The Telling:
A Gathering of Remembrance
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An artistic and spiritual hands-on storytelling experience that honors the African American journey from bondage to liberation and opens space for conversation, faith and healing around a shared ceremonial meal.
WHAT IS "THE TELLING?"
“The Telling: A Gathering of Remembrance” is an artistic and spiritual, hands‑on storytelling experience meant not only to pay homage, but to invite honest conversation and healing. Through a ceremonial meal inspired by the Passover seder, participants journey through the lives and contributions of African‑Americans from pre‑slavery to today, recalling our heroes, our culture, our faith, our pain, and our path toward triumph.
Rooted in the African‑American freedom story and the biblical narrative of deliverance, this experience uses scripture, narrative, images, music, and ritual elements to connect participants to a larger story of oppression, resilience, and hope. It is designed to be both deeply reflective and highly participatory.
HOW THE EXPERIENCE WORKS
• Ceremonial meal: A guided, seder‑style meal with symbolic foods, readings, and blessings that connect the African‑American experience to themes of bondage, lament, resistance, and freedom.
• Storytelling and readings: Original narrative, scriptures, and prompts that lift up the voices and journeys of African slaves and their descendants.
• Visuals and music: Photos, artwork, and songs that help participants feel the weight of history and the presence of hope.
Telling Participants separating cotton from the seeds taken from the Dual Plate.
April Hampton
WAYS TO BRING "THE TELLING" TO YOUR COMMUNITY
In‑Person Telling Experience
Host the full ceremonial meal and storytelling experience in your sanctuary, social hall, fellowship space, or school cafeteria. We work with your team to shape the length, menu, and level of participation for your group.
Workshops & Facilitation
Pair The Telling with an interactive workshop on race, history, and faith, or use it as the centerpiece of a retreat, Lenten series, Black History Month observance, or social justice initiative.
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Speaker / Teaching Presentation
Invite a JTC facilitator to share the story behind The Telling, offer key excerpts, and lead dialogue for worship services, chapels, adult forums, or assemblies.
Virtual / Zoom Experience
For communities that cannot gather in person, we offer a Zoom‑based version of The Telling, with adapted rituals, digital visuals, and guided small‑group conversations.
The Book - The Telling
Use the book to host your own Telling in your home or congregation.
• Integrate excerpts into worship, Bible studies, or classroom lessons.
• Offer it as a resource for ongoing racial justice and spiritual formation.
• Order The Telling book to deepen your practice and share it with others.
I wanted to write you to say how incredible and moving last night’s “The Telling” was. April was amazing and the evening was so thought-provoking, inspiring, and eye-opening. I feel so lucky to have been in the audience . And thanks for helping me learn and grow as a person by sharing this program.
Warmly,
Laura Mogil
April Hampton with White Plains Youth Group Members from Congregation Kol Ami and the Calvery Baptist Church.
WHO THIS IS FOR
• Churches, synagogues, and interfaith communities seeking a meaningful way to engage Black history, scripture, and justice.
• Schools, colleges, and campus ministries wanting a powerful experiential learning opportunity.
• Small groups, book clubs, and justice ministries ready to move from information to transformation.
