Share Your Story

Video Guide and How To Resources

Use this interview guide to craft your story. It is intended to help you deliver a cohesive narrative in 3 to 5 minutes.

Follow the prompts below, or click here to download a printable PDF.

NOTE: For your story to qualify for inclusion in the archive, you must be the descendent of an enslaver (aka slave owner) in early America.

 

Helpful Hints

  • Practice the story out loud before recording.

  • Use a video camera, your phone, or other device to record with.

  • If recording with a phone, be sure the phone orientation is horizontal.

  • Place lighting (a ring light, or a lamp) in front of you so that your face is lit from the front, not from behind.

  • Choose a quiet place to record. This helps with audio quality.

  • Not familiar with how to record and upload files? Ask a family member or friend for assistance. It’s also a good way to connect with others.

  • Once you upload your story to our platform, we’ll send you a confirmation email that the upload was a success. Our team will then review the story and add it to the archive. Thank you! Your voice matters.

Guiding Questions

  • State your full name and where you live (City/State)

  • Who was the enslaver (aka slave owner) in your family’s history?

    • What do you know about them?

  • How do you remember learning of this history?

    • How old were you?

    • Where were you?

  • As you reflect on this family history, how do you feel?

  • What will you do to make amends for your family’s history of enslavement?

  • What else should we know?

Thank you for giving voice to stories often buried in mystery and shame. By delivering statements renouncing historic atrocities and making individual pledges of atonement, each of us has the power to deliver on the promise for a more perfect union.