GRIOTWORKS BLOG

The Griot's Work - T-Shirts for Sale

2011-05-17T10:28:00.000-07:00

As a part of our fundraising campaign, for the documentary film The Griot's Work: Black Storytelling at a Crossroad, we are selling t-shirts!

T-shirts are $12, plus $4.95 S+H

THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT!

The Griot's Work: Black Storytelling at a Crossroad

2011-05-17T10:03:00.000-07:00

The documentary will explore Black Storytelling today. In the shadows of new media, social networking and mainstream trends, some have referred to oral storytelling as a "dying art form." In The Griot's Work: Black Storytelling at a Crossroad we take a journey to document the art of Black Storytelling and its relevance today.

Our goal is to make a film that educates the larger community and brings value to the art of storytelling, giving it a life-line that expands the realm in which "Griots" work.

On Sunday May, 15th we held a fundraiser for the project at the Community Education Center in Philadelphia. The program featured myself as a storyteller and Just Greg Corbin and 5 youth poets. It was an amazing collaboration of spoken word artists: traditional storytelling, personal narrative and poetry.

We will be holding another live fundraiser mid-June (info tba)!

Today, we are seeking continued support through an online campaign on the fundraising website Indiegogo.com. With your support, we will be able to make a ground breaking project!

Please partner with us in making this happen by:

1) Making a contribution
2) Posting this link on your social media networks
3) Staying connected to the project through its completion

With much appreciation and excitement -- we are ready to make this happen!!

Jos Duncan

HERE'S THE LINK TO THE DONATION SITE:

http://igg.me/p/27197?a=138117&i=shlk
You can also make a donation by clicking on the paypal button to your right!

Stories In Service 2010 - The Story Behind the Event

2010-08-13T08:37:00.000-07:00

This is the second year for the event. Last year in 2009, Stories In Service was sub-titled "A Day of Neighborhood Storytelling" and took place in 4 Philadelphia neighborhoods on the same day. Teams of 3-4 storytellers held interactive storytelling programs in Germantown, North Philadelphia, South Philadelphia then gathered in West Philadelphia for a storytelling program with all of the tellers. All of the programs had music, live drumming, African dancing and there was even a stilt walker in South Philly. The events could not have taken place without all of the storytellers who volunteered their time and TAHIRA, of TAHIRA Productions, who collaborated on the project from its inception.

GRASS-ROOTS INSPIRATIONS
While I'm being credited as the visionary for this approach, I think it's important to say a few things here. I have been honored to work at the feet of some really talented "visionaries". Prior to founding GriotWorks, I worked with two organizations that helped to shape my ideas on working at the grass roots level in communities. For about 8 years, I worked with an organization called the All Stars Talent Show Network, based in New York. The All Stars works with youth to produce and perform in their own talent shows in neighborhoods in several cities. Over those years, I witnessed change, first hand through the production of dozens of talent shows with thousands of participants. In my opinion, their model works and the key factor in the success of each show is getting out into communities and talking to people about the art of performance, how it changes people and how a change in people can impact the larger society.

Having that work as my foundation, I later worked for a non-profit organization called Scribe Video Center, under the direction of Louis Massiah. To date, my work with Scribe has been my greatest inspiration. This organization has produced hundreds of community based documentaries where the people from those communities learn video skills and tell their own stories. In addition, they do neighborhood based independent film screenings that address issues going on in communities. Working as the Program Coordinator for Scribe, I was deeply inspired by how effective these programs were. I became very sensitive to the the importance of storytelling in communities whether it was through video, or the ability to dialogue with one another after the screening of short films.

While working at Scribe, I was also beginning to tell folktales to children and creating art programs at schools and recreation centers. By the reference of several people who were telling stories professionally, I reached out to Keepers of the Culture (KOTC), Philadelphia's oldest storytelling organization. I wanted to learn the art of storytelling because unlike film/video or talent shows, I could create media simply by opening my mouth and beginning to speak. Through attending monthly meetings with KOTC, I was able to meet phenomenal storytellers, all my elders, who provided invaluable advice.

