Maybe you’ve read Charley Burton’s essay about the closing of the Federal Executive Institute, or Marquan Jones’ reflection on what the UVA Upward Bound program, shuttered after 60 years, meant to him. Many of you told us you were moved by Darnell Walker’s honest telling of why he bought a gun, or your eyes were opened a bit wider by Brianna Patten’s experience at Yogaville. Some of you even found new family and community connections through Philip Cobb’s uncovering of his own family history at Buck Island.
All of these compelling stories were produced as part of a program called First Person Charlottesville, a storytelling initiative that began in 2022. It invites community members to share their perspectives and experiences through Charlottesville Inclusive Media’s partner organizations: Charlottesville Tomorrow, Vinegar Hill Magazine and the In My Humble Opinion Radio Show. The program centers personal narratives to tell the story of our communities collectively.
Charlottesville Inclusive Media and Creator Hub is gathering past and potential First Person storytellers for an evening of connection, creativity and support. We’ll celebrate the contributions of these writers, introduce storytellers to each other and guide attendees through a workshop to tell their own stories. Please join us! Space is limited so please RSVP to let us know you’d like to attend.
Deeper conversations through personal stories
When: Wednesday, Nov. 19, 2025, 5:30 p.m.
Where: Creator Hub, 300 E Water Street (one block off the downtown mall, across from the Water Street Parking Garage)
What to expect:
- Meet First Person Charlottesville contributors and community storytellers
- Hear the “behind the scenes” of bringing first-person pieces to life
- Get support to tell your story
- Enjoy an intimate, conversation-driven space filled with genuine dialogue — with refreshments
About Charlottesville Inclusive Media
Charlottesville Inclusive Media is a collaboration between Charlottesville Tomorrow, Vinegar Hill Magazine and In My Humble Opinion. Together, we amplify more voices and tell our communities’ stories from many perspectives.
About Creator Hub
Creator Hub, an initiative of Vault Virginia, is a shared creative space with a professional podcast studio, rehearsal and recording space, meeting rooms and open work areas for local creators.
How to attend “Deeper conversations through personal stories”
Space is limited so we can keep the gathering intimate and interactive. Please RSVP for the Nov. 19 event in Charlottesville here. This event is free and parking vouchers for the Water Street Garage are provided.
If you have questions or prefer to RSVP by email, please contact the organizers at info@vinegarhill.com.
