The People’s Record
A Community-Powered Media Initiative
The People’s Record documents, amplifies, and preserves the stories, analyses, and wisdom of communities facing systemic racism. Through multi-format storytelling centered on lived experience and systems analysis, we build narrative power that advances racial justice and community health.
Narrative Shift
Challenging dominant stories about our communities and issues
Movement Support & Policy Influence
Providing media tools and analysis for organizing campaigns.
Shifting public discourse and policymaker understanding
Capacity Building
Training community members in media creation and systems analysis
Knowledge Preservation
Documenting community wisdom, history, and resistance
Our Approach
01
Community-Centered Media
Media creators come directly from impacted communities, working with professional editorial support
02
Systems Analysis
Content examines power dynamics while connecting individual stories to systemic patterns
03
Health Justice Focus
Special attention to how systems affect community health and wellbeing
04
Multi-Format Publishing
Content spans written analysis, visual storytelling, audio narratives, and interactive timelines
05
Movement Connection
Direct partnerships ensure content supports active campaigns for change.
06
Historical Contextualization
Every story and issue is connected to historical patterns, policies, and resistance movements that provide essential context for understanding current conditions
Media Creation Pods
Small teams of community members create content in various formats with dedicated editorial guidance and technical support.
Key Elements:
Mixed Media Pod (integrated storytelling)
Writer’s Pod (op-eds, essays, analysis)
Audio Pod (podcasts, oral histories, interviews)
Visual Pod (photography, video, data visualization)
Narrative Briefs
Concise analytical frameworks (3-5 pages) connecting community stories to structural analysis and policy demands.
Key Elements:
Policy recommendations and alternatives
System mapping and explanation
Community testimony and experience
Historical context and patterns
Timeline Archive
Interactive, public-facing digital resource documenting historical patterns of systemic racism and resistance.
Key Elements:
Connection to contemporary issues
Chronological navigation
System-specific filtering
Primary source documentation
Health Justice Beat
Dedicated coverage examining how government systems impact community health and wellbeing.
Key Elements:
Public health policy examination
Environmental health reporting
Healthcare access analysis
Mental health and community care
Become a Contributor
The People’s Record is created by and for community members. We provide training, editorial support, and platforms for community voices to reach broader audiences while building narrative power for change.
Contributor Roles
Content Creator (writing, audio, visual)
Story Source/Interviewee
Research Contributor
Distribution Partner
Technical Support
Benefits
Media creation skills development
Editorial mentorship
Platform for your voice
Connection to movement work
Stipends for major contributions
Contribute to a Story
Partner With The People’s Record
Partnership Types:
- Content Co-Creation
- Campaign Media Support
- Distribution Partnership
- Technical Collaboration
- Training Exchange
Benefits:
- Amplification of campaign messaging
- Professional media creation
- Documentation of community impact
- Strategic narrative development
- Historical archiving of work
