The Power of Decolonized Storytelling: Reclaiming Our Voices at We Are Urban Haiku
A New Chapter in Storytelling
Welcome to We Are Urban Haiku—a space born from passion, resistance, and the deep-rooted belief that storytelling holds transformative power. We’re not just here to share words on a page; we’re here to rebuild what was taken, reclaim voices that were silenced, and nurture stories that reflect the global majority.
This isn’t your typical writing space. It’s a vibrant community of dreamers, creators, and storytellers dedicated to decolonizing and re-indigenizing the way we tell our stories. Here, every narrative matters, especially those that mainstream platforms often overlook. This space is for those who dare to speak boldly, embrace their heritage unapologetically, and challenge dominant narratives that have shaped literature for far too long.
At We Are Urban Haiku, we’re redefining what it means to tell your truth—and we invite you to join us on this journey.
What Does Decolonizing Storytelling Mean?
The Weight of Colonial Narratives
For centuries, colonialism has dictated which stories are told—and who gets to tell them. Literature, media, and creative spaces have been shaped by perspectives that often exclude marginalized voices, creating a narrow view of what “valid” storytelling looks like. These dominant narratives have perpetuated stereotypes, suppressed indigenous voices, and marginalized entire communities.
Colonial storytelling has historically prioritized certain languages, values, and worldviews, erasing the richness of diverse cultural expressions. This system has taught many writers to believe their voices don’t matter unless they conform to Western literary standards.
Reclaiming Our Stories
Decolonizing storytelling is about disrupting this imbalance. It’s about reclaiming the stories, traditions, and voices that have been silenced. This means giving space for indigenous wisdom, cultural narratives, and personal experiences that challenge the status quo.
At We Are Urban Haiku, decolonizing storytelling isn’t just a goal—it’s a necessity. It’s about returning power to the rightful owners of their stories and creating a platform where writers from the global majority can be unapologetically themselves. This is about breaking the chains of colonial influence and making space for authentic, diverse storytelling.
The Importance of Re-indigenizing Our Voices
Honoring Ancestral Wisdom
Re-indigenizing storytelling goes hand-in-hand with decolonization. It’s about reconnecting with ancestral roots and honoring the cultural practices and narratives that existed long before colonization. Our ancestors shared stories that were not just entertainment—they were vessels of wisdom, tradition, and cultural identity.
In reclaiming these narratives, we breathe life into ancient stories, ensuring they remain alive for future generations. Re-indigenizing storytelling acknowledges that every culture has its own rich history, myths, and wisdom worth celebrating.
Storytelling as a Tool for Healing
Storytelling is more than words on a page—it’s a path to healing. For communities that have faced centuries of oppression, reclaiming their stories can be a powerful act of resistance and recovery. Sharing personal and cultural stories allows marginalized voices to process trauma, celebrate resilience, and inspire collective healing.
At We Are Urban Haiku, we believe that every story holds the potential to heal. By encouraging writers to embrace their cultural roots, we foster an environment where storytelling becomes both an act of resistance and a journey toward inner peace.
Why Centering Marginalized Voices Matters
Challenging Dominant Narratives
When marginalized voices take center stage, it forces a reevaluation of the narratives that have long dominated our bookshelves and screens. Storytelling becomes a tool to challenge stereotypes, confront systemic inequalities, and dismantle harmful misconceptions.
Centering marginalized voices means making room for stories that defy the narrow definitions of beauty, success, and identity imposed by dominant cultures. It’s about creating space for narratives that reflect the complexities and realities of diverse experiences.
Empowering the Global Majority
At We Are Urban Haiku, we’re passionate about amplifying voices from the global majority—the people whose stories have historically been sidelined. By offering a platform where every writer feels seen, heard, and valued, we empower creators to take ownership of their narratives.
Representation matters. When writers see themselves reflected in storytelling spaces, it inspires confidence, fosters creativity, and builds a stronger, more inclusive literary community.
The Birth of We Are Urban Haiku: A Safe Space for Writers
The Vision Behind the Platform
The idea for We Are Urban Haiku was born from the need for a space where marginalized writers could thrive without fear of being silenced or misunderstood. It’s more than just a writing platform—it’s a movement to create a supportive environment where creativity flows freely, and every story is honored.
Our mission is clear: dismantle barriers, increase accessibility, and nurture a space where every writer can explore the full spectrum of their narrative potential.
