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"It's hard to hate anyone whose story you know."
Roslyn Bresnick-Perry, author

Stories help us break down mistrust and stereotypes. Watch these videos and start a story-sharing revolution.

I was born into it

From the moment he was born, Judge Albie Sachs’ path as a revolutionary was set. He was named after Albert Nzula, an activist and writer.

The Story of Preston Jongbloed

As a young boy growing up in Heideveld on the Cape Flats, Preston Jongbloed dreamed about becoming a professional football player and flying on a plane.

A lot of people can’t relate to how apartheid affected Coloured people

Growing up under the apartheid regime, René recalls how her own family was almost torn apart because of different skin tones.

Arlene's triumph over tragedy

Arlene August tragically lost both parents as a teenager – a loss that impacted her even more after she got married.

My neighbours thought I was a drug dealer

Growing up in Congo-Brazzaville, Cherry was encouraged to stand in solidarity with South Africans suffering under apartheid. Now living in South Africa Africa, he unfortunately is not seeing this solidarity reciprocated.

I did not think of it as prostitution

Growing up, Hilda’s family struggled financially, but when she fell pregnant in high school, things became harder. After dropping out of school, she decided to become a sex worker to provide for her family.

Storytelling changes the perception of the foreigner

As a foreign national moving to South Africa, Pastor Stephen Mzee has not had the easiest life. But he knows the power of storytelling in shaping perceptions of “the other.”

Nathan Carolissen shares about overcoming issues of identity as a young person, and he reflects on how the storytelling process has impacted the lives of the young people in his youth group.

I could have been trafficked that day

A narrow escape from being trafficked 24 years ago changed Blessing’s life forever. As an anti-human trafficking activist, she is now directly involved in making sure other girls and women are able to return to their homes safely.

Black Twitter found my father in 24 hours

Sara-Jayne King tells us about how her mother gave her up for adoption in England and upon her return to South Africa, told everyone she was dead. She also tells us how Black Twitter helped her find her biological father in 24 hours.

They called me the little bastard

Blackie’s identity has been questioned from the moment he was born. He was born to white parents in apartheid South Africa, but he appeared coloured. His appearance made him a target for ridicule and cruelty.

One can be free and still be a slave

Moss Ntlha reflects on life as an unfree person under the oppressive system of apartheid. He also offers encouragement for how to live fully as a free person in a democratic South Africa.

What's Your Story - Church