STORY DIRECTOR

Danami-Maurice Champion

Danami Smiling with hand on face

Danami is a multifaceted individual whose passion for diversifying Christian media is evident in all his pursuits. As the lead steward of BairStories, he oversees operations and story development.

With a track record of successful behavior change campaigns for clients such as Allina Health, HealthPartners, Minneapolis Farm to School Program, and the University of Minnesota, Danami is superb at crafting stories that resonate with diverse audiences.

Danami's musical talents are equally impressive, having received the prestigious McKnight Artist Fellowship grant of $25,000 - a first for a hip-hop artist. His music has also been featured on the CW show "All American."

Danami inspires and motivates others to think critically and positively impact the world through his creative endeavors.

Professional Summary
Danami is a dynamic and innovative Story Director with over over a decade of experience in emotive storytelling, brand strategy, and content production. He has proven track record in elevating empathy, community engagement, and donations for non-profit organizations, particularly in the environmental justice sector. 

Recognized for creative leadership, team mentorship, and a passion for driving social change through powerful storytelling. Danami is Skilled in film and video direction, music production, and strategic communications, adept at translating complex ideas into compelling narratives. 
Professional Experience
BairStories
Story Director + Co-Founder (Jul 2022 - Present) 
Greater Minneapolis-St. Paul Area

DANAMI Music
Songwriter & Producer (Sep 2009 - Present)
Greater Minneapolis-St. Paul Area

TruArtSpeaks
Lead Communications Strategist (Jul 2021 - Apr 2023)
St Paul, Minnesota

Street Factory Media
Head of Post Production (Sep 2019 - Jun 2020), Minneapolis
Senior Video Editor (Jul 2017 - Oct 2019), Minneapolis

Community Blueprint
Brand Strategist (Jan 2014 - Jul 2019)
Greater Minneapolis-St. Paul Area
Skills
  • Storytelling
  • Brand Strategy
  • Marketing
  • Video Direction & Production
  • Leadership & Mentorship
  • Music Writing & Production
Artist Statement
Storytelling makes you a better human; being a better human makes you a better storyteller.

I experienced the truth of interconnectedness of storytelling and personal growth after I swung a sledgehammer into the mental wall that divided my professional and personal life. The same elements that enriched conversations with friends, my wife, and my daughter - empathy, curiosity, and active listening - also enriched the stories of those who bravely shared them with me in front of a camera.

My grandmother, the most superb storyteller I know, gave me the best intangible gift. Through her patience and attentiveness, she taught me the power of listening. Unlike my single Black mother, who worked multiple jobs to provide for me and my younger sister, my grandmother had time to sit, hear, and hold space for my thoughts and feelings. That experience instilled a deep appreciation for human connection. This value has shaped my filmmaking approach. Through documentary filmmaking, I strive to capture the human experience within environmental justice and land and water conservation. When people say, "Thank you for listening," I know I've honored that gift.

Yet, there is no honor amongst thieves, who take people's stories solely for their gain. This extractive storytelling practice is the opposite of ethical storytelling. The way I see it, ethical storytelling is simply "loving your neighbor as yourself" (Matthew 22:37-40). Thus, storytelling is an action of love. It's hard to be extractive when you’re loving that person or community.

Undoubtedly, our blind spots will cause unintentional harm. Yet, if our hearts are willingly bent toward self-sacrificial love, how can we not admit our wrongs and do our part to heal the relationship? Loving others as myself is the lens through which I work, and it starts with listening.

All of my projects begin and end with discovery. For me, discovery is paying attention to what's said, not said, and pondering those things. I recall receiving a text message from my client during the post-production of our film "Where Paths Meet." She asked for the film's title so she could share it with an education conference. There was no title to give her. I wasn't done listening to the film and allowing it to reveal it’s true essence, including the most fitting title. The more I listen, the greater my understanding is of people, their stories, and the most honoring way to present them.

Documentary films and docu-style organizational stories are the tools I use, but the heart of my work is empathy. It's about building a brand around listening, human connection, and sacrificially loving others. My ultimate goal in storytelling is to foster empathy, provoke thought, and inspire action. Every story I tell is an invitation—to step into the shoes of others and see the world through their eyes and hearts.

BairStories

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