TIME TO SERVE
In Philadelphia during the years 2007-2008, there was a media culture developing and it was frightening. Everyday, you could literally turn on the news and hear numbers, "number 108, number 262, number 368". They were the numbers of murders in the city. The news, for some reason thought this was a good idea to count each death to intensify the hype around the increase in violence in Philadelphia. And this media wasn't sensored-- so our youth were taking it in as well and beginning to live in fear. I found myself trying to encourage young people, including my god children, and young family members, with stories. However, Bre'r Rabbit's briar patch had to become his neighborhood. How was Bre'r Rabbit going to navigate his way through, and stay alive being the littlest creature in the hood? Why wasn't Bre'r Rabbit afraid? What were his skills? How was he going to make it? In my heart, these stories had the power to save lives and it was important to me that storytelling, a media that was easily accessible and transferable, be used to combat some of the foolishness that was being pumped into our communities. With experience working with grass-roots community models, I figured, this would work with storytelling as well. As a fairly new storyteller though, I needed help.

TAHIRA and TAHIRA Productions
I met TAHIRA in a hair salon back in 2001 when I was starting a dance company Griot Don (a whole other story...). She was getting her locks twisted offering me advice. TAHIRA was the first professional storyteller I had met and her business sense was encouraging. Over the years, I would run into her "How are you? Do you have your business cards? Have you started a blog?" If I was discouraged she'd offer a book reference, "try reading Ask and It is Given... and just start with chapters 1,6, and 22--you'll be fine"... While I initially thought of TAHIRA for her entrepreneurial perspective on things, over time, I realized that her perspective provided a lifeline for the art of storytelling (and art in general), for it to breathe, develop and sustain itself. So, when I had this passion to do a community storytelling project, she was the first person I thought of and she brought her business sense, her relationships with storytellers, and her desire for artistic excellence to the project.

STORIES IN SERVICE - AGAIN IN 2010
The event was super successful last year. The people in the communities responded very positively and the tellers were pleased with their contributions and the event. As with every program, there were some things we wanted to improve on but, we were all excited about it and agreed that it should happen again in 2010. A week or so after the event though, I moved to NY to start a graduate program in film. Over the past year, I've worked to keep GriotWorks afloat but it has been one heck of a task running between Philadelphia and NY. Because the event had so much potential though, I felt it was extremely important to do it again. However, it didn't seem possible. I was stressed out. I had lost touch with the various community groups I had once had strong relationships with and having been so focused on mastering filmmaking, I hadn't told stories in quite a while. TAHIRA, had been through a series of experiences that had her focused on other things as well. So we had a bit of an orphan child. But, we all know the saying-- "It takes a village to raise a child" And there were some people in the villagers by the name of Keepers of the Culture who were interested in being a part of the project. Without their expressed interest, under the leadership of President, Queen Nur, we might have lost our momentum.

So, Queen and I began to talk and soon, TAHIRA came back into the fold. Terri Shockley and the Community Education Center, has had my back on every single project I've ever envisioned or initiated in Philadelphia. Thus Stories In Service this year is a 4-Part partnership of GriotWorks, TAHIRA Productions, Keepers of the Culture and the CEC. Queen Nur suggested that it be called GriotWorks: Stories In Service day so that my vision doesn't go un-noted. However, it is important for me to say that the vision is fluid and inspired by work that has already been done. My only hope is that tomorrow's event will offer teachers, parents, grand parents, children and all in attendance tools to tell stories that heal and inspire. At our outdoor storytelling program, families will hear tales that they can talk about with one another, having inter-generational dialogue about values, morals, hopes, fears, and ways to keep moving.

I give thanks for all the people who are a part of this project and for everyone who will attend.