Building a Community That Listens
We believe in building a community that truly listens. At We Are Urban Haiku, we don’t just encourage writers to share their stories—we actively listen to them. Our workshops, conversations, and events are designed to foster genuine connections, promote mutual respect, and create a space where everyone feels empowered to share their truth.
Decentering Whiteness in Storytelling
Moving Beyond Traditional Narratives
Traditional storytelling spaces often center whiteness—whether through themes, characters, or publishing standards. Decentering whiteness means moving away from these limiting frameworks and allowing marginalized voices to flourish without the pressure to conform.
At We Are Urban Haiku, we challenge traditional narratives by creating space for authentic, uncensored expression. Writers are encouraged to explore their heritage, voice their struggles, and embrace stories that reflect their true selves.
Creating Room for Authentic Expression
Authenticity is at the heart of every story. By decentering whiteness, we allow writers to be their most authentic selves—without the burden of adapting their narratives for mainstream approval. This space is for stories that speak from the heart, embrace cultural depth, and highlight experiences often left out of traditional literature.
Craft Conversations: Elevating BIPOC Voices
Spotlight on Anya Pearson and Featured Creators
One of the most exciting offerings at We Are Urban Haiku is the Craft Conversations series, which brings together influential BIPOC creators from around the world. Featuring trailblazing voices like Anya Pearson, these conversations provide a platform for discussing creativity, resilience, and the complexities of navigating the literary world as a marginalized writer.
Anya Pearson, a multi-talented playwright, poet, and activist, leads powerful discussions that spotlight the experiences of BIPOC creators. Through honest, thought-provoking dialogues, these conversations dive into what it means to reclaim narrative space and challenge the limitations imposed by dominant cultural frameworks.
Why These Conversations Matter
These sessions aren’t just discussions—they’re transformational experiences. They encourage writers to reflect on their craft, dismantle internalized biases, and embrace their unique creative voices. The stories shared in these conversations are raw, real, and deeply resonant, offering validation to writers who’ve often felt overlooked or unheard.
Craft Conversations inspire participants to think outside traditional literary structures and explore how their personal narratives intersect with larger social, political, and cultural movements.
The Role of Storytelling in Dismantling Barriers
Breaking Stereotypes
Storytelling has the power to break down harmful stereotypes by offering nuanced, authentic portrayals of marginalized communities. Too often, mainstream narratives reduce BIPOC individuals to flat, one-dimensional characters, reinforcing societal biases.
At We Are Urban Haiku, writers are encouraged to tell stories that reflect the full spectrum of human experience—love, joy, pain, resilience, and everything in between. By challenging stereotypes, writers create narratives that foster empathy, broaden perspectives, and promote a deeper understanding of diverse cultures and identities.
Encouraging New Perspectives
When writers share stories from their authentic cultural and personal experiences, they invite readers into new worlds. These narratives challenge assumptions and encourage readers to question long-held beliefs about race, culture, gender, and identity.
Our platform empowers storytellers to create works that disrupt traditional narratives and open the door to fresh, innovative perspectives that redefine what storytelling can be.
Accessibility and Inclusivity in the Creative Space
Making Storytelling Available to All
Accessibility is at the core of We Are Urban Haiku. We believe that every writer, regardless of background or financial means, should have access to storytelling tools and resources. Our workshops, discussions, and mentorship opportunities are designed with inclusivity in mind, ensuring that creative support reaches those who need it most.
We aim to remove the barriers that have historically excluded marginalized voices from the literary world, offering opportunities for writers at all stages of their creative journey.
Embracing Diverse Storytelling Methods
Storytelling isn’t a one-size-fits-all art form. Different cultures have unique ways of expressing their histories, values, and experiences. At We Are Urban Haiku, we celebrate diverse storytelling formats—whether it’s oral traditions, poetry, spoken word, or digital storytelling.
We encourage writers to experiment with their voices and explore unconventional methods that feel true to their personal and cultural experiences.
The Magic of “Dancing in the Cracks”
What It Means to Embrace Uncertainty
The concept of “dancing in the cracks,” inspired by philosopher Bayo Akomolafe, invites us to find beauty in uncertainty. Creativity thrives in spaces of ambiguity, where rigid structures break apart, and new ideas can emerge.
At We Are Urban Haiku, we embrace this idea wholeheartedly. We encourage writers to challenge conventional storytelling norms, take risks, and allow their creativity to flourish in unexpected ways.
Creativity Through Exploration
Exploring the unknown can be uncomfortable—but it’s also where the magic happens. By stepping outside familiar frameworks, writers can tap into unexplored depths of their imagination. This is where innovation lives—between the cracks of what’s known and what’s possible.
