TONIGHT at 8:30 PM - People & Stories/Gente y Cuentos to Be Featured on Emmy Award-Winning PBS Series State of the Arts

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

PRINCETON, NJ — People & Stories/Gente y Cuentos will be featured on the Emmy Award-winning PBS television series State of the Arts on Wednesday, June 24, 2026, at 8:30 PM. The segment shines a light on the Princeton-based nonprofit's unique literary humanities programs and the remarkable individuals and communities whose lives are enriched through literature, discussion, and connection.

Produced by multiple Emmy-award winning filmmaker Nate Reininga, the feature follows People & Stories/Gente y Cuentos programs at Princeton Community Housing's Elm Court, the Puerto Rican Association for Human Development (PRAHD), and The Father Center in Trenton. The segment also includes conversations at the organization's Princeton office and explores more than five decades of work bringing the humanities to people who may have limited access to arts and cultural opportunities.

Founded in 1972 by former Princeton resident Sarah Hirschman, People & Stories/Gente y Cuentos uses its trademarked methodology of oral reading and guided discussion to bring literature to those who may not have experienced its joys. Through professionally facilitated discussions of short stories and poems, participants are invited to share ideas, life experiences, and perspectives in a welcoming environment where every voice is heard. Programs are offered in English and Spanish for diverse communities, including older adults, individuals in recovery, newly arrived immigrants, residents of affordable housing communities, those experiencing homelessness, incarcerated and formerly incarcerated individuals, and others throughout New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and beyond.

Participants do not need to read in advance, purchase books, or have prior literary experience. Stories are read aloud, making the programs accessible to people of all educational and literacy backgrounds.

"This State of the Arts segment is really a tribute to the extraordinary participants, coordinators, and community partners who make this work possible," said Debra Lampert-Rudman, Executive Director of People & Stories/Gente y Cuentos. "Our participants bring wisdom, honesty, humor, and a wealth of life experience to every discussion, while our dedicated and talented coordinators create welcoming environments where meaningful conversations can flourish. Together, they remind us every day of the importance of listening, sharing perspectives, and finding common ground. We are thrilled and honored that State of the Arts chose to shine a light on these voices, experiences, and the communities we are privileged to serve."

The feature marks a special honor for the organization, which was previously profiled by State of the Arts ten years ago. Being revisited a decade later offers a unique opportunity to reflect on the organization's continued growth, impact, and relevance.

People & Stories/Gente y Cuentos is recognized as a leader in the literary humanities field. In 2025, the organization received a Stanley N. Katz Prize for Excellence in Public Humanities Honorable Mention from the New Jersey Council for the Humanities for Our Common Ground: Poetry in Community, a project that used poetry, literature, and discussion to foster connection, dialogue, and understanding across diverse communities.

Viewers can watch the premiere on Wednesday, June 24, at 8:30 PM. Information about viewing options is available at www.njpbs.org/how-to-watch. Additional broadcast dates and follow-up events will be announced as they become available.

As a nonprofit organization, People & Stories/Gente y Cuentos relies on the generosity of donors, foundations, corporations, and community partners to sustain and expand its programs. The organization hopes this statewide spotlight will introduce new audiences to its mission and inspire others to discover the transformative power of literature, conversation, and community.

People & Stories/Gente y Cuentos is a nonprofit literary humanities organization dedicated to enriching lives through the power of literature. Through professionally facilitated oral readings and guided discussions of curated short stories and poems, participants explore ideas, share perspectives, strengthen communication skills, and build meaningful connections with others. Founded in 1972, the organization serves diverse communities through programs offered in English and Spanish primarily throughout New Jersey and eastern Pennsylvania.

For more information, to make a donation, or to learn about upcoming programs, visit www.peopleandstories.org. or email Executive Director Debra Lampert-Rudman at debra@peopleandstories.org