Coming Home ... Our Family Tells Stories
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“In The Tradition ...” 30th Annual National Black Storytelling Festival
Congratulations
National Association
of
Black Storytellers
Still Hunting
and Making Music
and Telling Stories
...After All These Years
Judge
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Tom Gene Curtis
Coming Home ... Our Family Tells Stories
Greetings
From The Co-Founder
“A little shrub may grow into a big tree.” – Sudan
“Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works…”
Matthew 5:16
Dear Friends & Family of The National Association of Black Storytellers,
“Ring-a-ling-ling, Ring-a-ling-ling!” Storytelling bells are ringing!
“Well, oh, Well, Well! It’s Sto---rytelling time!”
Peace and Blessings! Amani, Imani, Ife and Namaste. Peace faith, love and warm
greetings to all of you. Karibu! Welcome to the “In The Tradition…” 30th Annual
National Black Storytelling Festival & Conference: “Coming Home…Our Family Tells Stories!” Yes, my sisters, brothers
and children, we have come home to the great city of Baltimore to share our stories of respect, gratitude, service, history
and love.
On the shoulders of the Ancestors…We stand.
On the everlasting wisdom of the Elders…We lean.
On the promise of our children’s Future…We lift up!
In 1975, on the grounds between the Lincoln Memorial and the Washington Monument, Mother Mary Carter Smith
and I met at the Festival of American Folk Life sponsored by the Smithsonian Institution where both of us were
featured storytellers. We discussed the idea of one day, someday, having a festival that would preserve and cherish
storytelling from the African diaspora. Storytelling is a survival tool for a people, an elixir for living and the response
to the phenomena of nature.
As you partake in the richness of this festival, hopefully you will discover that we tell stories in many styles and in many
forms. We drum them, we dance them, we wear the stories we tell and wrap them around our souls.
“Wrap me up in mudcloth, Kuba around my feet
Indigo for my bed, A piece of that Kente for my head
Grandma’s quilt draped on my shoulders, Adinkra hugging my hips
Cowrie shells across my chest, A piece of that applique for my dress.”
Asante sana! A big thank you to the following: The City of Baltimore, The Baltimore Marriott Inner Harbor at Camden
Yards, The Griot Circle of Maryland, Inc., Keepers of The Culture, The Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Dylan Pritchett, Festival
Director, Janice Curtis Greene Co-Director and Griots’ Circle President, Caroliese Frink Reed, Barbara Eady, Fellisco
Keeling, Carolyn Carroll, Eslyn Hinmon, Jana Long and Rebecca Hoffberger, Founder & Director of the American
Visionary Art Museum.
Asante sana to our NABS Board of Directors, Akbar Imhotep-President, Executive Director, Vanora Legaux, National
Program Directors Baba Jamal Koram, Bunjo Butler and Elisha Minter. Also, many thanks to Linda Gorham, Mama
Edie Armstrong and those who gave of their time on Festival Committees. A special asante sana to Charlie Brown for
his continued support and dedication. Also, special thanks to the fourteen affiliates of NABS for their support and love!
A “Blue Butterfly” is flying above our heads. “Angels” are watching us from on high. Enjoy and reclaim your story!
“Spread The Word,”
Mama Linda – Co-Founder
“Be grateful to the tree so that it may yield more fruits.” – Shona
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“In The Tradition ...” 30th Annual National Black Storytelling Festival
Greetings
From The President
Greetings 30th Anniversary Festival & Conference Attendees:
On behalf of the Board of Directors, our Co-Founders Mama Linda
Goss and the late Mother Mary Carter Smith and our membership, I
greet you in the peace, love, harmony and in the joy of a moment that
promises to be filled with a lifetime of memories and unforgettable
storytelling!
CAN YOU FEEL IT??? The buzz has been growing for thirty years. The call went out at the
beginning of time. You have responded to the call. SPREAD THE FEELING!!!
CAN YOU HEAR IT??? Vibrations are everywhere. Covered drums are humming. Rhythms are
ready to be unleashed. From our heartbeats to the pulse of the universe, we are tuning into our
story. LISTEN!!!
CAN YOU SEE IT??? Outfits have been chosen and coordinated. Our African-ness changes the
dynamics of wherever we land. Our faces and smiles reflect our commitment to a shared mission.
LOOK! SEE! ENJOY!
We have “Come Home” to Baltimore, the center of the Blackstorytelling universe, to tell our stories,
embrace our colleagues and drink from the well of inspiration.
We have “Come Home” to fellowship and be re-baptized in our love of stories and the love we have
for each other.
We have “Come Home” to celebrate our stories, our mission, ourselves and to renew our
commitment to telling our stories “In the Tradition…”
Thank you for making this historic moment possible! Asante sana to the Griots’ Circle of Maryland
for being such awesome hosts as they welcome us Home! Enjoy our 30th Anniversary Festival and
Conference. Spread the word about what you see and experience here. You have answered the call
and know that you will be changed.
Respectfully and sincerely yours “In the Tradition…”,
Akbar Imhotep/President
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Coming Home ... Our Family Tells Stories
Greetings
From The Festival Director
Welcome Home!
This year’s festival marks a milestone. Thirty years celebrating
the African oral tradition is a major accomplishment of purpose,
honor, respect and commitment to make a difference in our
families, communities, state, country and the world. We have been
truly blessed to be among the few national organizations that have
survived. But, that’s what we do…survive!
The National Association of Black Storytellers have survived because of the vision of our CoFounders, Mother Mary Carter Smith and Mama Linda Goss, the support of our affiliates, members,
committed past and present Board members, hosting affiliates and like-minded communities
throughout the country, being lead by the ancestral voices and the many, many, many NABS
supporters who have given of their time, energy, donations and spirit along the way. This year, like
no other, we will honor all of these efforts by presenting the best Festival & Conference EVER as
we celebrate “Coming Home…Our Family Tells Stories!”
Although this year marks NABS’ accomplishments of thirty years, I’d be remiss to not acknowledge
the other twenty-nine years! Affiliates, and individual members, who have hosted our annual
reunion must be praised for taking on the challenge to invite us to their city and provide a foundation
for the continuance of our mission and building our organization and shaping our Festival &
Conferences. This year represents their vital “breath” that has afforded us the opportunity to have
our NABS voice heard and felt.
The Griots’ Circle of Maryland, Inc. has done a masterful job in keeping this tradition alive with
their dedication, hard work and planning to honor that tradition. Asante sana to them and the
other twenty-nine!!!
Our prayer is that once you reflect back on ”Coming Home..” you will feel inspired, honored,
rejuvenated and empowered. We want you to feel that all of your efforts and sacrifices were worth
it and you can’t wait for next year’s gathering. So, WELCOME to “Coming Home…Our Family
Tells Stories!” There truly is no place like home!
The best time to plant a tree is 20 years ago,
the second best time is now! - African Proverb
Dylan Pritchett
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“In The Tradition ...” 30th Annual National Black Storytelling Festival
Storytellers, Story Listeners, Story Singers & Story Lovers, On behalf of our beloved ancestor and founder, Mother Mary Carter Smith, the Griots' Circle of Maryland, Inc. welcomes you to Baltimore for our 30th Annual "In the Tradition..." Festival & Conference. Mother Mary Carter Smith Founding Ancestor Janice Curtis Greene, President Robert Smith, Vice President Deborah Fakunle, Treasurer William Starke, Financial Secretary Patricia Dennis, Recording Secretary Ruth Wickham, Corresponding Secretary S. Bunjo Butler, Director Growing Griots Literacy Learning Program P.O. Box 68064 Baltimore, MD 21215 410-­‐788-­‐3555 baltimoregriot@hotmail.com www.griotscircleofmarylandinc.org 6
Wow! Has it been 30 years already? Yes, it's been 30 years since the vision for a platform for Black Storytellers was conceived by Mama Mary Carter Smith and Mama Linda Goss in 1982 and the first festival was held at Baltimore's Morgan State University. Baltimore is not only the home of our beloved co-­‐founder and ancestor Mother Mary Carter Smith it is the current home of co-­‐founder Mama Linda Goss. Baltimore is home to Linda Jenkins Brown and Tunki Baku. Baltimore is known for Chesapeake Bay blue crabs and Maryland fried chicken. Baltimore offers the Inner Harbor, National Great Blacks in Wax Museum, Hampton National Historic Site, Benjamin Banneker Historical Park and Museum, Reginald Lewis Museum, Eubie Blake Center, Motherhouse of the Oblate Sisters of Providence and the historic Arena Players Theater of which Mother Mary Carter Smith was a founding member. Gather 'round the table for a Homecoming as Our Family Tells Stories. Hear the story of how Elders Jim & June McAbee planned a wedding in 3 months for $500 that turned into a 61 year honeymoon. Celebrate Mama Edna Ruff's 90th birthday. Delight in tales of Anansi & Brer Rabbit. Share tales of triumph over tragedy, lies and laughter, family and faith. Share your stories with us as NABS ushers in a new decade of preserving and perpetuating Black History, Folklore and Stories in the African Oral Tradition. Welcome to Baltimore, "The Center of the Universe"! Coming Home ... Our Family Tells Stories
Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc.
