GRIOTS’ CIRCLE of MARYLAND, INC. P.O. BOX 68064 Baltimore, MD 21215 410-788-3555 www.griotscircleofmarylandinc.org [email protected] MEMBERSHIP DIRECTORY 2023 The Griots’ Circle of Maryland, Inc. is an affiliate of The National Association of Black Storytellers
The Griots’ Circle of Maryland, Inc. OFFICERS 2023 - 2025 President: John Carrington Vice President: D. Lynne Distance Recording Secretary: Fanny J. Crawford Treasurer: Ruth Wickham Financial Secretary: Bernadette Green Corresponding Secretary: Ophelia Brown-Carter Membership Committee: Helen Copeland, Fellisco Keeling, Co-Chairs Growing Griots Literacy Learning Program, S. Bunjo Butler, Director www.growinggriots.com [email protected] This directory is only for the personal, non-political and non-commercial use and reference of members of the Griots' Circle of Maryland, Inc. All other users and uses are forbidden. Report changes to the Membership Committee Chairs or the Corresponding Secretary.
AKWAABA! Welcome from the storytellers of the Griots' Circle of Maryland. I pray that the words of Maya Angelou ring true when you join us. “People may not remember what you did or remember what you said but They will always remember how you made them feel.” Let our success in living and giving as Griots be measured by how we make people feel AFTER TELLING THE STORY. ASANTE SANA! Thank you very much. LET THERE BE STORY! ASE. ASE. ASE. John Carrington President Griots' Circle of Maryland, Inc.
LET THERE BE STORY! A Storyteller’s Prayer ByMama LindaGoss Inspired by and adapted from the prayer of Saint Francis of Assisi My Bells are Ringing! My Soul is Singing! LORD, MAKE ME A STORYTELLER FROM THY VOICE. WHERE THERE IS CONFLICT, LET ME SHARE STORIES OF RESOLUTION AND HOPE. WHERE THERE ARE HARDSHIPS, LET ME SHARE STORIES OF RESILIENCY AND ENDURANCE. WHERE THERE IS SUFFERING, LET ME SHARE STORIES OF HEALING. WHERE THERE IS GRIEF, LET ME SHARE STORIES OF COMFORT. WHERE THERE IS TURMOIL, LET ME SHARE STORIES OF LOVE. WHERE THERE ARE CHILDREN, LET ME SHARE STORIES OF LAUGHTER, TRUTHS, HISTORY, WISDOM AND EXPECTATIONS. WHERE THERE ARE ELDERS, LET ME SHOW RESPECT AND ASK THEM PERMI SSION TO TELL, AND SHARE STORIES OF GRATITUDE AND APPRECIATION. WHERETHEREARE ANCESTORS, LETMETELLSTORIES OF PRECIOUS MEMORIES AND FAMILY TREES. LET ME TELL STORIES ABOUT HONOR AND RESPECT. WHERE THEREAREFAMILIES, LETMETELL STORIESOF SWEET POTATO PIES,COLLARD GREENS, AND CORNBREAD. WHERE THERE ARE FESTIVALS, LET ME TELL STORIES OF TRADITIONS AND FOLKWAYS. WHERE THERE ARE STORYTELLERS, GRIOTS, GRIOTTES, JALI, JALIMUSO, JELI, JELIMUSO, POETS, DRUMMERS, & DANCERS, LET ME SHARE THE CRAFT, JALIYAA. TAHLIO. THE DRAMA OF NOMMO. ANANSI TRICKSTER TALES! LET ME GIVE PRAISES AND KNOW THE ANCIENT TEXTS, ORAL EPICS, SAGAS, FABLES, & SACRED SONGS. LET ME TELL STORIES OF FRIENDSHIP AND KINDNESS. LET ME TELL STORIES ABOUT FELLOWSHIP AND SISTERHOOD. WHERE THERE IS SILENCE, LET MY BELLS COMPLEMENT THE QUIETNESS. LET MY BELLS AWAKE THE SPIRIT. LET MY BELLS CALM THE SOUL. LET THERE BE JOY. LET THERE BE PEACE. LET THERE BE STORY. LET THERE BE STORY. LET THERE BE STORY! ASE. Copyright0 2022 by Linda Goss
