In this one-of-a-kind workshop, guests will learn about the uses and functions of oral storytelling--sharing stories and personal accounts rooted in history and tradition--for Black folks, especially Black queer and trans people.

We will delve into stories/storytelling practices of artists such as Marlon Riggs and Laurence Magloire.In addition, Mercedes Loving-Manley, Founder and Executive Director of PrideXtended, Inc., will share about her experiences navigating the nonprofit sector, artist spaces and higher ed with a grounded practice of community as means for liberation. The end goal of this space is to foster connection, insight and joy, *and* establish an understanding of the significance of sustained community practices 24/7, and especially in the face of facism!

While this workshop centers the experiences of Black Queer and Trans people, all are welcome. Cisgender people, heterosexual people and white people are actually encouraged to attend and engage as a means to explore ways to actualize their allyship to Black folks, gender-marginalized folks and marginalized folks more broadly.