The Story That Sparked a Series

What Happens When You Pair AI with a Story That Matters

July 11, 2025

“I didn’t cry when I wrote the script. I didn’t even cry when I recorded it. But when I saw it come to life — I felt something else: power.”

Esther Dillard, The Color Between The Lines Host

When you not only understand the power of storytelling.

But also the power of having the tools to turn a vision in your head into something cinematic, meaningful, and complete — in hours, not weeks, it really makes a personal impact.

For years, I’ve taught others how to use their voice.
I’ve edited features, led workshops, guided student documentaries, and built stories from scratch. But I’ll be honest — I sometimes held back from telling my own stories in the way I imagined them… because I didn’t have the time, team, or tools.

That changed this month.

I didn’t cry when I wrote the script. I didn’t even cry when I recorded it. But when I saw it come to life — I felt something else: power.

🎥 Introducing: Mini Story, Big Impact — A YouTube Series for Storytellers Who Want to Move People in Just 2 Minutes

The idea is simple:
What if you could tell a story — one that’s personal, powerful, and clear — in two minutes or less?

What if that story could:

  • Open a panel discussion with purpose

  • Bring clarity to a grant or IEP meeting

  • Reach your audience before they scroll past

  • Or remind someone, anyone, that they belong?

And what if I could show you how to do it — step-by-step — with no fluff, no gimmicks, just simple tools and intentional design?

🔥 Why I Chose This Story to Start

I started the series with a reflection on Dred Scott.
Not because it’s a history lesson, but because it’s a warning — and a reminder.

In 1857, the U.S. Supreme Court told a Black man that no matter how many laws he followed or free states he lived in, he could never be a citizen. The court’s words were brutal: “no rights which the white man was bound to respect.”

It took a Civil War and the 14th Amendment to change that.

And in 2025, that promise — the one born from our pain — is being challenged again.

That’s why I made this story the first one.
Because I needed to remind myself — and you — that your story matters.

📺 What to Expect from the Series

Each short episode on YouTube will walk you through:

  • A powerful 2-minute story with visuals and voice

  • One takeaway to apply to your own work

  • A free toolkit you can use to shape your story step-by-step

Whether you’re an educator, community advocate, entrepreneur, or parent — your voice matters. You don’t need a huge team or budget to tell a story that sticks.

You just need a place to start.

👇🏽 Ready to Begin?

Subscribe to The Color Between the Lines YouTube Channel.

The Color Between the Lines with Esther Dillard

🎙️ The Color Between the Lines is where stories from Black and Brown authors, filmmakers, educators, and experts come to life. Hosted by Esther Dillard, a journalist and iHeartRadio contributor, this channel features conversations that inform, inspire, and empower. ✨ Hear interviews that explore culture, identity, social change, and entrepreneurship—plus tips on how to use storytelling to lead, teach, and grow your brand. 🎧 As heard on iHeart’s Black Information Network and The Black Perspective (Sundays 9AM/9PM EST), each episode offers insight into how people of color are reshaping the narrative. 📌 Subscribe to join a community of storytellers, change-makers, and lifelong learners. #BlackAuthors #BIPOCVoices #FilmmakerInterviews #TheColorBetweenTheLines

www.youtube.com/@thecolorbetweenthelines

Next week’s episode: The Whisper Test — how to know if your story actually connects.

Thanks for being here.
Thanks for believing in your voice.

— Esther