The Griots' Circle of Maryland, Inc. African griots (pronounced gree´ o) are the historians, musicians and storytellers for their community. They inspired Maryland’s afrocentric storytellers to create the Griots’ Circle of Maryland, Inc. The primary goal of the association is to educate and enrich the storytelling knowledge and abilities of the members and the community. This non-profit organization is dedicated to uplifting the folklore and traditions of our African heritage through storytelling, poetry, music, and other educational activities. Our Beginning: Founded in Baltimore in 1989, the members include experienced and beginning storytellers and others who are interested in the African oral tradition. With the guidance of Mary Carter Smith (1919-2007), Maryland’s official griot, the founders developed an organization that would increase the public’s awareness of our African and African American heritage. In 1990, the first storytelling programs were presented at Baltimore’s Enoch Pratt Free Library and Morgan State University. Over 700 people were in attendance at these performances. The audiences enjoyed historical legends, African fables, modern fairytales and ghost stories. Another highlight of our beginnings was the storytelling recording “Griots Gather Round”. Our National Network: The Griots’ Circle is an affiliate of the National Association of Black Storytellers. In 1992, 2002, and 2012, The Griots' Circle hosted “In The Tradition . . .” the National Festival of Black Storytelling in Baltimore. Our Vision: Thanks to the leadership of its officers and with support from many loyal members, the Griots’ Circle has a firm foundation for continuing the African oral tradition. Griots’ Circle members perform for radio, television, schools, libraries, museums and other cultural events. We share stories from the African diaspora, produce storytelling materials, share Afro-centric cultural information, promote storytelling and create storytelling opportunities for young people and families. Everyone can take part in our future. Enjoy The Traditions - Share Your Story
The Griots' Storybook is now for sale online at Amazon! You can order as many copies as you like. (It is a print on demand item; choose Qty on the right hand side of the screen.) The book costs $25 (plus tax and shipping). Search for it on Amazon.com or here is a direct link to it : https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BS8Q83B2 Enjoy the stories, poems, libations, essays, recipes and words of wisdom that our members have shared.
A/B Alston, Charlotte Blake 105 E. Stratford Ave Landsdowne, PA 19050 610-259-5366 [email protected] Archer,Yvonne 3614 Blair Ave Randallstown, MD 21133 410-701-8308 Bailey, Mary 5509 Fernpark Ave Baltimore, Maryland 21207 410-448-3765 [email protected] Best, Paul D. 2338 N. Board Apt 2 Philadelphia, Pa 19132 317-413-9648 [email protected] Bond, Denise H. 2847 Woodbrook Ave. Baltimore, MD 21217 410-669-9137 Booker, Gwen 1311 Sunset Drive Akron, Ohio 44307 330-253-5430 Brown II, Charles 2834 Hunt Valley Drive Glenwood, Maryland 21738 443-742-4280 [email protected] Brown-Carter, Ophelia 5785 Cedonia Ave Apt A Baltimore, Maryland 21206 410-483-6425 [email protected] Burdnell, Karen 23 E. Montrose Manor Ct Apt E Catonsville, Maryland 21228 410-598-5836 [email protected] Butler, S. Bunjo 3501 Glen Ave Baltimore, Maryland 21215 410-542-6829 [email protected] Byrd, Melvina 5812 Key Ave Baltimore, MD 21215 443-676-9890 [email protected] C Carrington, John 900 Burnt Ember Ct Pikesville, Maryland 21208 410-653-1895 [email protected] Coley, Shirley 5410 Crismer Ave Baltimore, Maryland 21215 410-764-2690 Copeland, Helen 3915 Glenhunt Road Baltimore, Maryland 21229 410-624-0065 [email protected] MEMBERSHIP DIRECTORY