Alpha Zeta Chapter
MTFF 25TTFFH ANNIVERSARY CEBRATION
Greetings from the President of Alpha Zeta Chapter
November 14, 2012
Sherl B. Woodland
Greetings National Black Storytellers,
It is with great pleasure that I congratulate you in celebrating 30 years of
storytelling. It is through this art that you have continued to pass on traditions, customs
and history via oral communication. Alpha Zeta Chapter is happy and proud of the
legacy that you have passed down through the years. We are indeed glad to join you at
your annual conference as we look back at the very first National Festival held at
Morgan State University where we partnered with you under the dynamic
leadership of Soror Linda J. Brown.
Alpha Zeta Chapter pays tribute and homage to Sorors Linda J. Brown
and Mary Carter Smith for the love and dedication to National Black
Storytellers and the Griots’ Circle of Maryland.
May NABS, Inc., continue to stay steadfast in contributing to the American
culture “…In the Tradition….” Of Black Storytelling.
Sincerely,
Sherl B. Woodland, President
“Building Our Legacy – Celebrating Our Heritage”
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“In The Tradition ...” 30th Annual National Black Storytelling Festival
Be A Storyteller And Be Heard
I would like to congratulate members of the National Association of
Black Storytellers (NABS) for thirty wonderful years of
storytelling!
As Baltimore hosts NABS annual storytelling conference and
festival, it is vital that we showcase the amazing talents of these
gifted men and women. Poet Maya Angelou once said “Words
mean more than what is set down on paper. It takes the human voice
to infuse them with deeper meaning.” These storytellers’ voice
commands each story and lures each listener to their depth of their
imaginations.
A great storyteller not only finds their voice in the tales they share but captivates the audience and have
them hanging on to every word they deliver. These are the members of NABS. During this
conference, thousands of children, teens and adults will experience the wonders of storytelling from a
black perspective. It’s going to be a learning experience like no other with more than two dozen oneof-a-kind performances and workshops including concerts, Scholars Panel and performances by
renown poets.
NABS returns to Baltimore where it all began. Its mission of providing more opportunities for
African-American storytellers lives on. During this conference we hope to discover and hear from the
next generation of voices who will preserve and share NABS legacy.
Welcome home NABS.
Carla D. Hayden
CEO
Enoch Pratt Free Library
prattlibrary.org
8
400 Cathedral Street
Baltimore, MD 21201-4484
p 410-545-3115
f 410-396-8134
Coming Home ... Our Family Tells Stories
STATE OF MARYLAND
OFFICE OF THE LT. GOVERNOR
ANTHONY G. BROWN
LT. GOVERNOR
STATE HOUSE
100 STATE CIRCLE
ANNAPOLIS, MARYLAND 21401-1925
(410) 974-2804
(TOLL FREE) 1-800-811-8336
TTY USERS CALL VIA MD RELAY
A MESSAGE FROM
LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR ANTHONY G. BROWN
October 2012
Dear Friends:
It is my pleasure to welcome the National Association of Black Storytellers back home to
Baltimore, Maryland for the 30th Annual “In the Tradition…” Festival & Conference.
Once again, community leaders, distinguished guests, educators, friends and families will unite
from across the nation this weekend in the birthplace of your organization to celebrate this
renowned art form, which embodies the spirit, heritage and culture of Africa and its people.
I want to congratulate NABS on 30 years of contributing your time and resources to ensure that
people across our nation continue to benefit from the strength and richness of the storytelling
tradition. Because of your service and commitment, the culture and stories that wrote our history
centuries ago will continue to shape the story of our people as they are passed on to the next
generation.
Governor O’Malley and I have long believed in the value of the arts. Not only do they seek to
entertain us, but they also provide a vehicle for teaching our children the value of other cultures
in addition to their own. That is why we will continue to fight to bring important national
conferences like this one to Maryland and to maintain art education as a priority in the
classroom. With your continued partnership and support, we are building a stronger tomorrow
for the families of our great State.
Thus, on behalf of all Marylanders, I send my best wishes for a wonderful celebration.
Sincerely,
Anthony G. Brown
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“In The Tradition ...” 30th Annual National Black Storytelling Festival
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Coming Home ... Our Family Tells Stories
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“In The Tradition ...” 30th Annual National Black Storytelling Festival
Featured Tellers
TAHIRA
TAHIRA is a storyteller, poet, vocalist and percussionist with a bachelor’s degree from
Temple University’s School of Communication and Theatre. Whether performing her
original works or her vast repertoire of stories from the African oral tradition, she
brings to her audience messages of courage, hope and spiritual strength. An advocate
of using the arts to bring about social change, TAHIRA says: “My mission is to shed
light in dark places to reveal the brilliance of human spirit.” Blending, song, poetry
and story, TAHIRA’s high-energy performances delight listeners of all ages. She has
performed in more than 100 cities throughout the country since becoming a fulltime performing artist in 1996, appearing at schools, libraries, national conferences,
performing arts centers, colleges, and community and senior centers. TAHIRA is the
recipient of a Delaware Division of the Arts Individual Artist Fellowship and has been
a featured teller at National Association of Black Storytelling Festival.
Kala Jojo
Kala Jojo - The Tall Storyteller – The one whose voice and music takes
you from the Congo to Philly, and back again; from childhood to elderhood; from despair to bright-eyed curiosity and hope. Kala performs
sensitive, interactive, and thought-provoking compositions. Weaving
songs and ditty’s born of African heritage into stories of cultural
diversity, healing, conflict resolution, and sidesplitting humor.
He has delighted audiences throughout the U.S.A. with an enviable
approval rating among the young and older fans. Audience approval
has generated encore performances on such stages all over the country.
Diane Ferlatte
Steeped in the oral tradition, as a child Diane Ferlatte spent time on her grandparent’s
porch in Louisiana, listening to neighbors and family swap stories, lies and tales.
From those humble beginnings, she has become internationally acclaimed sharing
her stories and songs worldwide while performing on six different continents. In
addition to Diane’s historical & personal stories, she draws from a deep well of
folktales, myths, legends, and fables to inform, entertain, and inspire all. While many
of her stories & songs have African and African American roots, she loves to tell
any story that holds truths touching upon our common humanity, our history &
our culture. Her recordings include a Grammy nomination, and additional awards
include the National Association of Black Storytellers’ Zora Neale Hurston Award,
National Storytelling Network’s Circle of Excellence Award, and the California Arts
Council’s Highest Ranking.
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Coming Home ... Our Family Tells Stories
Featured Tellers
Rex Ellis
Dr. Rex M. Ellis is presently the Director of the Center for Museum Studies at the
Smithsonian Institution. Prior to coming to the Smithsonian, Dr. Ellis directed the
Department of African American Interpretation and Presentations at the Colonial
Williamsburg Foundation in Williamsburg, Virginia. He received his Bachelor of
Fine Arts from Virginia Commonwealth University, a Masters in Fine Arts from
Wayne State University and an Ed.D from the College of William and Mary. He
was also in instructor in the Department of Speech Communications and Theater
Arts at Hampton University.
Dr. Ellis is the author of Beneath the Blazing Sun: Stories from the African
American journey andThe Ups and Downs of Being Brown. In addition, Dr. Ellis
has served on The NABS Board of Directors and is a Master storyteller.
Victoria Burnett
Victoria is a national and internationally recognized master storyteller/vocalist.
Originally from Washington D.C., she says, “my parents were natural born southern
storytellers. My father was a minister and my mother a musician.” I grew up on their
musical well-seasoned insightful stories.
Through her upbringing, Victoria realized that music and story are equally powerful
tools of communication. She blends her skills as a teacher, Librarian, singer and
performer to become what she calls a “Story Musicologist.” She has earned a masters
degree in education with an emphasis in integrating the art of storytelling, music and
movement from Lesley University, Cambridge, Mass.
She has been a frequently featured master teller for the National Association of Black
Storytellers, Smithsonian Institute Folk-Life Festival, J. Paul Getty Museum and most
recently a consultant for the Walt Disney Corporation.
In The Spirit
Performance Duo: In the Sprit combines the talents of vocalist Glenda
Zahra Baker and Storyteller Emily Hooper Lansana. Emily and Zahra
share the belief that creative expression can be a positive force of change.
