Why we do what we do:
Think about the warmth of your grandmother's kitchen, the sound of your grandfather's laughter as he tells a familiar story, the wisdom shared by elders, family and friends who have since passed on. These memories are treasures, pieces of a legacy woven into the fabric of our families and communities. But memories fade, and once a loved one is gone, their unique voice, their first-hand account of life, risks being lost forever.
This is the heart of the Griot and Grits Project. We believe every story, especially those held by our elders, is a precious legacy that deserves to be protected before it slips away. We use ethical, open-source Artifical Intelligence and deep humanistic scholarship to gently document, safeguard, and share the irreplaceable oral traditions of African American families – the very stories shared around dinner tables, on front porches, and at backyard cookouts. We are actively building a representative historical record, transforming these intimate ancestral narratives into a powerful, searchable digital archive so future generations can hear the echoes of those who came before them.
As a dedicated non-profit organization, we provide all of our high-tech preservation and digital archiving services completely free of charge. Time is precious, and these first-hand accounts are irreplaceable. Your support ensures that these essential voices, filled with personal experiences and unique perspectives, are never lost to silence and continue to enrich our history. Join us in ensuring every cherished legacy endures.
What are our goals?
Create a Comprehensive, Searchable Library: Imagine a place where you can listen to the voices of elders, watch their memories unfold, and explore a vast collection of video and oral histories. We're building a digital library of recorded accounts that will be a treasure trove of lived experiences.
Create a Richer, More Connected Story: The past isn't just a collection of isolated moments. We want to connect the dots and highlight key events in these stories, linking them to similar experiences to build a richer, more complete picture of our shared history.
Map Our Legacy: History is tied to the land. We're developing a way to visually map these stories, allowing you to explore the legacy of African Americans by location, whether it's a specific neighborhood, city, or even a plantation.
Build a Documentary-Like Experience: We'll bring individual stories to life by creating documentary-like views that augment key events with additional context, photos, and videos. This approach will provide a more immersive and engaging way to learn about the people who shaped our history.
Build Your Family's Chapter: We're creating a way for individuals to find out more about their unique family history through referencable family chapters. This feature will make it easier for people to connect with their roots and discover their personal legacy.