More Than A Single Story supports BIPOC writers and culture bearers by supporting their writing practice and artistic development and by creating space for them to engage in open conversation with broad public audiences. MTASS’ mission is to provide public conversations with and for diverse voices that have long been marginalized. They focus on public discourse and provide a forum for cross-cultural understanding. MTASS has a commitment to BIPOC writers and activists. All communities are welcome and encouraged in these conversations.

More Than a Single Story was founded in 2016 with a mission to position the literary arts as a catalyst for cross-cultural healing and social justice. Founder and Artistic/Executive Director Carolyn Holbrook has a long history of supporting emerging writers in Minnesota to develop their craft and receive mentoring, and Holbrook’s vision has been seminal for dozens of early career writers. Driven by that motivating passion, MTASS accelerates the dynamic of that groundbreaking work to advance a movement of BIPOC writers who work toward bold and positive change. MTASS was founded to open dialogue between BIPOC literary artists and broadly cross-cultural communities as a way to shift misunderstandings and misinformation and work toward understanding, collaboration, and equity. MTASS accomplishes that through readings/community conversation events and by facilitating writing workshops that welcome avocational community members alongside early career artists who are developing their practice.

Jerome Foundation supports More Than A Single Story’s Go Back & Fetch It Mentorship program. Twelve early career Minnesota-based Black poets, fiction, and nonfiction writers will participate in a one-year mentorship cohort. During the program, the primary goals are to: deepen individual writing visions and skills; build connections with experienced facilitators; and connect with other emerging writers to create a community of support. In the spirit of the Akan principle of Sankofa, cohort members will Go Back and Fetch It: in other words, learn from those with experience—both established Black writers and the powerful artistic lineage of African ancestors—to build their futures as writers. The program will begin with a weekend retreat, followed by monthly sessions where the cohort will work with established Black writers to expand their knowledge of craft, engage in generative workshops and peer feedback, and learn about the business side of writing.