For more than twenty years, they have worked together teaching and
performing their message of hope and determination. Their interactive
spirit filled stories and songs engage audiences in a memorable, soulful
way.
Highlights of their performance history include: The National Association
of Black Storytellers Festival and Conference, The National Storytelling
Festival, The Illinois Storytelling Festival, Dance Africa Chicago and a
number of museums, community and educational institutions across the
country.
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“In The Tradition ...” 30th Annual National Black Storytelling Festival
Featured Tellers
Mitch “Gran’daddy Junebug” Capel
Mitch Capel also known as “Gran’daddy Junebug” is a storyteller, poet, author, comedian,
auctioneer, and emcee. He has been described by major publications as a “word
magician”, “a national treasure” and “unexpectedly powerful”. He has been featured
at major storytelling festivals throughout the United States including The National
Storytelling Festival in Jonesborough, TN; The Timpanogas Storytelling Festival in
Orem, Utah; Signifyin’ & Testifyin’ in MN and has been “the okra in the gumbo” at the
NABS festival since 1988. He is a Life Member of NABS and was the recipient of the
2010 Zora Neale Hurston Award. Mitch has been labeled the “national interpreter” of
poet laureate Paul Laurence Dunbar having memorized over 70% of his work. He calls
himself “a full time honors student at the university of life”.
Sonia Sanchez
Poet. Mother. Professor. National and International lecturer on Black Culture and
Literature, Women’s Liberation, Peace and Racial Justice. Sponsor of Women’s
International League for Peace and Freedom. Board Member of MADRE. Sonia Sanchez
is the author of over 20 books. Sonia Sanchez has lectured at over 500 universities and
colleges in the United States and has traveled extensively, reading her poetry in Africa,
Cuba, England, the Caribbean, Australia, Europe, Nicaragua, the People’s Republic of
China, Norway, and Canada. She was the first Presidential Fellow at Temple University
and she held the Laura Carnell Chair in English at Temple University. In December of
2011, Philadelphia Mayor Michael Nutter selected Sonia Sanchez as Philadelphia’s first
Poet Laureate, calling her “the longtime conscience of the city.”
Charlotte Blake Alston
Master Storyteller, Narrator, and Singer
Charlotte Blake Alston is a storyteller, narrator, instrumentalist and singer who performs
in venues throughout North America and abroad. She breathes life into traditional and
contemporary stories from African and African American oral and cultural traditions.
Her solo performances are often enhanced with traditional instruments such as djembe,
mbira, shekere or the 21-stringed kora. In 1999, Charlotte began studying the kora and
the West African history-telling traditions of Senegal, Mali, Guinea and Guinea Bissau.
Her teacher was the highly respected Senegalese griot (jali), Djimo Kouyate. Ms. Alston
has produced several commissioned works including narrative texts for orchestras and
opera companies. In 2009 she was the recipient of the Zora Neale Hurston Award, the
highest award bestowed by the National Association of Black Storytellers.
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Coming Home ... Our Family Tells Stories
Featured Tellers
Janice Curtis Greene
Janice Curtis Greene is an accomplished storyteller, an American Griot. She has been
telling African, African American and Multicultural stories for over 20 years. She is
currently the President of the Griots’ Circle of Maryland, Inc., a Life Member of NABS and
is the resident Griot for the National Association of Black Media Workers in Baltimore.
Janice has delighted adult and student audiences at various churches, schools, colleges,
libraries, hospitals and festivals throughout the United States and as far away as Canada,
Jamaica, Zambia, South Africa and Egypt. Janice mesmerizes her audiences with
folktales, original stories and Bible Stories set to syncopated Rap rhythms. Janice has
performed with the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra and is also known for her portrayals
of African American females such as Harriett Tubman, Rosa Parks, Phyllis Wheatley and
Mother Mary Lange foundress of the Oblate Sister of Providence.
Karima Amin
Karima Amin is a life-long resident of Buffalo, NY. She is well known in her community
and beyond as a storyteller, retired public school educator, children’s author, percussionist,
and community activist. Three decades of telling stories has led to many opportunities:
sharing once weekly stories for 10 years on local radio; having her first children’s book,
The Adventures of Brer Rabbit and Friends, published in London, England; and traveling
to Africa for the first time in 2002, to share stories at a Global Family Reunion Festival
on Goree Island, Senegal.
She believes in two East African proverbs that speak to the power of story. In Kenya they
say, “Talking to one another is loving one another;” in Somalia: “Listening to one another
is knowing one another.” As every culture has its stories, storytelling unites us around the
globe.
Diane Macklin
Diane Macklin, Storyteller has delighted audiences for over 15 years, telling tales seasoned
with rhythm, sounds, and movement. Her approach to telling stories is “dynamic” (The
Washington Post) and engaging for all ages. She has performed from Massachusetts to
California for venues such as the National Air and Space Museum, Discovery Theatre,
Cincinnati’s Playhouse in the Park, FUNDA/Rhode Island Storytelling Festival, and
Wolf Trap’s Theatre-in-the-Woods.
She is also the resident storyteller for the Smithsonian National Museum of African
Art’s “Let’s Read About Africa” program. As a performer, certified educator, and writer,
Diane believes in “Making a Difference, One Story at a Time.”
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“In The Tradition ...” 30th Annual National Black Storytelling Festival
Featured Tellers
Sarai Abdul-Malik
Sarai Abdul-Malik is a talented oral expressionist with a dedication and passion
for multiple disciplines in the oral art aesthetic. Raised by a professional storyteller,
Queen Nur, Sarai developed a gift for performing and creating at a very early age.
She has been trained in Classical and Jazz voice and has developed into a versatile
vocalist. Sarai uses the creative drive of each of her backgrounds to enrich the
others.
In addition to being a storyteller and a vocalist, Sarai applies her gift for words
by writing original poetry. In every song there is a story, in every story there is a
poem, in every poem there is a song.
Special Presenter
Griots’ Circle
of Maryland
Special Presenter
Keepers of
The Culture
Philadelphia, PA
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Coming Home ... Our Family Tells Stories
Workshops
MASTER CLASS
The Oral Tradition and the Written Tradition: Let’s Fuse them and Use Them: We are the
Griots for the 20th Century
Sharon M. Draper, Author and Educator – Cincinnati, OH
Sharon will talk about our common history and how we must share that with the next generation.
Remember skate keys and 45 rpms and the milk man? She will also talk about publishing our
stories and give suggestions as to how to accomplish that. Handouts and old-time penny candy
will be distributed.
Master Class
The Wisdom of Sonia Sanchez
Sonia Sanchez, Author, Poet, Activist, Poet-Laureate of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA
There is no better poet, sister, activist or wordsmith to learn the mindset necessary to create
cultural awareness through the medium of poetry than with Sonia Sanchez! Experience the howto and why of using words to stir a generation, consciousness and people.
The How-To And Value Of Storytelling in Childhood Education
John Kinderman Taylor, Maser Teaching Artist, Director of International Movement Arts Institute,
Baltimore, MD. Three-time National Capital Region Emmy Award winner John Kinderman
Taylor is nationally recognized for his innovations in educating, entertaining, and inspiring
the imaginations of thousands of children, teachers and parents over the past 5 decades. Join
Kinderman as he teaches the elements of weaving story, song and movement to create programs
for children in their early developmental years.
LAMBAN: Experiencing Storytelling Through Rhythm, Song & Dance
Cheryl Hinton, Storyteller, Theatrical Singer, Actress, Costumer, Baltimore, MD
Mama Cheryl Hinton is a member of the Griots’ Circle of Maryland and is also co-founder of
Mama Talk, a storytelling duo and previously co-hosted a Maryland Public Television show called
the Talking Drum. Accompanied by Deborah Pierce-Fakunle and former Growing Griots David
Fakunle and Duane Hinton, they will teach LAMBAN to attendees. Come dressed ready to move!
How To Begin A Youth Literacy Learning Program
S. Bunjo Butler, Master Storyteller, NABS National Director of Adopt-A Teller Program,
Coordinator of Learning Literacy Program, Baltimore, MD & Baba Jamal Koram, Master
Storyteller, Founder of the African American Storyteller Arts institute, NABS National Affiliate
Director, Alexandria, VA.
Bunjo Butler and Baba Jamal Koram will present the award-winning Growing Griots Literacy
Learning Project. The aim is to discuss the project to give direction and advice toward fulfillment
of the Youth component requirements for each NABS affiliate. Also appropriate for library
systems, community activists and progressive organizations in reaching community youth and
bringing positive cultural programs to the community.
