Our Journey
2016
Building the Foundation
Before Change The Narrative officially launched, founder Jason Biehl began facilitating conversations around race, masculinity, and belonging. In 2016, he organized a masculinity and whiteness reading group through Showing Up for Racial Justice (SURJ DC). What began as a small gathering has grown into a community that continues to meet nearly a decade later, rooted in compassion, accountability, friendship, and mutual care.
2017
Change The Narrative Is Founded
Change The Narrative was founded by Jason Biehl with the goal of engaging more white Americans in racial justice work. From the very beginning, however, the work was intentionally multiracial. The organization's first workshop was facilitated for a student led allies club at Stone Ridge School.
2019
Expanding Through Partnership
In 2019, Jason partnered with Dr. Azeb Kinder, beginning a long standing working relationship focused on furthering racial equity as part of organization change work. Together, they co created workshops and consulting engagements for schools, nonprofits, and businesses, including partnerships with FRESHFARM and the National Presbyterian School.
March 2026
The Unicorns Project Begins
The publication of On Discomfort, the first book in the Unicorns project, marked an important milestone. Designed as a practical resource for young men and boys, the book explores healthy belonging, growth, and connection during a time when these conversations are increasingly needed.
2024–2025
Evolving the Mission
As public support for antiracism and DEI initiatives declined, many organizations reduced their investment in this work. In response, Change The Narrative expanded its focus on healthy belonging. During this time, Jason developed the Nurturing Healthy Belonging series and facilitated an affinity space for faculty and staff at The Key School in Annapolis, Maryland. The program's success led to its adaptation for middle school, high school, and college aged young men.
July 2026–Present
Bringing the Work to New Communities
As part of The Sandbox, an intergenerational antiracism initiative in Battle Creek, Michigan, Jason began using the Unicorns curriculum to co facilitate a multiracial affinity space for boys and men, alongside an interactive learning space for parents. This work reflects Change The Narrative's continued commitment to fostering belonging across generations and communities.
Engaging the Unicorns Project With Parents
In a session titled, Navigating Discomfort & Nurturing Belonging for Young Men and Boys, we read Unicorns, Book One, and parents had opportunities to connect with discomfort they experienced growing up. In difficult situations, what caused you to remain silent, or to speak up? What can be learned from examining these memories from our childhood?
We also had a chance to discuss instances of discomfort that have resulted from the curiosity and questions of young people. Where do you feel equipped and where could you benefit from more learning and support?
Engaging the Unicorns Project in a Masculinity Affinity Space
I recently co-facilitated a multiracial, intergenerational, masculinity affinity space with Nicodemus Ford. We discussed the pressures of masculinity in our lives and read about the discomfort I experienced in book one.
We got vulnerability about the masks that we wear when it comes to masculinity and what we wish to overcome. It was a connected and powerful group that wants to continue to meet.