How to Tell Powerful Stories about Justice

How do you tell a compelling story about racism, injustice, or social change without making your audience feel like they're listening to a sermon? What separates a story that moves people from one that overwhelms them with its message? And how do you build a creative career telling these stories when there isn't an obvious path forward? In this episode of **The Justice Briefing**, historian, author, and filmmaker Dr. Jemar Tisby sits down with award-winning writer and director **Nick Brooks**, director of the new narrative short film *What Will We Tell Them*. Brooks is the author of *Promise Boys*, *Up in Smoke*, and the *Ethan Fairmont* trilogy. His creative career has taken him from teaching and writing children's books to filmmaking, music, and video game writing. Their conversation explores the craft of storytelling, the relationship between social justice and art, the importance of representation, and the persistence required to create opportunities. ## In This Episode, You'll Learn - **Why justice-centered stories can become preachy.** - **How to build a story around characters.** - **Brooks's three ingredients for a strong story.** - **Why trusting your audience matters.** - **How lived experience shapes creative work.** - **How to pursue opportunities before you feel fully qualified.** - **How to move from inspiration to a finished film.** - **What went into making *What Will We Tell Them*.** ## About Nick Brooks Nick Brooks is an award-winning author, director, and musician whose work spans young adult and middle-grade fiction, film, and music. His writing explores the lives of young people navigating institutions, expectations, and systems of inequality. Learn more about Nick: thenickbrooks.com ## *What Will We Tell Them* Learn more about the film "What Will We Tell Them" by subscribing for updates at: jemartisby.substack.com ## Chapters 00:00 — Welcome and \*What Will We Tell Them* screening announcement   01:45 — Meet Nick Brooks: author, filmmaker, and creative artist   04:47 — Telling stories about justice without preaching   08:30 — Hook, heart, and theme: how Brooks develops stories   11:19 — The influence of hip-hop, books, and Black storytelling   14:47 — How to nurture social awareness in young people   18:20 — Howard University, mentorship, and discovering education   24:09 — Writing children's books and finding a creative purpose   29:15 — Creating opportunities and getting a literary agent   33:56 — Taking risks, handling rejection, and writing for GTA VI   38:15 — How children's books opened doors to a new career   41:11 — \*Fruitvale Station\*, Ryan Coogler, and becoming a filmmaker   45:30 — Learning filmmaking by getting onto film sets   48:13 — Mistakes to avoid when telling stories about injustice   50:44 — The story behind \*What Will We Tell Them*   54:21 — Filmmaking challenges, preparation, and adapting on set   57:29 — Private screening details and ways to support the film ## Stay Connected Subscribe to "Footnotes" for historically grounded analysis, commentary about faith and justice, and updates on new films and educational projects: jemartisby.substack.com Instagram: @JemarTisby