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“In The Tradition ...” 30th Annual National Black Storytelling Festival
Workshops
Stories Stitched in Quilts
Gloria Kellon, Quilter and Artist – Shaker Heights, OH
Gloria Kellon will be assisted by Jackkia Boyd as they unravel the stories hidden between
the stitches of cherished quilts that you remember from years ago. Today’s quilts send
messages to bring about change. The stitches, stories, memories and love binds quilts to
us through generations.
Creating Your Ancestral Story Cloth
Carolyn “Kooki” Davis, Artist, World Renown Master Doll Maker, SeaTac, WA
By combining a variety of prints and textures, using authentic fabrics, symbols, cowry shells, mudcloth, etc., each participant will make an individual collage style 15”x12” Ancestral Story Cloth!
The creativity is taken one step further by journalizing their artwork to create their narrative
story! Kooki will supply all materials, i.e. beads, buttons, shells, fabrics, safety pins, glue and found
objects. Maximum number of participants is 22 for Adult workshop.
10 Steps in Starting A Sustainable 501 (C)(3) Nonprofit Organization For Tellers
Jimmy & Tonja Caldwell, Storytellers, Business Consultants and Workshop Presenters in the
Nonprofit Sector, Broken Arrow, OK. Starting a non-profit organization doesn’t need to be
a complicated process. If you know and follow the right steps, you can transform your vision
into reality. Participants will learn the fundamental skills and leave with the necessary tools,
techniques and best practices needed to start and manage a sustainable nonprofit organization.
Celebrating Language From The Black Side
Tejumola Ologboni, Master Storyteller, Percussionist, Activist, Educator, Milwaukee, WI
The magic of Teju is in his words, creativity and use of the art of storytelling to awake cultural
consciousness and responsibility. This workshop is designed to discuss the origin of words
spoken within the Black community and the importance of taking responsibility for what we say
by understanding the history of Black language. Intended for Teens and Youth
Conversation with the Elders
The importance of passing on history, wisdom and knowledge to our youth is vital to continuing
progress within our community and culture. We will continue our, now, tradition of this popular
session in hopes of making generational connections with our youth. Join this “circle” and learn
as much as share!!
Adinkrahene
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Intended for Teens and Youth.
Coming Home ... Our Family Tells Stories
Scholars
Caroliese Frink Reed
Sister Caroliese Frink Reed is a storyteller and high school Librarian in Philadelphia,
PA. She is a Founding Member of Keepers of the Culture, Inc. and was present at
the founding of the Association of Black Storytellers (now known as the National
Association of Black Storytellers Inc) in Philadelphia. Sister Reed served as
Administrative Assistant, President, and Past President if NABS Inc.
She has served as a member of the “In The Tradition...” Festival Committee for the
past 15 years. She is one of the co-editors of NABS’ first publication Sayin Something:
Stories From the National Association of Black Storytellers, Inc. Sister Reed has had
a front row seat to the depth, breath, and vitality of Blackstorytelling in America.
Rex Ellis
Dr. Rex M. Ellis is presently the Director of the Center for Museum Studies at the
Smithsonian Institution. Prior to coming to the Smithsonian, Dr. Ellis directed the
Department of African American Interpretation and Presentations at the Colonial
Williamsburg Foundation in Williamsburg, Virginia. He received his Bachelor of
Fine Arts from Virginia Commonwealth University, a Masters in Fine Arts from
Wayne State University and an Ed.D from the College of William and Mary. He
was also in instructor in the Department of Speech Communications and Theater Arts at
Hampton University.
Dr. Ellis is the author of Beneath the Blazing Sun: Stories from the African American
journey andThe Ups and Downs of Being Brown. In addition, Dr. Ellis has served on The
NABS Board of Directors and is a Master storyteller.
Leslie Carolyn Edwards
Leslie Carolyn Edwards holds BA degrees in Anthropology and English, a Master’s
degree in Journalism and Communication, and a Ph.D. in Interdisciplinary Studies,
with a dissertation on African American Storytelling: Collective Memory, Creative
Resistance, and Personal Transformation.
She has more than fifteen years’ experience as a broadcast and print journalist,
producer, and writer. She currently teaches High School English with the Rochester
City School District and is a part-time Instructor at SUNY Empire State College in a
variety of studies in Journalism, Communication, Writing, and Literature. She has
always used storytelling as a parent, writer, and teacher; she is currently secretary
and past president of the Blackstorytelling League of Rochester, NY.
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“In The Tradition ...” 30th Annual National Black Storytelling Festival
Zora Neale Hurston Awardees
Dr. Gladys-Marie Fry
“I stand on my own truth!”
Dr. Gladys-Marie Fry is an award-winning scholar, author, lecturer, historian, curator,
storyteller and cultural treasure of Maryland and Washington, D.C. In 1967, Dr. Fry made
history when he became the first African American to receive a PH.D. in Folklore. She
received her doctorate in folklore at Indiana University at Bloomington, the number one
folklore department in the country. She currently is Professor Emeritus of Folklore and
English at the University of Maryland at College Park where she was the first African
American hired in the English Department and the first African American to receive tenure
there. She taught there from 1969-1999 and brought living storytellers to her classes by
inviting tellers, including our beloved Mary Carter Smith, to speak to them.
Dr. Fry is the author of two ground-breaking books. One is Stitched from The Soul:
Slave Quilts From The Antebellum South and Night Riders In Black Folk History. Dr. Fry has
received numerous awards, grants and fellowships such as The Guggenheim Award, the National Endowment For The Arts, the
National Endowment for the Humanities, Fellow at the National Humanity Center at Research Triangle Park, North Carolina and
the Fulbright. She’s also a Fellow of the American Folklore Society. Dr. Fry has also curated many major exhibitions including the
Renwick Gallery at the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, D.C. and the Museum of American Folk Art in New York, New
York.
Dr. Fry’s work authenticates the function, purpose, style, setting and value of Black Storytelling as a survival tool in the community.
Her dedication to preserve oral stories in Black culture has set the benchmark for us to attain. Dr. Gladys-Marie Fry’s lifetime work
and dedication is the epitome of worthiness of our highest honor, the Zora Neale Hurston Award!
Dr. Joanne Martin
Joanne Martin is the co-founder and president of America’s first wax museum of African
American history. The National Great Blacks In Wax Museum, Inc. is located in Baltimore,
Maryland. Dr. Martin and her husband, Dr. Elmer Martin, established the museum in 1983
to: stimulate an interest in African-American history; use great leaders as role models to
motivate youth to achieve; dispel myths of racial inferiority; and work in conjunction with
other nonprofit, charitable organizations seeking to improve the social and economic status
of African-Americans. Today more than 150,000 visitors visit the museum annually.
Dr. Martin is one of two children born in Yulee, Florida to Mr. and Mrs. Jerry Mitchell. She
graduated from Florida A&M University with a Bachelor of Arts in French; Case Western
Reserve University with a Master of Arts in Reading Education; and Howard University
with a Doctor of Philosophy in Educational Psychology. For 15 years Dr. Martin worked in
the Learning Skills Center at Coppin State University, first as a coordinator and from 1985 to
1992 as the director. She and her husband, Dr. Elmer Martin, have co-authored many publications involving the black family, black
women, and racial and cultural diversity. Dr. Martin and her husband have received public acclaim as the founders of America’s
First Black History Wax Museum, gaining media exposure from as far away as Europe and Africa.
In 2001, Dr. Elmer Martin died suddenly while on a research trip in Egypt. Dr. Joanne Martin has since then led the institution
in its successful efforts to: obtain National designation by act of the U.S. Congress; acquire all of the properties in the 1600 block for
Museum expansion; create the Museum as a tourism destination for the City of Baltimore.
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Coming Home ... Our Family Tells Stories
Zora Neale Hurston Awardees
Deborah Asante
Word Dancer, Truth Enhancer, Book Lover, Joy Discoverer, Blues Chaser, Hope Placer, World
Traveler, Jazz Gatherer, Dream Farmer, Child Charmer, Justice Seeker, History Keeper…
There are so many ways to say
Storyteller!
Deborah Asante resides in Indianapolis, Indiana, where she has become one of the city’s
most lauded storytellers and extraordinary creative talents. Asante is also Founder and
Artistic Director of the Asante Children’s Theatre. Yes, she has trained as an actor and director,
though “It is my high regard for the power of stories and their cultural significance that drives
my performance”.
Throughout her career she has received numerous awards and recognition which include Aesop Cup for Tall Tales from the
National Association of Black Storytellers, Youth Investment award from the Indiana Youth Institute, and the Achievement in Arts/
Music/Theatre Award from the Center for Leadership Development. Deborah has twice been honored as a Creative Renewal Arts
Fellow by the Arts Council of Indianapolis.
