Maybe it’s the crackling of the car radio during a long road trip, or the smell of that favorite meal that your grandmother made for you, or the laughter that bubbled up inside after a friend told a joke during a difficult time.
Everyone probably has a distinct memory of growing up – whether it’s seeped in tragedy and heartache or buoyant with light and joy – and these stories often play a huge role in shaping who we’ve become.
In Delaware Online/The News Journal’s Storytellers Project event, five community members will be taking to the stage to share their own true stories of growing up that are personal, yet profoundly universal.
This in-person event is a unique opportunity to witness the power of oral storytelling and how together, with local journalism, we can foster empathy and feel closer as a community.
The show titled “Growing Up” will take place at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, March 8 at Theatre N at The Mill, 1007 N. Orange St. in Wilmington. Tickets are $12 for general admission and can be purchased at https://storytellersproject.enmotive.com/events/register/storytellers-project-wilmington-de.
Want to learn more about the storytellers who are lending their voices? Here’s a glimpse at those community members.
MORE ABOUT FUTURE SHOWS:Storytellers Project shows coming to Delaware. Sign up now to participate or attend.
Meet our storytellers
Billy Ferrell
Billy Ferrell is the kind of guy who will draw you in, whether that’s through his campaign to convince everyone to get a library card – a motivation from his job as a network technologist for Delaware’s libraries – or through his distinct songwriting persona Gentle Jones.
Ferrell now lives in Prices Corner and has performed on stages across the country and overseas, even recently releasing a new album called “It’s My Lazy Day” on Spotify. An avid skateboarder, Ferrell clearly has a sense of adventure – something that will be even more apparent when audiences hear his story, which follows an unexpected turn of events after Ferrell played hooky as a kid.
Haneef Salaam
A native of Wilmington, Haneef Salaam was raised in the Southbridge area where he said he learned countless life lessons that have helped him become the man he is today. Salaam has dedicated the last 15 years of his life to working in nonprofits and advocating for those reentering the community after prison – a personal mission after he overcame similar challenges.
The activist also serves as the Smart Justice Campaign Manager for the American Civil Liberties Union of Delaware. He said he looks forward to reminiscing about the “good ole days” while also offering a story of hope.
José Ignacio Castañeda
Covering underserved communities in Wilmington, José Ignacio Castañeda loves any opportunity he can get to hear and help tell the fascinating stories of the people who live here. Often he finds himself at the intersection of where community and food come together, and he enjoys indulging in all the delicious foods that Wilmington’s restaurants and markets have to offer.
Before the Delaware Online/News Journal reporter’s path led him to Wilmington, he was born in Irapuato, Guanajuato, Mexico and grew up in Aurora, Illinois. More used to sharing other people’s stories, Castañeda is now ready to tell his own story of how he discovered the magic of conversations around the kitchen table at just six years old. His story is told through the vessel of cookies, conversations and coffee.
Lauren Farrell
Born and raised in Wilmington, Lauren Farrell has deep Delaware roots. It’s something that has likely fueled her passion for supporting those in her community, whether that’s through helping them directly or simply listening.
The 29-year-old now works for the State of Delaware, and she said she hopes her story about running a half marathon resonates with others who may have also battled with intense emotions while overcoming a seemingly impassable challenge.
“I think my story is for people who go through bouts of happiness, despair, and hope while facing what they may think are insurmountable odds,” she said.
Salimata Linguer
Salimata Linguer has held many titles over the years, including artist, teacher, mentor, certified massage technician, professional clown, traditional African dancer, actress, foster parent and community activist.
With roots connecting her to the Eastside of Wilmington and the City of Durban, South Africa, Linguer has been a faculty member at Christina Cultural Arts Center for almost three decades and works as the Children’s Drama Instructor and Theater Teaching Artist at Kuumba Academy Charter School.
Especially in a time with a pandemic and civil unrest, Linguer said she wanted to tell her story because she believes we all have a communal responsibility to share our testimonies to develop, empower and improve our communities.
Buy tickets
Tickets are still available for the March 8 event but are limited. Join us at Theatre N at The Mill, 1007 N. Orange St. in Wilmington, by reserving your ticket at: https://storytellersproject.enmotive.com/events/register/storytellers-project-wilmington-de.
