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Join us on June 26, 2024 for
Stories for Freedom
Stories of how freedom is experienced, moment by moment, increases the momentum of liberation that is so crucial to our survival and ability to thrive. So many of us are lovers, truth-seekers, visionaries and more, but how do we share our trajectories? Stories for Freedom appeals to me as a great way to relay aspects of our freedom paths to our communities. - Jaguar Mary X, storyteller
Stories of how freedom is experienced, moment by moment, increases the momentum of liberation that is so crucial to our survival and ability to thrive. So many of us are lovers, truth-seekers, visionaries and more, but how do we share our trajectories? Stories for Freedom appeals to me as a great way to relay aspects of our freedom paths to our communities. - Jaguar Mary X, storyteller
WHERE: Senate Garage, 4 N Front St, Kingston, NY 12401 (and online via livestream)
WHEN: Wednesday, June 26, 2024, 7pm
COST: Free! (donations and sponsorships are welcomed and appreciated)
RSVP: Required for in-person and live stream registration
PROGRAM DESCRIPTION
Stories for Freedom has gathered ten storytellers, who have been cultivating practices of liberation within their work and lives, to join a TMI Project true storytelling workshop to craft their stories of love, resistance, and growth; stories that can be used to further their work and serve as a blueprint for radical generations to come.
By crafting radically true stories, Stories for Freedom amplifies the voices of artists, activists, and artivists to inspire identification and belonging in audience members, and challenge all of us to take bold action in the disruption of systemic oppression.
The cohort includes people selected from an international call, hailing from our hometown of Kingston, as well as across the US, and as far off as South Africa.
Stories for Freedom pays specific homage to the practices of liberation that have emerged from Black and Indigenous communities. For centuries, Black and Indigenous communities have created templates for other marginalized groups to take action to resist oppression. This program aims to acknowledge and celebrate these roots.
My story isn't just about me; it's a testament to the power of resistance and the fight for liberation. I hope it ignites a spark within the audience, prompting them to reflect on their own place in the struggle for justice. - Joan Kinaro, storyteller
My story isn't just about me; it's a testament to the power of resistance and the fight for liberation. I hope it ignites a spark within the audience, prompting them to reflect on their own place in the struggle for justice. - Joan Kinaro, storyteller
Meet the Storytellers
Tyler Epps
Pronouns: He/Him
Kingston, NY
“As a father of triplets, my story has become not only one for my own growth, and liberation, and well being, but one that is a part of my legacy that my children will have to evolve with far beyond my time here on this planet.”
Joan Kinaro
Pronouns: She/Her
Nairobi, Kenya
"The Stories for Freedom program feels like a powerful call to action. Amplifying the voices of those fighting for a better world through their own lived experiences? That's something I wholeheartedly believe in."
Angel Fonseca
Pronouns: He/Him
Kingston, NY
“I know the impact I can have - I recognize how my voice, my skin color, and where I'm from can inspire those that can relate. Storytelling has the power to ignite empathy, broaden perspectives, and inspire positive change!”
Calief Housen
Pronouns: He/Him
Kingston, NY
“Stories for Freedom offers the opportunity to safely face my forgotten voids while simultaneously demonstrating how these scars are key aspects of my current circumstance; which I have come to love.”
Donwell Mpofu
Pronouns: He/Him
Johannesburg, South Africa
“Every person deserves to feel represented and validated in their own identity. By supporting inclusive storytelling, we can create a more accepting environment for all individuals, including transgender parents like myself.”
Jaguar Mary X
Pronouns: They/Them
Kingston, NY
“Storytelling is a valuable craft, revered throughout time as a carrier of culture, experience and history. I would like to honor the lineage of griots, hakawati and seanchai from which I come.”
Briana Parker
Pronouns: She/They
Austin, TX
“By sharing my truth, I am able to challenge the narratives that seek to diminish our existence and instead, celebrate the diversity of human experience.”
Renae Taylor
Pronouns: They/She
Memphis, TN
“I am participating in Stories for Freedom to represent the many identities that intersect as a Black, disabled, nonbinary, trans person in the South.”
Ashia Wilson
Pronouns: She/Her
East Lansing, MI
“Sharing my story has brought me an immense amount of healing. Stories for Freedom is important because there are too many stories that go untold.”
Makayla Leon
Pronouns: She/Her
Hurley, NY
“Sharing my story has brought me an immense amount of healing. Stories for Freedom is important because there are too many stories that go untold”
Workshop Leaders
Dara Lurie
Pronouns: She/Her
“I jumped at the opportunity to participate as a storyteller in TMI Project’s first workshop and performance of #BlackStoriesMatter in early 2017 and, later that year, as a TMI Project teacher-trainee. I can’t think of more important work than helping people tell their true stories. If you think it’s simple, you should try it sometime.”
Perla Ayora
Pronouns: She/Her
“We immigrants have stories that have been quiet for a long time and now there is finally a safe space where they can be heard. An immigrant has a lot to say about discrimination and culture but also about values, family, learning and justice. Writing your story brings you closer to freedom.”
Raine Grayson
Pronouns: He/Him
“TMI Project does the exact kind of work that the world needs. From the moment I learned about them I wanted to contribute to the way they spread outstanding courage, community, and kindness. TMI Project makes the world a more honest, open place and I am honored to be given the chance to help foster and facilitate their mission.”
Do you want to join TMI Project in amplifying the stories of these activists and changemakers? Join the Stories For Freedom Support Team Today!
S U P P O R T U S
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This event has a suggested donation of $25.