The BIG We has hired Memphis singer-songwriter and cultural icon Talibah Safiya as its new narrative and storytelling manager. A longtime champion of Memphis culture, Safiya brings her deep roots in music, storytelling and community-building to a role designed to elevate the city’s creative voices and lived experiences.
Safiya will lead all narrative and cultural initiatives within The BIG We, with primary focus on advancing the arts and cultural programming based at Historic Clayborn Temple, The BIG We’s signature project. This includes overseeing initiatives like In This Place 2025, the Memphis Cultural Coalition, the Artist in Residence program, “Union: The Musical,” and other narrative-shifting efforts.
“Talibah is a rare talent whose work embodies the very heart of what we stand for at The BIG We,” said Anasa Troutman, CEO and founder of The BIG We. “As a Memphis native and former board member of Historic Clayborn Temple, she is the absolute perfect person to lead this work. In addition to being one of Memphis brightest and most talented musical stars, she also understands the power and process of how culture can transform communities.”
Historic Clayborn Temple was severely damaged by an intentionally set fire April 28. No one has been charged in the case.
“As we continue to recover from the devastation of the arson at Clayborn and plot our course forward, Talibah will be an incredible blessing and a powerful asset to our team,” Troutman said.
In her new role, Safiya will design and implement community-rooted, arts-based programs that reflect Memphis’ unique identity, while also advancing cultural advocacy, healing and economic growth. Her leadership will shape narratives that reflect the city’s resilience, creativity and vision for an abundant future.
“Memphis is fertile ground for cultural innovation,” said Safiya. “This role is an opportunity to bring more of our stories into the light. Stories that can shift how we see ourselves, each other and what’s possible.”
Safiya’s appointment marks a pivotal moment for The BIG We, reinforcing its commitment to leverage Memphis’ cultural assets as a force for community transformation and rebuilding Historic Clayborn Temple in the wake of the fire, Troutman said. In addition to Safiya, Kirk Reid, former vice president of production at Kudzukian, will join The BIG We team as production manager.
“Each of these programs plays a vital role in furthering The BIG We’s mission to build a beloved community where every person experiences safety, joy, love and abundance,” Troutman said.
To learn more about The BIG We and Clayborn Temple, visit TheBIGWe.com or Clayborn.org.
