to bring 3–5 items they would like support preserving or learning more about, such as:
- Photographs or photo albums
- Letters, documents, or ephemera
- A notebook or device for notes and reflections
Please note: original materials will not be collected or retained.
Registration
Pre-registration is strongly preferred to help us plan for space, materials, and workshop support. Walk-ins are welcome as capacity allows.
Together, this gathering invites us to honor memory as both practice and possibility—lighting the way forward by boldly preserving where we’ve been.