New Anthology, Out June 17, Centers Narrative Power as a Tool for Social Movements

(Black PR Wire) As book bans rise, protestors face criminal charges, and authoritarian ideologies inch closer to the mainstream, Liberation Stories: Building Narrative Power for 21st-Century Social Movements arrives at a critical time. This new anthology is both a call to action and a practical resource for organizers, storytellers, and movement leaders who are shaping the future in the face of escalating political violence and disinformation.

The anthology was released June 17, 2025, and is already being hailed as a must-read for those fighting for justice.

“In a moment where so much of the public discourse is about the chaos and confusion being unleashed, amplifying the narrative interventions that have worked and are working is critical,” said Tarana Burke, author, organizer, and founder of the me too. Movement. “It’s exciting to add Liberation Stories to the canon of knowledge-building materials necessary to keep our work alive.”

Edited by narrative strategists Shanelle Matthews and Marzena Zukowska, Liberation Stories brings together a powerful range of voices from across movements—Black liberation, immigrant rights, Trans liberation, climate justice, and more—to explore how storytelling has shaped the course of activism and how it can be wielded more intentionally moving forward.

“When we narrate the story of social movements, too often we focus on the handful of leaders in the spotlight,” said Marzena Zukowska, co-editor of Liberation Stories. “Liberation Stories pulls back the curtain and shares the behind-the-scenes stories of the cultural workers, artists, researchers, organizers and communicators, who make us believe that a different world is possible.”

Far more than a collection of essays, Liberation Stories functions as a practical guide. The anthology offers actionable case studies, tested narrative frameworks, and insights into how movements can shift public perception, policy, and culture by building narrative infrastructure that lasts. It is a resource grounded in lived experience, crafted for those on the frontlines of change.

“We are in an ideological contest for the future,” said Shanelle Matthews, co-editor of Liberation Stories. “The right has a story—and it’s winning hearts. If we don’t offer a vision rooted in dignity, joy, and material justice, we leave the door open to fear-based politics.”

As movements continue to respond to disinformation, backlash, and political violence, Liberation Stories provides inspiration and instruction in equal measure. For journalists, educators, cultural workers, and grassroots leaders, it is a tool to help reclaim narrative power and build the futures we deserve.

###

MORE PRAISE FOR LIBERATION STORIES

Tarana Burke - Author, Organizer, Founder me too. Movement “In a moment where so much of the public discourse is about the chaos and confusion being unleashed, amplifying the narrative interventions that have worked and are working is critical. Folks who are trying to understand what to make of this moment need a reminder of what and how others have laid the groundwork. Movements don’t happen miraculously and they aren’t sustained without new energy and new commitment and evolving, broad strategy. It’s exciting to add Liberation Stories to the canon of knowledge-building materials necessary to keep our work alive.”

Barbara Ransby - Professor, historian, activist and author of the award-winning, Ella Baker and the Black Freedom Movement “Deception and duplicity are hallmarks of authoritarian regimes globally and historically. It is painfully true today. 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, edited by Shanelle Matthews and Marzena Zukowska, is an indispensable new tool in our toolbox. Read "Liberation Stories" and help change the narrative and the world.”

Maurice Mitchell - National Director, Working Families Party “As Fannie Lou Hamer taught us, ‘Nobody’s free until everybody’s free.’ 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. This collection is a how-to guide, a historical retelling, and a clarion call for us to get in formation and build the biggest coalitions we can. We are facing the fight of our lives, let Liberation Stories give you the motivation needed to create the future we all deserve.”