When individual voices can be heard, respected and valued,
we learn about and better understand one another
Each of us living in America today has a singular story to tell about our origins, our families, our lives, passions, and dreams, who we are as individuals, and our hopes for the future. Together, our stories form a powerful narrative about this land and who we are as a people as we approach our 250th year as a nation.
Our Roots, Our Voices is a free, nonpartisan, nonsectarian civic event hosted by local volunteers to provide an opportunity for adults and youth (age 16+) from all walks of life to tell their own unique stories over 25+ hours, and through the night, on November 7-8, 2025 at Center Church’s Fellowship Hall in South Hadley. There is no admission charge.
Whether we were born here or came recently, everyone has something unique to say. Some of us may have Native American ancestry, some may have ancestors who were brought here involuntarily, while others may have roots among early settlers or immigrant populations who traveled here from around the world, and still others may have little or no information about their family histories. All are American stories.
Opener, Prime Time, Late Night, Night Owl, Dawn Patrol, Early Bird, Morning Shift, Lunch Bunch, or Finisher? Participants will be scheduled to present their stories during ten different time blocks (no speakers under 18 will be scheduled during overnight hours). While most will present their stories by speaking in person at the event, others may prefer alternatives such as artwork, song, audio or video, using a guest reader, or other means. Participants can bring supporters, friends, and family along to take photos and videos to document, commemorate, and celebrate their stories. There are options for groups, and high school and college students are encouraged to come to share their perspectives.
Our Roots, Our Voices
OUR STORIES, AROUND THE CLOCK FOR 25+ HOURS
5:00pm on Friday, November 7 to 6:05pm on Saturday, November 8, 2025
Fellowship Hall at Center Church
1 Church Street, South Hadley, MA
Open to the public with no admission charge.
For more information, visit www.ourrootsourvoices.org
or email ourrootsourvoices@gmail.com
Sign-Up to tell your story: http://bit.ly/4pFBJiT
Or save the dates and plan to come and listen to the stories of our neighbors!