Storytelling for Democracy: Artist + Activist Chat
On October 29, 2024, The Opportunity Agenda hosted an inspiring and dynamic conversation that explored the power of filmmaking, community organizing, and storytelling in building a multiracial democracy where everyone can thrive.
In this live chat, Porshéa Patterson-Hurst, TOA’s Research Manager, was joined by two incredible guests:
- PJ Raval, award-winning, Texas-based filmmaker behind the Netflix documentary Who We Become (2023).
- Victoria Huynh, Founder and Community Organizer at Georgia AAPI Hub, Georgia State Director at member of our Beyond Democracy cohort.
Together, they explored how artists and activists can use the power of storytelling to shift narratives, build democracy, and mobilize communities—particularly in communities of color, including AANHPI communities. We dove into themes such as:
- How stories shape the way we understand democracy and drive social change.
- The unique challenges and opportunities in local and regional organizing, especially in the South.
- Creative and cultural strategies for storytelling and outreach that resonate with diverse communities.
- The role of intersectionality in activism and why it’s essential for building a multiracial democracy.
This event was more than a conversation—it was a chance to connect with fellow changemakers and gain fresh insights into how we all can harness the power of narrative to create meaningful impact in our own work and community.
Image credit: Zachary Adam Gomez, courtesy of Who We Become (2023).
Storytelling for Democracy: A TOA Artist + Activist Chat