Crawford, Fanny J. 20011 Cherry Hill Circle Hagerstown, Maryland 21742 301-730-1638 [email protected] Crouse, Jane 11945 River Road Chesterfield, VA 23838 804-590-9087 [email protected] Curtis, Tom Gene [email protected] D/E/F Distance, D. Lynne 5411 Creston Ave Baltimore, Maryland 21214 443-838-7027 [email protected] Emanuel, Renee [email protected] Esposito, Ashley 1218 Haverhill Road Baltimore, Maryland 21229 443-933-0700 [email protected] Evans, Tanaya 429 E. Lafayette Ave Baltimore, Md 21202 667-206-0884 [email protected] Evans, Barry 18 Papago Court Randallstown, Maryland 21133 410-922-9455 410-371-0762 [email protected] Fowler, Brenda 6009 Updale Court Baltimore, Maryland 21207 410-302-2171 [email protected] G Goss, Linda 1556 Waverly Way Baltimore, Maryland 21239 443-835-4331 [email protected] Green, Bernadette 9809 Marriottsville Road Randallstown, Maryland 21133 410-655-9082 [email protected] Greene, Janice Curtis 3406 Merle Drive Windsor Mill Maryland 21244 410-655-4904 [email protected] Greene, Paris 3406 Merle Drive Windsor Mill, Maryland 21244 410-655-4904 [email protected] H Hammid, Julia Laurie [email protected] Harrison, Gail 911 Beaumont Ave Baltimore, Maryland 21212 410-361-1128 [email protected]
Haskins, Bettye 2525 Calverton Hgts Ave Baltimore, Maryland 21216 443-707-8388 [email protected] Hinmon, Eslyn G. 1401 Martin Drive Baltimore, Maryland 21229 443-850- 3557(cell) 410-744-9292 [email protected] Hunter, Phillip 402 Viola Ct N Bel Air, MD 21015 410-961-2059 [email protected] J/ K/L Johnson, Charles 3517 Greenmount Ave Baltimore, MD 21218 410-243-3691 [email protected] Jones, Walter 8530 W. Marlboro Drive Delmar, Maryland 21875 443-564-0320 [email protected] Kaufman, Rebekah 121 Forest Drive Catonsville, Maryland 21228 410-271-8485 [email protected] Keeling, Fellisco 525 Nottingham Road Baltimore, Maryland 21229 410-947-5507 [email protected] Koram, Jamal Lee, Clarice 5900 Park Heights Ave. Apt 502 Baltimore, Maryland 21215 443-240-1788 Legaux, Vanora 154 Cameron Drive Gretna, LA 70056 [email protected] Locklear, Margaret 1600 W. Mount Royal Ave Apt 402 Baltimore, Maryland 21217 410-466-2941 [email protected] Love, Cherry 201 Warren Ave Apt 204 Baltimore, Maryland 21230 443-913-1757 [email protected] M/N Macklin, Diane 703-966-7957 [email protected] Marable, Gwen 13801 York Road M-11 Cockeysville, Maryland 21030 410-785-1192 [email protected] McAbee, June 11584 Scaggsville Road Fulton, Maryland 20859 Merrill, Kay 1404 Riggs Ave Baltimore, Maryland 21217 410-728-0377 [email protected]
Mollock, Clarence (Baba Simba Mollock) 1613 Kingsway Road Baltimore, Maryland 21218 443-255-8053 [email protected] P Parks, Gordon W. (Soorah) 8201 Scotts Level Road Pikesville, Maryland 21208 410-655-2118 [email protected] Pearson, Cathy 4503 Fairfax Road Baltimore, Maryland 21216 410-466-1571 [email protected] Pickett, Diane E 59 Hillman Blvd Akron, Ohio 44312 330-794-7932 Pierce-Fakunle, Deborah 1304 N. Potomac Street Baltimore, Maryland 21213 410-732-4371 [email protected] Pollard, Doris G. 4001 Clarks Lane #103 Baltimore, Maryland 21215 410-318-8602 R Reed, Caroliese Frink 859 N. 29th Street A Philadelphia, PA 19130 215-236-1118 [email protected] Rollings, Simone 2417 Wentworth Drive Crofton, Maryland 21114 