SETTING A NEW STANDARD FOR
BLACK STORIES
We launched in 2016 as a groundbreaking podcast with the mission to reclaim the Black narrative and inspire people to embrace their unique stories. Our award-winning series has reimagined the art of oral tradition and pioneered a fresh format for the podcast industry.
Most importantly, we established a new standard for Black storytelling by prioritizing care, nuance, authenticity, honesty, and expansiveness. Today, we are an independent storytelling studio, publishing platform, and global community.
EMBRACING A JOURNEY FROM REPRESENTATION TO LIBERATION
Over time, our purpose has evolved from representation to liberation. Driven by radical love for our people, we aim to nurture that love within ourselves and each other. Our work is shaped by abolitionist and Black feminist principles.
When we’re gone, our stories remain. They remind us of our identity and inspire our future. They’re our strongest currency, deepest treasure, and greatest fortune.
GUIDING PRINCIPLES
FOR EXCEPTIONAL STORYTELLING
When you see You Had Me at Black, know that our productions and collaborations stay true to these principles:
THE ORDINARY IS EXTRAORDINARY
Who and what we are, is more than enough. We illuminate our wholeness, and do so with dignity. No need to sensationalize.
BLACK VOICES
TO THE CENTER
We affirm all Black identities. We each are many things, and none of our intersections contradict.
EXPANDED
PERSPECTIVES
Our work explores new and ancestral ways to approach community, identity, power, work, love, and more.
EXCELLENT
CRAFT
We lead with care, thought and intention. Longevity and timelessness are the goals, not tokenization, clickbait or hottakes.
TRANSFORMATIVE
WORLD BUILDING
Some projects dive into the past. Others capture the present, or paint the future. Regardless, you'll enter a sensory and immersive world.
