As Black History Month unfolds, the enduring impact and power of storytelling in shaping our history is vividly illustrated through my recent dialogue with Dr. Julius Garvey, son of the legendary Marcus Garvey. This conversation, featured on Leading While Black on The Black Information Network, provided profound insights into the role of narrative in justice and education.
There are three takeaways from this conversation that every good speaker and story teller can use in their own writing and speaker’s journey.
- Consistently re-tell your story.
- Connect your story to your audience and what matters to them.
- Give your audience a call to action.
The Power of Persistent Storytelling
Dr. Julius Garvey emphasized the critical role of storytelling in the realization of his father’s posthumous pardon by President Joe Biden. He reflected on the significance of this gesture, noting, “As you say, it was a great moment, a start moment, and we were very pleased that, you know, President Biden chose to do that. We should have done it a little bit sooner, but you know it was certainly worth the wait.” This testament to the power of persistent storytelling underscores the need to repeatedly share important stories to ensure they reach and resonate with diverse audiences.
Dr. Garvey told his story over and over. Sometimes we believe we have told our story too many times, when there are so many who have not seen or heard what you have to say. Remember everyday there is a new audience and someone who hasn’t heard your story. Tell it again and again.
Connecting Personal Stories to Broader Social Themes
The narrative of Marcus Garvey’s pardon intertwines personal history with larger societal issues, such as the historical misuse of the justice system against Black individuals and the ongoing challenges in education concerning Black history. Dr. Garvey’s narrative brings attention to the broader implications of his father’s legacy, illustrating how personal stories can highlight systemic issues and advocate for social justice.
Dr. Garvey knew his father’s message resonated with the Black community who yearned for equality, economic empowerment and justice. These themes were important to his audience and he used his message to make deep connections.
Engagement Through Action
Echoing his mother, Amy Jacques Garvey, Dr. Garvey urges us to engage with his father’s works to gain a deeper understanding of the influence Marcus Garvey had on civil rights movements. This call to action encourages active participation in historical discourse, urging the audience to read more, understand more, and engage more actively with the community.
Invitation to Engage
I invite you to listen to the full interview on the Color Between the Lines YouTube Channel to fully appreciate Dr. Garvey’s insights.
Parents and Educators Join Together to Network
Furthermore, I encourage you to join the conversation at the National Black Parenting Conference, where we continue to share and learn from empowering stories. Sign up here with the code REHEARSAL15 for free access.
This month, let’s commit to exploring and amplifying those narratives that challenge us to think differently, act purposefully, and inspire change. Join me as I share with other parents on a panel chatting about our experience with raising children on the autism spectrum.
