Storytellers Project LIVE to share stories of growing up

As America enters into a second month of #StayHome, the Storytellers Project will present its second "LIVE in Your Home" virtual storytelling show Thursday, April 16.

This show is part of the USA TODAY Network’s work helping Americans feel connected, comforted and united during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The series launched April 2 livestreaming on the Storytellers Project's Facebook page and YouTube channel, and tens of thousands of people from across the country tuned in.

"I loved every one of the stories. Each story touched my heart," Noella L. Pearson of Redding, California, commented on Facebook during the first livestreaming show.

"Beautiful stories that warm the he heart," added Terry Arora of Akron, Ohio.

The second show, all about “Growing Up,” will be at 5 p.m. PDT/8 p.m. EDT Thursday, April 16.

Organizers have once again picked the best five stories from more than 1,000 to be told live by everyday Americans from their own living rooms. While the first show was about hope, perseverance, compassion and love, this show focuses on stories of personal growth, relationships and lessons learned.

"Just because you may feel unseen in life sometime does not mean that no one is watching, cheering you on to succeed," teller Shaniece Holmes-Brown, 21, of York, Pennsylvania, said is the lesson in her story to be shared during the virtual event.

Viewers can mark their calendars, set an alarm or put a note on their refrigerators, and then tune in to the Storytellers Project 's YouTube or Facebook page to watch and comment live. Storytellers Project founder and senior director Megan Finnerty will be the emcee.

With a couple dozen live shows postponed during stay-at-home orders, the Storytellers Project pivoted to a different platform and its efforts have been well received by audiences.

"Wonderful transition to a virtual program," Kelley Karnes of Phoenix, Arizona, commented on the Storytellers' Facebook during the first show.

Holmes-Brown said it's "a wonderful thing because it does not allow life to stop due to circumstance, and continues to try to spread joy and comfort to those who may have difficulty."

Adds Finnerty, “Feeling connected to community, and creating empathy and understanding is vital in times of uncertainty. And lifting up our most important, universally held values through storytelling is our full-time mission. Our whole hearts are in this project and this special live show.”

The lineup: Storytellers Project on April 16

Kathy Cano Murillo, 55, of Phoenix, Arizona, will share a story about her dad, who became famous for his tamales, even outside their family. And one year, her mother conspired to make sure he made them, even when he wasn't in the mood. That year, they were extra, extra hot, and it is still a mystery if he did it on purpose. She has fond memories of him, and his cooking, and the family gatherings.

Kaila White, 29, also of Phoenix, was a good student and a tattletale while growing up. For years, she told on her classmates and believed there was something called the "National Cheaters Registry." She will tell us a story about how her entire high school class cheats, but not her, and when she asks her teacher if all the students will get put on the registry, he looks at her funny. She then realizes the error of her ways and changes her behavior.

Hélène Biandudi Hofer of Rochester, New York, was the first black pageant contestant to become Wendy, the red-headed fast-food icon. She will share a story about how that almost didn’t happen, but the experience ended up having a lifelong influence on her.

Dan Hull, 51, of Phoenix will tell a story about falling in love with rock and roll, as his dad, a deeply religious man, forbids him to listen to it.

Holmes-Brown was an exceptional high school student and was accepted to 12 universities. Her story is about how her school police officer, Britney Brooks, wanted her to know she was special. So, Brooks got her a free dress, a hair appointment, a handsome date, free makeup appointment, flowers, a police escort, and organized a "Coming to America"-style dance entrance into prom.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Storytellers Project, amid coronavirus, to host April 16 virtual event