G.L.O.W. -Greatness Lives in Our Words is an innovative narrative justice program dedicated to amplifying youth voices, celebrating cultural identity and community, and advancing equity through art, creativity, and storytelling.
G.L.O.W. centers youth voice and self-determination—creating space for students to explore identity, power, and belonging while building leadership through narrative.
Why It Matters
Stories shape identity. Stories shape perception. And stories shape power.
G.L.O.W. equips young people to become conscious storytellers—able to challenge deficit-based narratives and amplify stories rooted in strength, joy, resilience, and possibility.
Voice becomes agency. Story becomes leadership. Narrative becomes change.
What Students Do
Zine-making
Visual art + mixed media creation
Art and media analysis
Lexicon-building
Restorative circle reflections
Collaborative community art projects
Greatness Lives in Our Words
Greatness Lives in Our Words
Program Themes
Across 8 weeks, students explored:
Story Power
Conscious Storytelling
History of Power
Language & Voice
Community & Belonging
Resistance & Joy
Gender & Intersectionality
Dreams, Agency & Imagination
Key Competencies Students Build
✓ Cultural Identity & Self-Awareness
✓ Narrative Literacy
✓ Visual Thinking & Art-Making
✓ Vocabulary & Language Development
✓ Critical Consciousness & Justice Awareness
✓ Empathy & Restorative Dialogue
✓ Collaboration & Community Building
✓ Legacy Building & Future Visioning
G.L.O.W. was developed through the partnership between the Malcolm Jenkins Foundation (MJF) and StoryCorps’ Brightness in Black initiative, reflecting a shared commitment to empowering young people to lead with confidence, empathy, resilience, and imagination.