Liberation Stories

Building Narrative Power for 21st-Century Social Movements

From an international cast of leading activist communicators, a timely and instructive handbook for telling stories that change the world

“How do we shape imaginations and build public will for crucial, innovative ideas like defunding the police, climate change, and a world that values Black, queer, and TGNCI people? One story of liberation at a time.” —from the introduction

The twenty-first century has seen a profound shift in the global sociopolitical and economic landscape, shaped by seismic interventions ranging from the War on Terror to the COVID-19 pandemic. Between 2000 and 2024, social movements like Black Lives Matter, #MeToo, climate justice, the Fight for $15, Palestine liberation, health care for all, and queer and trans resistance have illuminated a new narrative—one rooted in an inclusive vision of society, driven by a newly politicized and radicalized generation. This shift did not happen by chance. Movement workers have meticulously crafted communications and narrative strategies, honing their political messaging and storytelling to seize narrative power in today’s struggles.

In Liberation Stories, today’s foremost progressive and leftist communicators, organizers, artists, journalists, and academics share their collective wisdom in one powerful volume. Featuring in-depth case studies of both contemporary and historical movements, Liberation Stories distills successful theories, strategies, and tactics for anyone wanting to understand—and participate in—the diverse initiatives currently shaping our society.

As far-right and conservative movements gain traction worldwide—attacking our books, our bodies, and our democracies—Liberation Stories emerges as a vital resource for constructing the world we envision, one story at a time.

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Praise

“Liberation Stories is a gift of perspective. It is a dose of clarity and courage from thinkers and doers with the experience and determination that is required for the world building that is necessary at this critical juncture.”
—Deva Woodly, professor of politics, Brown University
“In a climate of disinformation and misrepresentation, when our communities and movements are being caricatured and attacked, narrative strategies have never been more important as tools of resistance. This amazing collection of curated essays is an indispensable new tool in our toolbox.”
—Barbara Ransby, professor, historian, activist, and author of the award-winning Ella Baker and the Black Freedom Movement
“Liberation Stories offers a compelling exploration of how storytelling can be harnessed to create truly transformative social change. Drawing on real-world examples from around the world, it illuminates how the stories we tell can shape a nation and world that reflect our highest values and aspirations.”
—Alan Jenkins, professor of practice, Harvard Law School, and founding president of the Opportunity Agenda
“Liberation Stories deftly threads lessons learned by our foremost freedom fighters, a road map for utilizing our truths and narrative power, and a vital charge to demand enduring change.”
—Raquel Willis, author and co-founder, Gender Liberation Movement
“Liberation Stories skillfully weaves the past, present, and future together and reminds us that individual fights for freedom are part of a much bigger ‘we.’ We are facing the fight of our lives. Let Liberation Stories give you the motivation needed to create the future we all deserve.”
—Maurice Mitchell, national director, Working Families Party

Goodreads Reviews