Storytelling has long been a tool for connection, resilience, and healing in the American South. From oral histories passed down through generations to the testimonies that shaped the Civil Rights Movement, narratives have the power to bridge divides and foster reconciliation. This presentation explores the practice of narrative mediation—a conflict resolution method that uses storytelling to reframe disputes, cultivate empathy, and promote understanding between individuals and communities.
Drawing from historical examples and real-world applications, we will examine how storytelling has been used to mediate racial, cultural, and generational conflicts in Southern communities. We will discuss the power of oral history in preserving cultural identity, the role of community storytelling circles in fostering healing, and how personal narratives can challenge dominant historical narratives. Participants will gain insight into how they can use storytelling as a tool for mediation in their own families, workplaces, and communities.
Clinnesha D. Sibley is a humanities scholar, playwright, educator, and arts advocate dedicated to using storytelling, theatre, and community engagement to foster dialogue, social change, and cultural preservation. With a background in playwriting, mediation, and arts leadership, Sibley’s work explores the intersections of history, identity, and the human experience—particularly in the American South.
As a speaker, facilitator, and educator, she brings a wealth of experience in arts-infused education, nonprofit leadership, and creative placemaking. She has worked extensively in community-building efforts, using the humanities as a tool for reconciliation, literacy development, and social-emotional learning. Her expertise includes narrative mediation, oral history preservation, African American literature, and the role of theatre in activism and education.
Sibley is the co-founder and Executive-Artistic Director of the Southwest Mississippi Multiplex for Early Innovative Intervention Studies (SMMEIIS), a nonprofit that integrates arts, culture, and education to uplift marginalized communities. She has served as Fine Arts Coordinator for the McComb School District, where she developed programs to enrich K-12 arts education. Additionally, her leadership extends to directing award-winning theatre productions, spearheading literacy initiatives, and curating community-centered arts festivals. You can learn more about Clinnesha Sibley's work at smmeiis.org.
