Here are some things to think about:
Who is in your own gallery of valued cultural treasures?
From who have you learned? (And what?)
What do you value and want to pass on?
Where have you taken a stand?
Questions to ask:
- Can you tell us about where and how you grew up?
- How did you became an artist or activist?
- What are the most important things you have learned in your life?
- What were some of the challenges you have faced?
- What words of wisdom, or important lessons, do you want to pass on?
- Who were your most important teachers or influences?
- When did you take a stand?
- Tell us the story of a song, story, dance or event/time that you will never forget, or that is important to you.
Artists, Activists, & Elders
Born: Alcoa, Tennessee, in a African American community in an aluminum factory town
Known for: “Waking up the people,” storytelling. Co-founder of local and national Black Storytellers associations, and a pioneer of the contemporary storytelling movement.
Favorite culture tool: Storytelling
For more information, please check out the Philadelphia Folklore Project website.