240-338-5974 [email protected] Ruff, Edna A. 9272 Cherry Lane - #70 Laurel, Maryland 20708 410-323-6310 [email protected] Ruff, Martha 9272 Cherry Lane - #70 Laurel, Maryland 20708 410-935-7638 [email protected] Ruskie, Delores 16505 Virginia Ave Apt 1096 Williamsport, Maryland 21795 [email protected] Russell, Thelma 3905 Emmart Ave Baltimore, Maryland 21215 410-664-4210 S Smart, Patricia Gaye 19503 Marsh Circle Hagerstown, Maryland 21742 240-784-0011 [email protected] Smith, Donna 4008 W. Rogers Ave Baltimore, Maryland 21215 410-624-6492 [email protected]
Smith, Robert (Bob) PO Box 29645 Baltimore, Maryland 21216 410 -209 -7231 [email protected] www.bobthegriot.com Smith, Victoria 201 Warren Ave – Apt 302 Baltimore, Maryland 21230 410 -576 -6815 Starke, Alethia B. 10810 Stevenson Road Stevenson, Maryland 21153 410 -653 -8668 [email protected] Starke, William (Bill) 10810 Stevenson Road Stevenson, Maryland 21153 410 -653 -8668 [email protected] Stevenson, Joan 9028 Scotts Haven Drive Baltimore, Maryland 21234 Suma, Tanwa M. 2819 Ruscombe Lane Baltimore,MD 21215 -6542 443 -520 -8462 – cell 410 -466 -2355 – home [email protected] T/U/V/W/X/Y/Z Tarpley, Candece 112 West 80th Street - #4F New York, NY 10024 212 -362 -5106 [email protected] Wagstaff, Barbara 175 Foxhead Lane St Matthews, SC 29135 818 -800 -2675 [email protected] Waites -Howard, Dr. Mama Jean 1508 Harding Blvd Norristown, PA 19401 215 -292 -2290 [email protected] Wickham, Ruth 11105 Verdant Road Owings Mills, Maryland 21117 443 -838 -0106 [email protected] Williams, Edna 1037 Cathedral Street - #7 L Baltimore, Maryland 21201 443 -683 -4696 [email protected] Wise Maxine 2741 Pelham Ave Baltimore, Maryland 21213 410 -497 -2423 [email protected]
NOTES
NOTES
NOTES
Griots' Circle of Maryland Membership Application - Year __2023__ Annual Membership: January - December (dues paid after Oct 1st will be applied to the next year) check appropriate category) ___ Elder (age 60 and above) $ 15. ___ Adults (age 18 and over) $ 30. ___ Youth (age 17 and under) $ 5. ___ Life (age 18 and over) $ 300. (Contact the financial secretary for installment payments) ____ Find A Teller – website listing $ 20. Complete this form and make your check payable to Griots' Circle of Maryland and send to: Griots' Circle of Maryland P. O. Box 68064 Baltimore, Maryland 21215 For more information please email: [email protected] Membership in the Griots' Circle gives you the opportunity to: • - learn new techniques and tips about the oral tradition of storytelling • - obtain information about performance prospects (paid and voluntary) • - share your energy and ideas with fellow storytellers and friends of storytelling • - continue the African Oral Tradition & support a dynamic storytelling organization As the African proverb says, "sticks in a bundle are unbreakable..." Strengthen your cultural foundation! Attend our monthly meetings that are held on the FIRST SATURDAY of EACH MONTH (except July). For the meeting time and location, call: 410-788-3555 Name:____________________________________________________________ Address:__________________________________________________________ City___________________________________ State____ Zip______ Phone:__________________________ Email:______________________________________________________________ (please print clearly)
Griots' Circle of Mayland, Inc. Membership Directory – 2023