Part of the River To River 2024 collection.
By Lower Manhattan Cultural Council; presented in partnership with Billion Oyster Project.

A storytelling and open mic event celebrating Juneteenth and the legacy of the African-American maritime workers within New York City.

Attendance is free!

Love for NY’s Waterways: Stories from the Stoop is a storytelling and open mic event that celebrates the legacy of the African-American water stewards of New York.

Celebrating Juneteenth, while raising awareness about the Billion Oyster Project and highlighting the rich history of New York's waterfront, Stoop Stories revolves around the intertwining narratives of the New York waterfront, environmental activism, cultural heritage, and personal experiences. Through the diverse perspectives of our storytellers, we aim to weave together a tapestry of stories that illuminate the past, present, and future of our city's maritime landscape, celebrating its resilience and diversity. We ground this event in the experiences and perspectives of individuals of color and indigenous water stewards but welcome everyone to share stories about their relationship to NY waterways.

Through the power of storytelling, we seek to encourage more people to explore the maritime industry and view New York Harbor as a shared recreational space, fostering a sense of community and connection to our 'commons.'