Poster Session 5: Anthropology, Gender, and Ethnic Studies
Friday, July 24 10:15 AM – 11:15 AM
Location: Centennial
Shiloah Slade
Nevada State University
Presentation 1
Narratives of Identity: The Impact of Storytelling in the Black Community
Storytelling has long served as a vital mechanism for preserving culture, transmitting knowledge, and shaping collective identity within communities. This literature review examines the role of storytelling in the Black community and explores how narratives passed across generations influence perspectives on social institutions and cultural values. Drawing on scholarship from African American studies, cultural studies, oral history, and literary studies, this review investigates storytelling as both a means of cultural preservation and a strategy for survival in the face of historical and contemporary adversity. The literature suggests that storytelling functions as a powerful tool for maintaining cultural memory, transmitting intergenerational knowledge, and fostering a sense of belonging. Black storytelling traditions have historically preserved experiences that were often excluded from dominant historical narratives, allowing communities to sustain identity and resilience despite systemic oppression. Additionally, these narratives continue to shape how individuals understand themselves, their communities, and broader social structures. By synthesizing existing research, this review highlights the enduring significance of storytelling in the Black community and its influence on collective thought, cultural continuity, and social meaning-making. The study contributes to ongoing conversations about the relationship between narrative, identity, and cultural survival while emphasizing the continuing relevance of storytelling in shaping contemporary beliefs, behaviors, and aspirations.