Storytelling for the People
“There have been great societies that did not use the wheel, but there have been no societies that did not tell stories.”
— Ursula K. LeGuin
Whether honoring ancient myths, sharing beloved folk and fairy tales, recounting the drama of daily life, or giving voice to significant life memories, the oral tradition of storytelling is a captivating medium of communication that involves direct contact between teller and listener and helps weave individuals together into communities.
Storytelling strengthens our powers of concentration, memory, and imaginative thinking. It is a skill that enriches our range of verbal and non-verbal expression, improves attention span, fosters interpersonal respect and social engagement. It is an effective way to promote understanding and healing among disparate individuals and groups.
The art of storytelling has a welcome purpose in an age when people spend excessive amounts of time interacting with electronic devices and screens and not enough face-to-face interpersonal time. Furthermore, stories from the oral tradition can never be claimed as private property by any one individual; they can never be bought or sold; they are meant to be shared with a full generosity of spirit, for they represent our collective, common inheritance.
The oral tradition is a long, democratic chain that belongs to The People. When you participate in the oral tradition, you become an immortal link in this endless chain.
Walking With Our Elders
An intergenerational program utilizing the fascinating tradition of oral history to promote literacy and engage youth in a dialogue with elders in their community.
Spellbound
Candace stands proudly on the shoulders of thousands of generations of folks worldwide who have shared amazing, spellbinding, humorous, and dramatic tales.
Books
Shifting The Universe: Spoken Histories of Work & Resistance and Oneil Cannon: The Story of a Radical Black Printer are available directly from the author and from Amazon.
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