Ever since “Roots” first aired on television back in 1977, African Americans have been particularly interested in their history. With the advent of the Internet and other technological advances such as DNA, tracing family history has become much easier. But imagine if you could actually hear a far removed ancestor tell their story. StoryCorps Griot makes it possible for you to leave such a gift for your progeny.

Now through May 29, the Griot Story Booth, an Airstream trailer outfitted with a soundproof recording studio will be stationed on the northeast side of Military Park in Newark across the street from 54 Park Place. There participants can record their stories in pairs, one person interviewing another, usually dear friends or loved ones. A trained facilitator will guide the hour-long process with a 40-minute recording time. Before you leave, you will receive a CD copy of your interview and with permission, a few of the stories collected will be posted on their website or broadcast on National Public Radio. The stories will be archived for future generations at the American Folklife Center (AFC) at the Library of Congress and at NMAAHC. Although the stories are being recorded in Newark, it is not limited to Newark residents. Anyone wishing to participate may do so.

StoryCorps is a 10-year oral history project founded by award-winning radio producer David Isay, who was the recipient of a MacArthur Foundation so-called genius award of $500,00 in 2000, making it possible, he says to develop what he calls the “crazy scheme,” that would become StoryCorps. In 2003, StoryCorps opened a booth in Grand Central Station in New York with no particular emphasis on any ethnicity. In 2005, a booth was constructed at Ground Zero where stories from 9/11 were preserved. Since 2003, the production company has visited 54 towns and cities in 38 states.

The StoryCorps Griot project kicked off in Washington D.C. in February of this year, moved on to Atlanta and before coming to Newark. The project will move on to rural Mississippi, the South Side of Chicago, Selma, AL, and other cities over the next year. It takes its name from the West African word “Griot,” the person who maintained tradition and memory through storytelling, music, and dance. It is an honored and revered role in the community. The goal for StoryCorps Griot is to collect a minimum of 1750 stories from African Americans making it the largest oral history project of its kind since 2,300 former slaves were interviewed in the mid-1930s as part of the WPA’s Federal Writers Project.

“This is a wonderful opportunity for Newarkers to tell their stories, in their own words, of some of the historic events in our city’s and nation’s history,” said Mayor Cory Booker at the press conference launching the project in Newark. “There are thousands of stories in this city — stories of survival, endurance resilience, achievement, hope and pride — that need to be told, recorded and studied by today’s generation and future generations.” Mayor Booker and Dr. Clement Price, a professor in the history department at Rutgers University and Newark’s resident historian, were the first to record their stories for the archive.

WBGO-FM Jazz 88 is co-sponsor of the Newark stay along with the City, the Newark Public Library, GlassRoots/RBS, the Urban League of Essex County and the New Jersey Historical Society. “While Americans live in different spaces, the fact remains that we are more alike than we are different,” said Cephas Bowles WBGO general manager. “StoryCorps Griot will provide important insights into African American life that the world needs to know.”

To make a reservation, call 1(800) 850-4406 or visit www.storycorpsgriot.net where you can also listen to stories from a wide range of people. A suggested donation of $10 helps cover the recording and producing costs.

Go. Tell your story