Dylan Pritchett
Dylan Pritchett is a native of Williamsburg, Virginia. Since 1990, Mr. Pritchett has been a
full-time storyteller. His main storytelling objective is to professionally share the African oral
tradition while teaching morals, values and history through this artform. Dylan’s work extends
beyond the classroom to museums, arts centers, historical sites, television and recordings. In
addition to recording several albums of folk tales, he has created the voices of many historical
characters on museum recordings and exhibits.
Dylan, (pronounced DIE-lan), is honored to be a NABS Life Member who has served as
President of the NABS, Inc. (2007-2009) and served ten years on it’s Board of Directors. He is
proud of being a Co-Editor for the NABS publication, Sayin’ Somethin.’ Dylan has also serves
as Festival Director for the 2009 (Little Rock), 2010 (Minneapolis) and 2012 (Baltimore) Festival & Conferences. Along the way,
Dylan authored his first children’s picture book, The First Music. All accomplishments, however, are attributed to his wife Patricia,
son Dylan Jr., daughter Shannan, his ancestors and the “Blue Man” who speaks to him daily!
Karima Amin
Karima Amin is a life-long resident of Buffalo, NY. She shares stories with story lovers
of all ages, as an independent contractor and as a member of Spin-A-Story Tellers; Tradition
Keepers: Black Storytellers of Western NY; We All Storytellers (tandem telling with Sharon
Holley); the National Association of Black Storytellers; Daughters of Creative Sound; and
the Just Buffalo Literary Center, where she is a resident Writer-in-Education. Dedicated
to making her community a better place, in 2005 she founded Prisoners Are People Too,
Inc., a community education initiative which serves, in part, as a platform for the stories of
incarcerated and formerly incarcerated men, women, and children.
Karima has received numerous awards for her work in education, community, social justice, and the arts. She has been honored
as Black Educator of the Year (1977), Outstanding Artist of the Year (1995), Dedicated Community Servant of the Year (2007), and
Distinguished Humanitarian of the Year (2009). Her bio appears in Who’s Who Among African Americans.
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“In The Tradition ...” 30th Annual National Black Storytelling Festival
Youth Awards
Abdul Karriem Muhammad started storytelling around the age of 10 or 11, when he first joined
the ASE Youth Ensemble. Full of passion and zeal for whatever endeavor set in his path, this
home-schooled freshman is a natural born leader. Currently, Abdul participates in two mentor
internship programs in music and science.
While an avid artist, this ninth grader also loves science and is particularly interested in electrical
and agricultural engineering.
He is a well rounded and dedicated young black man, who plays the piano, tap dances, bakes,
sews toys, and enjoys swimming and martial arts.
As a young entrepreneur, Abdul loves using his gifts and passions to earn his own money.
Sajdah Maryam Muhammad started storytelling around the age of 7 or 8, when she joined the
ASE Youth Ensemble.
Sajdah is a very focused and dedicated sixth grade home school student whose favorite subject
is science. In addition to storytelling, she plays the cello, loves to sew and cook (sweets are her
favorites), and is enjoying swimming and martial arts.
She is enjoying “finding and honoring her own voice”. Her parents are very proud of how much
storytelling has added to her life and her ability to give back to her community through the
“power in words”.
Breyanne Culver lives in Decatur, Georgia. She is a ninth grader at Towers High School. At age
seven, stage fright kept her from making it to the storytelling stage. Now it is hard to keep her
away. At the 2011 National Association of Black Storytellers festival, she won first place in the
youth Liars Content. She was one of the five finalists from Georgia in the National Storytelling
Network Youth Showcase in 2011. She has told at a fundraiser for Haiti, on TV, Callanwolde Fine
Arts Center, day cares and libraries. She is a member of Kuumba Storytellers of Georgia. The
electric bass guitar is her musical instrument of choice. When she is not telling stories, you will
find her reading a book.
Whitney Johnson is a talented 10th grader at Connexions Leadership Community Academy
School for the Performing Arts. She is an actress and storyteller. Whitney has recently completed
her first book of poetry, “My Life is Told Out Loud”, which she hopes to have published next
year. This book is a compilation of original poems letting the reader into Whitney’s innermost
secrets. She tells of how she handles loneliness and what love means to her. Whitney’s life, like
many teenagers, filled with uncertainty and difficult family situations. Whitney uses her poetry
to overcome challenges and rise like a Phoenix from the ashes of life.
Whitney graduated from the Growing Griots’ Literacy Learning Program in 2008 and has
returned each year to act as student mentor helping new students. Whitney has performed at
the National Great Blacks in Wax Museum and the Greater Baltimore Urban League Whitney
Young Gala.
Shania Alford
Shania Alford is a graduate of the KIPP Ujima Village Academy and is currently a student at the
Institute of Notre Dame High School, (IND), one of the most challenging private high schools
in Maryland. Shania is a member of the Griots’ Circle of Maryland and was a student in the
Growing Griots Literacy Learning Program in 2008 and after graduating from the program, has
returned each year to act as Youth Mentor. Her well researched portrayals of Zora Neale Hurston
and Harriet Tubman at National Great Blacks in Wax Museum and the Greater Baltimore Urban
League Whitney Young Gala have brought both rave reviews and requests for appearances at
other programs and church functions. Shania Alford is the future of Storytelling and truly
deserves the 2012 Youth Award.
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Coming Home ... Our Family Tells Stories
Circle of Elders Awards
Mama Edie Armstrong
Chicago Association of Black Storytellers
Charlie Brown
Griots’ Circle of Maryland
Kooki Davis
Griots’ Circle of Maryland
Lyn Ford
Cleveland Association of Black Storytellers
James McAbee
Griots’ Circle of Maryland
Edna Ruff
Griots’ Circle of Maryland
Kucha Brownlee
Chicago Association of Black Storytellers
Akbar Imhotep
KUUMBA Storytellers of Georgia
Yawa Tupra
North Carolina Association of Black Storytellers
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“In The Tradition ...” 30th Annual National Black Storytelling Festival
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Coming Home ... Our Family Tells Stories
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“In The Tradition ...” 30th Annual National Black Storytelling Festival
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1
2
Coming Home ... Our Family Tells Stories
Patrons
Mother Mary Carter Smith $40
Tom Curtis
Barbara Eady
Thomas Southern
David Anderson
Denise Kimbrough
Jennie Crittendon
Jane Crouse
Onawumi Jean Moss
Yawa Tupra
Gloria Kellon
Storyteller Sponsor
The Fabricators
Ami D. Jackson
Storyteller Sponsor
The Fabricators
Mildred Ponder Stennis
Mama Linda Goss $25
Thomas Southern
Tom Curtis
Barbara Eady
MzRebekah King
Ruth Anderson
Mary Ann Harris
Jennie Crittendon
Onawumi Jean Moss
Yawa Tupra
Linda Jenkins Brown $15
Thomas Southern
Tom Curtis
Barbara Eady
Rechelle & Mzuri King
Rudy & Sabrina King
Gwen Hillary
Oni Lasana
Cynthia Tompkins
Jennie Crittendon
Jennie Crittendon in memory of
Brother Blue
Onawumi Jean Moss
Yawa Tupra
Tunki Baku $5
Tom Curtis
Barbara Eady
Nia & David Fears
Elijah & Amyah King
Cornelia Cain-Heard
Linda Goss
Jennie Crittendon
Onawumi Jean Moss
Judy Bateman
Yawa Tupra
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“In The Tradition ...” 30th Annual National Black Storytelling Festival
Life Member Sponsorship
We are blessed to have such dedicated, supportive and giving Life Members!
A special call went out to NABS’ Life Members to help enhance this year’s
celebration. ASANTE SANA to those who answered the call!
Joanne Banks
Stanley “Bunjo” Butler
Beverly Cottman
Carolyn “Kooki” Davis
Dr. Joyce Duncan
Roxanne Erickson
Elaine Gregory
Gwen Hilary
Eslyn Hinmon
“Amy D.” Jackson
Fellisco Keeping
Vanora Legaux
Dylan Pritchett
Thomas Southern
Dr. Mildred P. Stennis
Barbara Stevens
Anonymous Donor
2012 Festival & Conference Committees
Dylan Pritchett, Festival Director
Janice Curtis Greene, Co-Festival Director
ADMINISTRATIVE
Carolyn Carol
Fellisco Keeling
Vanora Legaux
AWARDS
Rosie Chapman
Marie Sims
SOUVENIR JOURNAL
PROGRAM
SELECTION
YOUTH
Caroliese Frink Reed
Janice Curtis Greene
Keesha Dixon
Janice Curtis Greene
Caroliese Frink Reed
VENDORS
HOSPITALITY
Olayeela Daste
Eslyn Hinmon
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Griots’ Circle
of Maryland, Inc.
