The teen years are instrumental in the creation of a sense of self. They are also a critical time in the creation of what psychologists from The Family Narrative Lab at Emory University call the “intergenerational self”—a self embedded in a larger familial history.

What shapes us? Which family histories become our core stories? How do we make them our own? In the fifth iteration of What We Hold, teens have created individual audio recordings reflecting on and connecting with their families’ stories of immigration and upbringing, traditions and childhood memories, and life during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Teen participants worked with a professional poet to explore spoken word poetry as a tool for self-discovery, empowerment, and connecting with family and community. Each recording represents a creative exploration and window into the experiences and thoughts of today’s youth. 

This exhibition is presented exclusively online.

Special Thanks

Thank you to educators Shaina Shealy and Jamey Williams for their guidance.

Teen programs at The Contemporary Jewish Museum are made possible with generous support from the Jewish Community Federation and Endowment Fund and U.S. Bank.