We provide a nurturing space where writers can experiment fearlessly, embracing the full power of their creative potential.
Workshops That Empower: What’s Coming in 2025
Highlighting Upcoming Events
Our upcoming 2025 season is packed with powerful workshops designed to empower writers from marginalized communities. These workshops offer tools for developing craft, exploring personal narratives, and connecting with a community that shares your passion for authentic storytelling.
Whether you’re a seasoned writer or just starting out, these sessions will inspire, challenge, and help you grow as a storyteller.
How These Workshops Nurture Talent
Each workshop is thoughtfully curated to provide practical guidance, creative exercises, and mentorship. Led by experienced BIPOC writers and creatives, these events are designed to nurture emerging voices and empower writers to tell their stories with confidence.
Our goal is to cultivate a supportive environment where creativity can thrive and where every participant leaves feeling inspired and equipped to share their voice with the world.
Fostering Innovation Through Diverse Perspectives
The Power of Different Voices
Innovation in storytelling happens when diverse voices come together. When writers from various cultural backgrounds share their experiences, it enriches the literary landscape with new ideas, fresh perspectives, and authentic stories.
At We Are Urban Haiku, we celebrate this diversity. We believe that every writer has something valuable to contribute and that by embracing varied voices, we can push the boundaries of what storytelling can be.
Reimagining Storytelling Boundaries
Breaking free from conventional storytelling allows writers to imagine new worlds and redefine existing narratives. We encourage experimentation and creative freedom, allowing writers to explore the depths of their imagination without limitations.
Our community thrives on innovation, encouraging writers to take bold creative risks and embrace the full potential of their unique voices.
How We Are Urban Haiku Supports Emerging Writers
Tools, Mentorship, and Support
We provide a range of resources to help emerging writers succeed. From mentorship programs to writing tools and workshops, We Are Urban Haiku is committed to supporting every writer on their creative journey.
Our experienced mentors offer personalized feedback, guidance, and encouragement, helping writers refine their craft and gain confidence in their storytelling abilities.
Celebrating Unique Narratives
Every story matters. We celebrate the diversity of human experience and encourage writers to share narratives that reflect their personal truths. Whether it’s a deeply personal memoir, a piece of speculative fiction, or a poem inspired by cultural heritage, your story is valid—and it deserves to be heard.
The Future of Decolonized Storytelling
Growing the Community
Our vision for We Are Urban Haiku extends beyond just being a platform—it’s about creating a global movement. We aim to build a thriving community of writers, artists, and thinkers who are committed to transforming the literary world by centering marginalized voices.
Creating Global Impact
By uplifting diverse narratives, we’re contributing to a broader cultural shift—one where every voice is valued, and every story has the power to inspire change. The future of storytelling is diverse, inclusive, and bold—and We Are Urban Haiku is proud to lead the way.
Conclusion: Embrace Your Story, Share Your Voice
At We Are Urban Haiku, we believe that storytelling has the power to transform, heal, and empower. This space is for every writer who has ever felt unheard, unseen, or undervalued. Here, your voice matters. Your story matters.
Join us in reclaiming narratives, breaking down barriers, and celebrating the richness of diverse voices. Whether you’re just beginning your journey or ready to share your masterpiece with the world, this is your invitation to embrace your story—unapologetically and authentically.
FAQs
1. What is We Are Urban Haiku?
We Are Urban Haiku is a community-driven platform dedicated to decolonizing and re-indigenizing storytelling. It offers a safe space for marginalized voices to share their narratives, explore creative freedom, and connect with a supportive network of writers and artists.
2. Who can join the We Are Urban Haiku community?
Our space is open to writers from all backgrounds, with a special focus on supporting BIPOC creators and those from marginalized communities. Whether you’re an experienced writer or just starting, you’re welcome here.
3. What are Craft Conversations?
Craft Conversations are interactive discussions featuring influential BIPOC creatives from around the world. These sessions offer valuable insights into the creative process, challenges faced by marginalized writers, and the importance of authentic storytelling.
4. How can I participate in workshops?
You can join our workshops by visiting the We Are Urban Haiku website and signing up for upcoming events. Our workshops are designed to be accessible and nurturing for writers at all skill levels.
5. What does it mean to decolonize storytelling?
Decolonizing storytelling involves challenging dominant cultural narratives, reclaiming marginalized voices, and embracing diverse perspectives. It’s about creating space for authentic stories that reflect a broad range of experiences and cultural histories.