Barbara Eady
Joan Stevenson
Elisha Minter
Emiley Bailey
Keesha Dixon
Deborah Pierce Fakunle
Coming Home ... Our Family Tells Stories
I say, “Do you want a Story?” You say, “Yes I do!”
Well you’re in luck got a story just for you!
Janice Curtis Greene (with an “e” on the end)
Congratulations to Griots’ Circle
Members:
Zora Neale Hurston Award Recipients
Dr. JoAnne Martin and Dr. Gladys-Marie Fry
Circle of the Elders Inductees
Charlie Brown, James McAbee, Kooki Davis and Edna Ruff
Youth Award Recipients
Shania Alford and Whitney Johnson
Tunki Baku
Mama Mary Carter Smith
Linda Jenkins Brown
In Memory of Griots’ Circle Ancestor
Members
Mother Mary Carter Smith
Joan Coursey
Christine Johnson
Tunki Baku
Edward Martin
Stevenson Worrell
Linda Jenkins Brown
Sarah Smith
Sarah “Sassy” Crocket
Congratulations to the National Association of Black Storytellers
30th Annual “In The Tradition...” Festival & Conference
2012 Baltimore, Maryland, “The Center of the Universe”
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“In The Tradition ...” 30th Annual National Black Storytelling Festival
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Coming Home ... Our Family Tells Stories
Welcome Home! Welcome to Baltimore! Bob Smith A storyteller for the young and the young at heart, Bob has told for Elementary Schools to Senior Centers. A past winner of the NABS Festival and Conference LIARS CONTEST, Bob promises to lie only upon request. For more information for your school, club, museum, wedding or other event go to: www.bobthegriot.com (410)209-­‐7231 bobsmith@bobthegriot.com 31
“In The Tradition ...” 30th Annual National Black Storytelling Festival
Congratulations
National Association of Black Storytellers, Inc.
for
3 Decades of Excellence
We invite the NABS family to join us as we celebrate our 22nd Annual Master Storytelling Festival
September 24 –26, 2013 in Minneapolis, MN
This year’s Theme:
We had an Amazing time with our Featured Tellers at our 21st Annual where our theme was:
“It’s Time To Get Busy! It’s Time To Draw From The Wisdom Well!”
If you are a NABS member and you’d like to be considered as a 2013 Featured Teller with us, please submit
your experience & work sample digitally (electronically ) by May 17, 2013 to nzulu@blackstorytellers.com.
Nothando Zulu
President
Black Storytellers Alliance
1112 Newton Avenue North
Minneapolis, MN 55411
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Coming Home ... Our Family Tells Stories
For Mama Linda Goss
Co-Founder of the National Association of Black Storytellers, Inc.
Ring ‘Dem Bells!
We ring ‘dem bells for Linda
For the Queen Mother, Sister, Momma, Warrior, Storyteller, and Friend
We ring ‘dem bells for Linda
Teacher, Blues Woman, Historian, Mother, and Wife.
She is a Healer, Mentor, Culture Keeper, Musician, and Poet.
Her bells tell the story of life.
‘Dem bells are the bells of FREEDOM,
Bells of rhythm and rhyme,
When we hear ‘dem bells we come a runnin’
‘Cause we know we’re gonna have a real good time.
“Telling our story and claiming our glory,” that’s what Linda’s about.
Illuminating truth, spreading the word, getting the message out,
Wise Woman, Gifted One, Elder and Sage.
With ‘dem bells, she tells the stories for everyone, from infant to old age.
Now let us ring ‘dem bells for Linda,
A prayer for her healing and strength.
May God grant her health, wisdom, and energy
To overcome this awesome test.
We know that God’s answer is always yes!
He sees us whole, perfect, and complete.
We rejoice in faith with the knowledge that the enemy has suffered a great
defeat.
“No weapon formed against her shall prosper.”
“Nothing is too hard for God.”
“Joy comes in the Morning.”
“Love is the answer.”
Ring ‘dem bells for Linda,
A prayer of Thanksgiving today.
For health and total recovery
To this we say, Ase! Ase! Ase!
Storyteller, Irma Gardner-Hammond
member of
Keepers of the Culture and The Griots’ Circle of Maryland, Inc.
Copyright © 2012 by Irma Gardner-Hammond
Drawing By Gretchen Shannon
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“In The Tradition ...” 30th Annual National Black Storytelling Festival
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Coming Home ... Our Family Tells Stories
Type to enter text
Mother Mary Carter Smith
Lifted up as Ancestor
a Legacy given
to all who
See
Hear
Feel
Remember You...
You as Mother
You as Griot
Healing
broken hearts
Encouraging
creative minds
Bringing
light to
communities
As a Divine Voice
Penetrating fear
loss and pain
to see possibility in the impossible
to live as an act of love
in peace and reconciliation
with faith in the Almighty
Patient while the Bud of Hope slowly unfurls
to show the Beauty of Pure Love deep inside
Our Mother Griot...
We miss you
We love you
We will remember you!
- In Loving Memory, Diane Macklin
Mary Carter Smith
February 10, 1919 - April 24, 2007
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“In The Tradition ...” 30th Annual National Black Storytelling Festival
Best Wishes For A Good Conference
To
The Griots’ Circle of Maryland
From
The Family & Friends of
Edna A. Ruff
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Coming Home ... Our Family Tells Stories
Congratulations to the
“ GRIOTS’ CIRCLE OF MARYLAND INC”
30th Annual National Black Storytelling Festival and Conference
Baltimore Metropolitan Area Chapter of the 9th & 10th
(Horse) Cavalry Buffalo Soldiers
&
The Milford Mill Jr. ROTC
Post Office Box 5850 Baltimore, Maryland 21208
www.baltimorebuffalosoldier.org
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“In The Tradition ...” 30th Annual National Black Storytelling Festival
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Coming Home ... Our Family Tells Stories
Congratulations
to the
National Association
of Black Storytellers
on your
30th Annual
“In the Tradition”
Black Storytelling Festival
and Conference!
National Storytelling Network
www.storynet.org
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“In The Tradition ...” 30th Annual National Black Storytelling Festival
We’re Coming Home……… Keepers Of The Culture, Inc.
Philadelphia's Afrocentric Storytelling Group
To tell stories and give tribute to our Co-­‐ Founder Mama Linda Goss at the 30th Annual National Black Storytelling Festival and Conference Salutes ~Featured Tellers~ Charlotte Blake Alston
Kala Jojo
TAHIRA
in Baltimore, MD
~Special Presenter~ Sarai Abdul-Malik ~Scholars Panelist~ Caroliese Frink-Reed
~Workshop Presenter~ Bunjo Butler
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Officers: Saundra Gilliard, President � Queen Nur, Vice-­‐President �TAHIRA, Treasurer Caroliese Frink-­‐Reed, Recording Secretary AItiya Ola, Spiritual Caretaker Coming Home ... Our Family Tells Stories
Congratulations NABS on the 30th Annual
National Black Storytelling Festival & Conference
and to CABS members:
Dr. MaryAnn Harris
NABS President-Elect
Lyn Ford
Circle of Elders
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“In The Tradition ...” 30th Annual National Black Storytelling Festival
42
Coming Home ... Our Family Tells Stories
Congratulations
To
Circle of Elders
Honoree
Edna A. Ruff
From
Her Children
Earl Ruff Jr.
William Ruff
Martha Ruff
Helen Copeland
Stanley Ruff
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“In The Tradition ...” 30th Annual National Black Storytelling Festival
30 th Anniversary
National Black
Storytelling Festival and
Conference
Congratulations
NABS & Griots’
Circle of Maryland
In Loving Memory of Mother Mary Carter Smith, Sister Linda Jenkins Brown, and
Brother Blue
Vanora Franklin Legaux
Life Member, Past President,
Executive Director
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Coming Home ... Our Family Tells Stories
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“In The Tradition ...” 30th Annual National Black Storytelling Festival
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Coming Home ... Our Family Tells Stories
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“In The Tradition ...” 30th Annual National Black Storytelling Festival
THE GRIOTS CIRCLE OF MARYLAND, INC.
