HISTORY
In 1995, a group of Atlanta storytellers returned home from the National Association of Black Storytellers Festival with a vision: to infuse that same spirit of community and tradition in Atlanta. From that gathering, Kuumba Storytellers of Georgia was born.
Kuumba - meaning "Creativity" in Swahili - is also the name of the sixth day of Kwanzaa, a celebration of the imagination and the creative force that builds vibrant community. It is a name that calls on each of us to put our gifts to work for something larger than ourselves.
Today, Kuumba Storytellers of Georgia is a collective of professional storytellers who bring the art of oral tradition to schools, universities, festivals, museums, corporate events, and churches.
Our storytelling classes and workshops are available to teachers and anyone who would like to learn more about storytelling.
We offer educational programs that encourage children to read and help improve language skills through oral communication and self-expression.
We also offer professional development workshops for individuals and organizations ready to make or improve storytelling as part of their work.
Kuumba Storytellers of Georgia Mission Statement
To preserve the African oral tradition, provide awareness on the cultural history of African and African American people, and to serve as an educational resource for the community.
Founders & Charter Members
Akbar Imhotep • Barbara Cheeseboro • Betty Dowling • Curtis Richardson • Cynthia Watts • Eartha Goodwin • Kathy Matthews • LaDoris Bias-Davis • Rosa Cheeseboro • Warren Verrett • Willie Johnson
In Memoriam — Their vision lives on in every story we tell.
Akbar Imhotep • Cheryl Harvey • Cynthia Watts • Deacon Alfred Mitchell • Ernestine Brown • LaVerne Amponsah • Verna Muthoni