I’d never heard of Nikki Giovanni before her death, and, after reading more about her life, work, and beliefs, I wish I had! A writer. An educator. An activist. A poet. A woman who did what she wanted simply because she wanted to do it. Now, I’m devouring all that’s available.
We love stories in my house. In fact, when we were cycling through the flu over the holidays, one of my twins said he wanted to go back to school because they read books. We were watching too much tv, I guess!
This month’s resources are all about telling stories. In her quote below, Nikki is referencing the Black Lives Matter movement in 2020. That’s really when it clicked for me…the reason we need to hear more from Black, female, LGBTQIA+, neurodivergent, and other non-white (in my case) voices. It’s the only way we’re going to create an empathetic society where people are valued and their inherent dignity shines through.
What storytellers do you admire? Whose stories do you want people to hear?
I really like what the young people are doing, and I think my job is to be sure to get out of their way, but also let them know, if it means anything to them, that I’m proud of them.
Resources
Here are some links to Nikki’s stories. And, I’m eager to watch the full short documentary noted (I requested a screening and hopefully will have details to share on that next month!).
New York Times piece and HBO Documentary called “Going to Mars” about Nikki’s life, and a TEDx talk by Nikki (showcasing her humility, humor, and passion).
ALOK, a Sundance Film Festival short documentary that explores the limitless expression of self, challenges societal norms, and inspires viewers to embrace personal freedom.
More about Alok Vaid-Menon, an international comedian and poet who’s the subject of the film.
Ways to Engage
Kansas City has a wonderful entrepreneurial scene, and I’ve latched onto Storytailor. It’s a fantastic AI platform that allows kids to create their own stories, “making it inclusive, therapeutic, and deeply personal for children.” We also have a great philanthropic community, and there are some wonderful stories of people helping people that need to be shared.
P.S. You don’t have to live in KC to engage with these folks!
JQ Sirls, founder of Storytailor, is publishing a children’s book! It’s in the beginning of the ending stages, but I’ve committed (via LinkedIn comment) to being an early purchaser!
Support Redemptorist Social Services Center. This organization, unaffiliated with the neighboring Catholic church, offers hope by serving the elderly, poor and working poor, and immigrant populations through a food pantry, financial assistance, clothing distribution, and other programs.
A snapshot of the help Redemptorist Social Services provided in 2024.
Quote of the Month
There are many quotes attributed to the late John Lewis, and this one felt right for this month. I’m hopeful this is the story they write about our generation.
When historians pick up their pens to write the story of the 21st century, let them say that it was your generation who laid down the heavy burdens of hate at last and that peace finally triumphed over violence, aggression and war.