CONGRATULATES
Griots’ Circle 2012 AWARDEES
Mother Mary Carter Smith
our Founder
Zora Neale Hurston Awardees
Dr. Gladys-Marie Fry
Dr. JoAnne Martin
Circle of the Elders Inductees
Charles E. Brown II
James McAbee
Kooki Davis
Edna Ruff
Youth Award Recipients
Shania Alford
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and
Whitney Johnson
Coming Home ... Our Family Tells Stories
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“In The Tradition ...” 30th Annual National Black Storytelling Festival
SHADOW OF ANITA, THE STORYTELLER
By Eleanor Anderson
I
Anita
There was nobody sweetah
She was tiny, but tall
Her shadow was large
It spread over mountains
And things that were small
Enough to squeeze through
Keyholes or cracks in the wall
II
She shared her gifts for
Spinning tales
With the young and old
And all
Who came to listen
To the booming voice from
Her tiny self
Eyes were made to glisten
With glee or fear, or
Some definite suspicion
As her own sparkled
With her rendition of
A mesmerizing spell of fictitious
Characters and impossible situations
50
III
Her smile was wide as
She gathered you inside her
Circle of imagination
Her days were full of the
Spice of Life
Her years spent through
No ordinary strife
Her feisty spirit crackled
Until the end
With her wit and wisdom
But held no regretful woe
IV
It’s hard to lose someone
We know
But we just have to
Let her go
Her shadow was purple and magic
Her leaving us is tragic
We shall miss her so
V
But she left us her shadow
To fill
With tales of strength and beauty,
Valor and values that are
Real - for all
Who want to know
Goodbye, Anita – Ride the wind!
The Ancestors are waiting
To welcome you in
This poem was written in Tribute to Elder Anita Timbers – Founding Vice President
of the Detroit Association of Black Storytellers, who made her transition on
September 3, 2012 at the age of 96.
DETROIT ASSOCIATION OF BLACK STORYTELLERS SALUTES THE 30TH ANNUAL NATIONAL BLACK STORYTELLING FESTIVAL AND CONFERENCE Coming Home ... Our Family Tells Stories
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“In The Tradition ...” 30th Annual National Black Storytelling Festival
Eslyn G. Hinmon
“MAMA DELIGHT”
CONGRATULATES
The National Association of Black Storytellers
On Their 30th Anniversary of the
National Black Storytelling Festival and Conference
WELCOME HOME!!!
Member of the Griots’ Circle of Maryland & the
National Association of Black Storytellers
Storyteller Mama Delight delivers eloquent tales
of African and African American origins. Her
performances have delighted audiences at libraries,
museums and community events.
Mama Delight warms the hearts of children and
adults with stories that inspire an atmosphere of
joy and wonderment.
1401 Martin Drive Catonsville, Maryland 21229
410-744-9292
BABA SIMBA MOLLOCK
Storyteller
Member of the Griot’s Circle of Maryland &
The National Association of Black Storytellers
Baba Simba Mollock shares colorful tales
from Anansi the Spider to his personal
family life which is richly rooted in
African-American tradition.
His performances have delighted
audiences at schools, universities, libraries,
museums and senior centers.
Baba Simba’s dynamic energy thrills
children and adults. His stories are
multiculturan, interactive and just plain
fun to listen to!
1613 Kingsway Road Baltimore, Maryland 21218
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Coming Home ... Our Family Tells Stories
The
Black Storytellers of San Diego, Inc. congratulate
The National Association of Black Storytellers
On celebrating 30 years of
In the Tradition..."
"
Coming Home – Our Family Tells Stories
Members
Dr. Annjennette S. McFarlin: President
Linda Brown: Vice-President
Florence Edmunds: Secretary
Dr. T. Ford: Treasurer/Grant Writer
Gwendolyn Chamberlain
O.J. Mozon Jr.
Kudumu Moyenda
Veronica Henson-Phillips
Bernard ‘Yiribe Thomas
Esther Anthony Thomas
Board
Dr. Maxine Sherard
Dr. Carrol Waymon
Joyce Suber
Marc Chery
Calvin Manson
Youth Member
Floyd Meldrum
Life Member
Retired Federal Judge
Elizabeth Riggs
Honorary Members
Surgeon General
Kimberlydawn Wisdom
Betty Cordice
Dennis and Esther Pierson
George G. Clark III: Photographer
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“In The Tradition ...” 30th Annual National Black Storytelling Festival
“Let her speak who has seen with her own eyes” –Congo
425 West 162nd Street ● New York, NY 10032-4301 ● Tel: 212.568.1645
e-mail: afhc96@juno.com
website: www.africanfolkheritagecircle.org
CONGRATULATIONS !
National Association of Black Storytellers, Inc.
&
Griots’ Circle of Maryland, Inc.
“In The Tradition . . .”
30
th
Annual National Black Storytelling
Festival & Conference
“COMING HOME…Our Family Tells Stories”
“There is a home, A home of a sort, Which holds a generation of stories in its
Lot. It is a home, A home set apart…Liberation in its soul, And Love in
Its heart.”
Inspired by Sharmila Ranade’s ~ “Home”
HOPE ◊ MOTIVATION ◊ ACHIEVEMENT ◊ VICTORY
NOVEMBER
54
14 – 18, 2012 •
BALTIMORE, MARYLAND
Coming Home ... Our Family Tells Stories
HATS OFF! HATS OFF! HATS OFF!
IT’S NABS’ 30th ANNIVERSARY!!
__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
“God’s truth is all around us and stories teach us more of it.”
CONGRATULATIONS NABS!!!
Thomas Southern
Life Member NABS
Harlem, New York
The Blackstorytelling League of Rochester
salutes the 30th Annual
National Association of Black Storytellers
Festival and Conference
Coming Home…Our family tells stories
The Blackstorytelling League of Rochester
P.O. Box 40473
Rochester, NY 14604
www.blackstorytelling.org
*pass it on*pass it on*pass it on* pass it on*pass it on*pass it on*pass it on*
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“In The Tradition ...” 30th Annual National Black Storytelling Festival
Dylan Pritchett
We are so very proud of you
and all that you do.
“What you help a child to love
can be more important than
what you help him to learn.”
~African proverb
Thank You Dad For The Love!
We Love You,
Shannan, Dylan Jr. and “Wife”
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Coming Home ... Our Family Tells Stories
ONAWUMI JEAN MOSS
CONTACT INFO: www.onawumi.com
1-413- 575-4277 ojmoss@amherst.com
ONAWUMI JEAN MOSS, an award winning
soulful storyteller and co author (with Patricia C.
McKissack), is a keynote speaker, narrator, voice
actor, creator and facilitator of workshops and residencies. This consummate teaching artist holds a
Master’s degree in Adolescent Psychology. In recognition of her dedication to providing support
for students’ academic work, the ground-breaking
Moss Quantitative Skills Center at Amherst College, stands in honor of twenty-five years of her
service as a dean and student advocate. Onawumi’s
thoughtfully crafted solo performances, workshops
and residencies-brimming with inspiration, humor,
acapella singing - focus on themes of importance to
sponsors.
Listeners /participants of diverse backgrounds and
age groups throughout the USA have dubbed her
an AUDIENCE FAVORITE!
ETERNAL THANKS to MOTHER MARY, NABS ANCESTORS and SISTER LINDA !
LET’S KEEP ON PUSHIN’
Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc.
Alpha Zeta Chapter
The members of Alpha Zeta Chapter congratulate
The National Black Storytellers, Inc.
on its
th Anniversary of “…In
the Tradition…”
30
We pay tribute to Soror Linda J. Brown
and Soror Mary Carter Smith
Sherl Woodland, President, Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc., Alpha Zeta Chapter
Freeda Thompson, Chair, Myrtle Tyler Faithful Fund, Inc.
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“In The Tradition ...” 30th Annual National Black Storytelling Festival
Shania Alford
We congratulate you on your
2012 NABS YOUTH AWARD
You are a remnant of the fabric that our
ancestors used to shape many lives.
Keep sowing
We Love You
Eric & Earlyn
Michael & Janet and Chavez
NATIONAL STORYTELLING CONFERENCE
Richmond, Virginia
August 1-4, 2013
We Grow
Storyte ers
www.storynet.org
1-800-525-4514
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Coming Home ... Our Family Tells Stories
The Griots' Circle of Maryland Growing Griots Literacy Learning Program Congratulates 2012 NABS Youth Award Recipients Growing Griots Shania Alford and Whitney Johnson PLANTING SEEDS TO GROW Home Is Where My Story Begins and
“I
Remember Mama in a Happy Way…….”
MAMA ALICE RYLES BLAND – 1904-­‐2005 MAMA CLARA JOHNSON LEE – 1905-­‐1981 MAMA FLORIA “NELLIE” PIERCE – 1914 -­‐1992 MAMA MARY CARTER SMITH – 1919-­‐2007 MAMA MARY LEE PIERCE – 1929 -­‐ 1979 “I sing because I’m happy. I sing because I’m free. H is eye is on the
sparrow and I know H e watches m e.”
