ICON 2021 How to Tell Stories that Inspire Action

By: Izzy Stewart
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The “How to Tell Stories that Change Narratives, Inspire Actions and Get Oprah’s Attention” Icon 2021 session led by the Founder of Blackbelt Media, Adena White, really inspired my post graduation motive. During college, I have learned how to use the power of storytelling to amplify the voices of the oppressed, which has become my passion. A passion so big that it is what I want my professional career to revolve around. 

Adena White created Blackbelt Media to tell the stories of the changemakers working to make the South a better place for all. In the session, she explained the importance of stories that are lived and stories that are told. Stories lived being the communication with others that co-create our social worlds and stories told, when we talk our stories lived with others. The “three-step process for social impact storytelling” that she introduced was new to me and something that I will carry along with me throughout my life. The three steps are: discover, refine and amplify.  I believe that my storytelling can become stronger by focusing on these three steps that revolve around how to tell diverse stories that are overlooked in the best way. 
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The way the session took each educational component and used it in a real life example with how Blackbelt Media runs really helped me realize that I can turn my passion into a profession. Storytelling is so powerful and important in the current world we live in and I am excited to continue my journey of helping the voiceless tell their stories.