On Saturday, September 14, national nonprofit StoryCorps officially launched its newest initiative, Brightness in Black, in Philadelphia. This powerful program is dedicated to collecting and amplifying stories that reveal the nuance, complexity, and richness of the Black experience in America. The launch was a resounding success, marking the beginning of an exciting journey to elevate Black voices in ways that reflect not just struggles and challenges, but also the strength, resilience, and hope within the community. The program is possible with support from Michael Jordan and the Jordan Brand’s Black Community Commitment, as well as The Hearthland Foundation.
The Malcolm Jenkins Foundation (TMJF) is proud to partner with StoryCorps to bring Brightness in Black to high school students in both Philadelphia and New Orleans this fall. TMJF has long been committed to nurturing the potential of youth in underserved communities and fostering positive change through education, advocacy, and empowerment. This collaboration is a natural extension of our mission, as it creates a platform for young people to share their perspectives on social justice issues that matter most to them, allowing them to control the narrative of their own lives.
The overarching goal of Brightness in Black is to challenge the often limited and shortsighted narratives of Black life in America. By amplifying voices that are too often overlooked or misrepresented, we aim to contribute to a richer and more complete understanding of the Black experience—one that truly needs to be told.
As we look forward to bringing Brightness in Black to Philadelphia and New Orleans this fall, we are excited to see how these students will use this platform to share their voices and shape the future.
Stay tuned as we continue to update you on the progress of Brightness in Black and the inspiring stories that emerge from this transformative initiative.
