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Hone your authentic voice through storytelling
Yeah, it’s a lot easier said than done. What if you struggle to find the confidence?
That’s where we got you.
Our Storytelling Circle is a small group experience inspired by the coaching that goes into every You Had Me at Black episode. Over the course of six weeks, you will develop, perform and record a true-life story, honing your authentic voice and self-expression along the way.
At the end, you’ll leave with a recording of your story as a personal keepsake, storytelling skills to shape your narrative with clarity and purpose, and membership into our community of storytelling alumni.
Pricing That Meets You Where You Are
We use a sliding scale pricing model to make this journey accessible while sustaining our community-driven work.
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No matter which tier you choose, you’ll receive the same transformative experience. We will never ask you to disclose your finances. Payment plans are available for all tiers. Learn about what your investment covers.
Need more support? Let's talk.
WHAT'S INSIDE THE CIRCLE
SMALL GROUP, BIG GROWTH
Six weeks of small-group sessions (4-5 participants)
FOR US, BY US
Designed for Black folks of all genders
YOUR MOMENT IN THE SPOTLIGHT
End the program with a virtual performance for friends and family.
A KEEPSAKE TO REMEMBER
Your story will be recorded - something to own, revisit, and share.
STORYTELLING FOR EVERY SPACE
Fundamentals you can use in work, life, and creativity.
LEARN BY DOING
Practice and feedback in every session.
CONTINUOUS CONNECTION
Membership to our alumni community and curated events + opportunities
TRUSTED AND PROVEN
The same fine-tuned process behind every episode of our podcast, You Had Me at Black.
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Who is the Storytelling Circle for?This program is for Black folks of all genders who want to grow their confidence, sharpen their storytelling skills, and connect with supportive community. It’s for people who are ready to embrace vulnerability, offer mutual respect, and show up for themselves and others. Whether you’re a creative, a professional, or simply someone with a story to tell, you’re welcome here. No experience necessary.
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What will I learn?You’ll learn how to identify, develop and perform a personal stories with clarity and heart. Our curriculum is built to help you: Build confidence in sharing your authentic voice Discover storytelling fundamentals Apply these skills anywhere
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Do I need experience to join?No! We love first-time storytellers. Whether you’ve never told a story in public or you’ve done it many times, this program is designed to meet you where you are.
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What values guide this program?We honor and celebrate the many ways we can be Black. Our program explicitly embraces marginalized Black identities, including Black queer and trans folks, immigrants, adoptees, and disabled people. We are committed to fostering a space free from discrimination and harassment for everyone- storytellers, instructors, alumni, and guests. All participants are required to sign our non-harassment policy, which clearly defines these terms and outlines how to report and address concerns.
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What’s the time commitment?We meet once a week for six weeks. Each session is 2 hours long. You’ll also spend a little time outside of session reflecting and preparing your story.
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What technology do I need to participate?You’ll need a device (computer, tablet, or phone) with internet access to join the weekly virtual sessions. For the final performance, we recommend having: A computer or laptop A smartphone Headphones (Ideally, chorded (wired) for the best sound quality)
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What is the final performance like?It’s a warm, encouraging space where you’ll get to share your story with a virtual audience of friends, family, and fellow storytellers. Your story will also be recorded so you can keep it and share it however you choose.
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What happens after the program?You’ll receive a recording of your performance. You'll also gain membership into our national alumni community, where you'll be able to access exclusive programs and events.
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How does the sliding scale pricing work?We use sliding scale pricing because we believe access shouldn’t be limited by money. You choose the rate that feels right for you: Seed Rate – $700: A subsidized rate, made possible by our community. Sustainer Rate – $1,200: Covers the full cost of your participation. Generating Rate – $1,900: Helps us grow.
DISCOVER YOU HAD ME AT BLACK
We launched in 2016 as a groundbreaking podcast and live story hour 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.
