Uploaded February 2026 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
Yacouba Sissoko has a lifelong mission: to bring the ancient tradition of the griot (which you may have seen mentioned in the film "Sinners") to modern-day New York and the next generation of African Americans. Sissoko is “a living history book,” trained in the sacred oral storytelling tradition of Mali. Through the memorization of music crafted over centuries, Sissoko and the next class of griots keep the voices of the ancestors alive.
The Story in Us is a thematic anthology that celebrates storytelling traditions from across the United States and the world. Each short character driven documentary is a deep dive into a culture’s tradition of storytelling told faithfully by members of that community. With authenticity and care, each film explores lesser-known histories with unique perspectives and insights to bring these storytelling legacies to light. The first season of The Story in Us was produced in partnership with the PBS Ignite Filmmakers Program, a hybrid 12-month program for up to 10 early-career filmmakers who have experienced barriers to entering the media industry.
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PBS Member Stations rely on viewers like you. To support your local station, go to: to.pbs.org/DonateVoices
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Subscribe to PBS Voices so you never miss an episode! youtube.com/@PBSDocumentaries
And keep up with PBS Voices on:
Facebook: facebook.com/PBSDigitalStudios
Twitter: twitter.com/pbsds
Instagram: instagram.com/pbsds
Yacouba Sissoko has a lifelong mission: to bring the ancient tradition of the griot (which you may have seen mentioned in the film "Sinners") to modern-day New York and the next generation of African Americans. Sissoko is “a living history book,” trained in the sacred oral storytelling tradition of Mali. Through the memorization of music crafted over centuries, Sissoko and the next class of griots keep the voices of the ancestors alive.
The Story in Us is a thematic anthology that celebrates storytelling traditions from across the United States and the world. Each short character driven documentary is a deep dive into a culture’s tradition of storytelling told faithfully by members of that community. With authenticity and care, each film explores lesser-known histories with unique perspectives and insights to bring these storytelling legacies to light. The first season of The Story in Us was produced in partnership with the PBS Ignite Filmmakers Program, a hybrid 12-month program for up to 10 early-career filmmakers who have experienced barriers to entering the media industry.
*****
PBS Member Stations rely on viewers like you. To support your local station, go to: to.pbs.org/DonateVoices
*****
Subscribe to PBS Voices so you never miss an episode! youtube.com/@PBSDocumentaries
And keep up with PBS Voices on:
Facebook: facebook.com/PBSDigitalStudios
Twitter: twitter.com/pbsds
Instagram: instagram.com/pbsds
