backpocket media published by daylon hicks

Backpocket Media has always centered its mission around the power of storytelling, specifically, how it can be used as a tool for connection, creativity, and community building. Since its inception, the organization has sought to explore and amplify narratives that matter, creating space for underrepresented voices and meaningful conversations. Their work bridges multiple mediums and formats from live events and multimedia experiences to written features and collaborative projects, all rooted in the belief that stories have the power to unite and inspire.

Based in San Francisco, Backpocket Media was co-founded by McArdle Hankin and Ellison Libiran, with Tay Glass as Vice President. Together, the team has cultivated a unique platform that blurs the lines between journalism, performance, and community organizing.

They are, at its core, a celebration of people and place. It brings together creatives, organizers, educators, and everyday citizens to collectively reflect on shared experiences and imagine new futures. Through thoughtful and inclusive programming, the organization has garnered recognition from notable outlets such as The San Francisco Chronicle, Love Now Media, Stanford Magazine, and others further validating the cultural and social impact of their work.

With recent events like Detroit Story Fest and Philly Story Fest, which quietly celebrate the best stories from each city, They explore the deeper connections between music and tension, as well as the way food and memory intertwine in their event Taste of Then. By treating each gathering as its own unique narrative, they goes beyond surface-level storytelling to create immersive experiences that reveal the rich, layered stories at the heart of community and culture.