5.5 The Art of Storytelling as means of promotion of Collective Memory Principal ideas Storytelling is the art of telling, developing and adapting stories using specific elements – characters, setting, conflict and a message – into events with a beginning, middle and end, to convey a message in an unforgettable way by connecting with the reader on an emotional level. By telling good stories promoting collective memory, you ensure that you are creating unique material. When you think about the journey of the people in the community, the collective memory has amazing content, you have what you need for the start of a successful collective memory promotion storytelling. Stories generate identification Renowned writer Neil Gaiman says that: “Stories read at the right time, never leave you. You may forget the author or the title. You may not remember precisely what happened. But if you identify with the story, it will stay with you forever”. A good collective memory promotion story arouses the interest and identification of the local audience. A very good collective memory promotion story makes the audience imagine themselves in the role of the main character. A spectacular collective memory promotion story makes the reader go through every step in the shoes of the protagonist and the community, suffering with him and facing all the obstacles along the way, moved by the hope of overcoming the conflict and vibrating when it happens. Learning process With the example of this story we work on the elements of identity and connection between people of African descent and their African roots. This story directly connects the emotions and the heritage that has been passed on from generation to generation. The community memory in this case transcends geographical borders and strengthens the diasporic connection of Afro-Peruvian localities. 104