Mama Deborah, the Afropella Griot Mama Talk NABS, Inc. National Great Blacks in Wax Museum, Inc. 59
“In The Tradition ...” 30th Annual National Black Storytelling Festival
CONGRATULATIONS
~~"'~""i
~~.. itflh~
-KARIMA AMIN2012 ZORA NEALE HURSTON
HONOREE
Your family is proud of the three decades you've devoted to
Bla cks to rytelling !
We pray for you to continue.
Members
Bernice Bradshaw
Ophelia Brown-Carter
Lorraine Dorsey
Margaret Green
Ellaweise Minser
Doris Pollard
Jean Scott
Shirley Jo Shelton
Geraldine Wiggins
Greetings to Sequoia Members
Doris Pollard
Ophelia Brown-Carter
and the
30th Annual “In The Tradition...”
National Black Storytelling Festival and Conference
November 14-18, 2012
Baltimore, Maryland
Sequoia’s CSC, Inc.
Baltimore Maryland
civic s social s charity
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Coming Home ... Our Family Tells Stories
The
Baltimore Folk Music Society
Congratulates
The National Association
of Black Storytellers
on this 30th Anniversary Celebration
The Baltimore Folk Music Society’s storytelling
group, Fourth at Four StoryFolk, supports and
promotes storytelling in the Baltimore area with
monthly meetings
and its annual Tellabration!
This year’s theme is "Storytellers by Nature" on
Sunday, Nov. 18 at The Irvine Nature Center,
2 to 5 pm. For more information visit
www.bfms.org or call 410-321-8419.
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“In The Tradition ...” 30th Annual National Black Storytelling Festival
TRADITION KEEPERS:
BLACK STORYTELLERS OF WNY
CONGRATULATES
NABS, INC. & GRIOTS’ CIRCLE OF MARYLAND
AND
KARIMA AMIN, ZORA NEALE HURSTON AWARDEE
“IN THE TRADITION…” 30th ANNUAL
NATIONAL BLACK STORYTELLING FESTIVAL AND CONFERENCE
“WE NURTURE…WE HONOR…WE PRAISE”
Congratulations
NABS, Inc. and Griots’ Circle of Maryland
“In the Tradition . . .” 30th Annual National Black Storytelling
Festival and Conference
And to Karima Amin, Zora Neale Hurston Awardee
Daughters of Creative Sound, Buffalo NY
creativedaughters@yahoo.com
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Coming Home ... Our Family Tells Stories
Congratulations
NABS & Griot’s Circle of Maryland
30th National Festival and Conference
NSOUL
Nubian Storytellers of Utah Leadership
P. O. Box 571252
Salt Lake City, Utah 84157-1252
Copyright NSOUL, all rights reserved
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“In The Tradition ...” 30th Annual National Black Storytelling Festival
In loving memory of
Charles Thomas Smith
One of the first trained
Black paratroopers
of the U.S. Army
Victoria (wife)
Victor and Karl (sons)
Ujabari Quilts:
Fabrics and Quilts with an Ethnic Flair!
An on-line fabric store www.ujabariquilts.com Ethnic & Batik Fabrics Longarm Quilting
Quilts  Classes (check website for schedule)
Angela Roberts-Burton
(410) 961-1009
Baltimore, Maryland
“Telling the Trials,
Tribulations and Triumphs
of Our Enslaved Ancestors”
Dressed in period attire,
teaching children from 8-80
years old about their history
through demostrations and
the spoken word.
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Coming Home ... Our Family Tells Stories
Happy 30th Anniversary NABS
BUTTERBEAN TALES
Rosa Ashby Metoyer
Storyteller
6415 3rd Street
Alexandria, LA 71302
318-448-3885
butterbeantales@aol.com
RUTH EDMONDS HILL
Oral History Coordinator
SCHLESINGER LIBRARY
RADCLIFFE INSTITUTE FOR ADVANCED STUDY
HARVARD UNIVERSITY
10 Garden Street
Cambridge, MA 02138
Phone: 617-495-8618
Fax: 617-496-8340
Email: ruth_hill@radcliffe.edu
Storyteller Sylvia Yancy-Davis
Sylvia Yancy-Davis
104 Heyman Lane
Alexandria, LA 71303
318-613-1017
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“In The Tradition ...” 30th Annual National Black Storytelling Festival
Congratulations NABS, on 30 Years!
Join us in Rhode Island for Another
Celebration of Black Storytelling
January 19-27, 2013
This event made possible in part by a grant from the Rhode Island State Council on the Arts
For More information: www.ribsfest.org
The Friends of the Benjamin Banneker
Historical Park and Museum
Welcome
The National Association of Black Storytellers
to Baltimore!
Home of NABS Affiliate, The Griots’ Circle of Maryland
Come visit the museum and log cabin on the land where
Benjamin Banneker lived!
The Benjamin Banneker Park and Museum
300 Oella Ave; Catonsville Md 21228
410-877-1081, Museum Open: Tues - Sat 10 - 4
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Coming Home ... Our Family Tells Stories
Maryland’s First Choice for Workers’ Compensation Insurance
Proud to support the 30th Annual
National Black Storytelling Festival and Conference
Ask your agent for an IWIF quote
or visit iwif.com
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“In The Tradition ...” 30th Annual National Black Storytelling Festival
NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF BLACK STORYTELLERS
HISTORY
Esteemed storytellers Mary Carter Smith of Baltimore, Maryland and Linda Goss of Philadelphia,
Pennsylvania are the founders of the National Association of Black Storytellers, Inc. They conceived
the idea in 1982 to give more opportunities for African American storytellers to be heard and for
more of the rich heritage of the African Oral Tradition to be shared and preserved.
The first “In the Tradition…” Festival of Black Storytelling was held in the McKeldin Center at
Morgan State University in Baltimore, Maryland on November 18-19, 1983. Festival sponsors
were the Alpha Zeta Chapter of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. (Linda Jenkins Brown, Chapter
Basileus) and Morgan’s Social Science Department. The festival had also received a grant from the
Maryland Humanities Council, Inc.
In November 1984, the second Festival of Black Storytelling was held in Philadelphia. It was at
this time that these two visionary storytellers saw and felt participants desire and need to share,
celebrate and preserve the African and African American Oral Tradition as a formal entity. They
invited the public to join them in formally organizing a national association. Thus began the
Association of Black Storytellers.
The first officers and Board members were: Linda Goss, President; Larry G. Coleman, Vice
President; Maxine LeGall, Secretary; Ardie S. Brown, Treasurer; Alice McGill, Historian; Ayubu
Kamu, Parliamentarian; Dena Hargans, Chaplain; Mary Carter Smith, Board Chairperson;
Marian Barnes, Administrative Assistant; and Board members, Lawanda Randall, Rita Cox and
Paul Keens-Douglas.
The Association was incorporated in 1990 and became known as the National Association of Black
Storytellers, Inc. (NABS). In 1997, in Cleveland, the festival expanded to become the National Black
Storytelling Festival and Conference. There are fourteen NABS affiliates. NABS welcomed its first
affiliate organization, Detroit Michigan, in 1992. The others are African Folk Heritage Circle, New
York, NY; ASE: Chicago Association of Black Storytellers, Chicago, IL; Black Storytellers Alliance,
Minneapolis, MN; Blackstorytelling League, Rochester, NY; Cleveland Association of Black
Storytellers, Cleveland, OH; Griots’ Circle of Maryland, Baltimore, MD; Keepers Of The Culture,
Philadelphia, PA; Kuumba Storytellers of Georgia, Decatur, GA; North Carolina Association of
Black Storytellers, Raleigh, NC; Black Storytellers of San Diego, San Diego, CA; Rhode Island
Black Storytellers, Providence, RI; Tradition Keepers: Black Storytellers of Western New York,
Buffalo, NY and Wichita Storytellers: Keepers of the Stories, Wichita, Kansas.
Many esteemed members have served as Board members and given of their time, expertise and
ongoing support since 1983. Currently, the officers and Board members are: Co-Founder Linda
Goss; President Akbar Imhotep; President-Elect Dr. Mary Ann Harris; Treasurer Deborah PierceFakunle; and Board members, Robert A. Smith, Masankho Banda and Kay Merril. Vanora Franklin
Legaux serves as NABS Executive Director.
nabsinc.org
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Coming Home ... Our Family Tells Stories
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“In The Tradition ...” 30th Annual National Black Storytelling Festival
Griots Are Living Libraries Come Check Us Out! Thank you for blessing Baltimore with your presence. Traveling mercies as y ou depart and keep telling our s tories. Come back soon! Standing on the Shoulders of Our Founding Ancestor Mother Mary Carter Smith Congratulations to the National Association of Black Storytellers on Our 30th Annual "In the Tradition ..." Festival & Conference Baltimore, Maryland 2012 70