Wilmington Black Storytelling Residency returns to celebrate black voices and untold histories

Participants from the 2024 Wilmington Black Storytelling Residency. (Photo credit:.wilmingtonde.gov)

WILMINGTON — The Wilmington Black Storytelling Residency (WBSR) is returning for its fourth year, bringing together 15 Black storytellers from across the country to uplift, reclaim, and preserve narratives of the African Diaspora through performance and community engagement.

Titled “Voices of the Unbroken: Telling Our Truths, Shaping Our Future,” the 2025 residency will culminate in a free public performance on Saturday, July 26 at 6:00 p.m. at the Tina Betz Urban Artist Exchange Amphitheater.

“Wilmington has long been a center of Black culture, history, and resilience,” said Mayor John Carney. 

“Through this residency, we are not just honoring that legacy — we’re investing in the voices who will carry it forward. I’m proud to support this transformative program and the artists who are shaping a more inclusive narrative for our city and our nation.”

The residency was conceived by Tina Betz, director of the City’s Office of Cultural Affairs, and Jonathan Whitney, co-founder of Flux Creative Consulting. Inspired by the Boysie Lowery Living Residency, the two collaborated with TAHIRA,  a nationally celebrated storyteller and the program’s Creative Visionary and Director, to create a space where Black artists could be nurtured and empowered.

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“This residency is about making space for powerful Black voices to be heard and felt,” said Betz. “Every year, the storytellers remind us why these stories matter right here in Wilmington and beyond.”

Throughout the intensive seven-day residency, participants will work with master teaching artists including Dr. Caroliese Frink Reed and Emily Hooper Lansana. The curriculum combines story craft, performance, history, music, and movement, with workshops in African dance, yoga, and songwriting.

Artists were selected from Delaware, New York, California, Illinois, and beyond for their dedication to storytelling in service of Black communities and cultural preservation.

The Wilmington Black Storytelling Residency is presented by Cityfest, Inc. in partnership with the Mayor’s Office of Cultural Affairs, with support from the Delaware Division of the Arts, Christina Cultural Arts Center, The Monday Club, and Staybridge Suites.

For more information, follow Cityfest on social media.

Claudia Estrada

Claudia is a Philadelphia-based journalist and reporter passionate about storytelling that informs and engages the community. Claudia, a proud Temple University graduate, has built a career covering impactful stories and creating compelling content across digital and print media platforms. With a strong background in writing, editing, and research, Claudia has worked on various topics, from local news to in-depth features, always striving to deliver meaningful and accurate reporting.