The story continues -- Saturday, August 14th @ Noon. 3500 Lancaster Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19104

Dance Africa: A Legacy in Motion

2009-05-25T03:29:00.000-07:00

Vibrant. Exciting. Energy filled. Tradition centered. Future driven. The Dance Africa festival in New York city was "ALL OF THAT!" Rooted in the political struggles of the 60's and 70's, for the progression, recognition and development of African dance, this year was the 32nd festival.

From the moment I arrived at the festival on Friday afternoon, I was deeply engaged and realized I was witnessing the continuum of a cultural legacy. The festival began with a procession led by Chuck Davis, founder and director, who was affectionately referred to as Baba Chuck.

A Brooklyn block full of lively drummers and dancers, children through elders, dressed in white traditional garb, layered themselves onto the stairs of the Brooklyn Academy of Music. Chuck Davis began to enlighten the audience with African-centered values such as a call and response phrase from Ghana. "A-Go", he'd call out, and the crowd was to answer "aMay". He explained that he was asking for our attention and in responding we were agreeing to give it. This phrase became key in all the activities that were led.

Baba Chuck then explained that the traditional dance, Lamban would be done to begin the festival. As the drummers and dancers formed a circle, he specified that an elder should be the first to enter it and do the dance. At first, no one entered. Then like a swan coasting the ocean, an elder woman glided into the circle doing movements where she extended her arms and spun around as if she were whipping wind. It was beautiful. For her to be an elder, she was really moving too!

The elders play a significant role in Dance Africa. At the dance performance, a group of elders called the 'Council of Elders' proceeded in first and were acknowledged several times. Baba Chuck also included audience members above the age of 55 in his acknowledgments, asked them to stand, and led the audience in giving them all an applause. I found this to be a particularly interesting ritual because typically in the US, our culture often overlooks elders.

The dance performance featured the superb dance companies Farafina Kan, Restoration DanceAfrica Ensemble (youth), Evidence, and SeeWe. Each of the dance groups had a signature presence and they were all FANTASTIC! Farafina Kan's traditional dance style, was infused with creative musical accents and movements that ranged from low down on the ground to jumping up on their drums. Restoration's youth group put West African and contemporary dance movements into an urban setting where a classroom/club became a healing place. Evidence's piece which appeared to be about transitions, made room for all of the dancers to pour life, like liquid, onto the stage with their crisp, grounded, precise movements. SeeWe ended the show with an explosion of rhythms, song, colors, and powerful movements that left me in complete awe and inspired me to do a little dance as I left the theater.

The weekend brought in people from all over the country and featured a number of dance and music performances, an African Film portion, a slew of vendors and great food, including the best vegetarian food on the face of the planet from Nyota's Ting.

Not only has Dance Africa accomplished it's mission to unite African dance companies and celebrate culture through dance, music, and art; Dance Africa has created rituals and elements that are so specific to the celebration that they in themselves will become the foundations and resources to transmit this culture to future generations.

Dance Africa is a legacy - in motion!

Your Donation of any amount makes a big difference!

Making Music: Baba Ed Stokes and the Diddley Bow

2009-05-22T08:40:00.000-07:00

Every time I run into Baba Ed Stokes over at the Point of Destination, he's got a story to tell - through music. Whether it's percussion, string instrument, bells or something else, Baba Ed will tell you how it's made, where it comes from and will play it until it oozes into the veins of your soul.

Today's instrument is the Diddley Bow, a guitar like instrument with a crisp stringy sound that redirected my attention from my afternoon meeting and made me want to get up and cry the blues.

According to Baba Ed, the Diddley Bow is an instrument that originated in West Africa (various parts). It's a one string instrument, of which there are many different versions.

The diddley bow was played in Mississippi, Delta. A lot of blues players, like Muddy Waters and Jessie Mae Hemphill started out playing it and later graduated to playing a guitar, which has more strings. The diddley bow has a slide (that slides up and down the string to create).

Check this out.

Aisha Goss Tells Her Story: Trial By Fire

2009-05-21T12:47:00.000-07:00

Today I had a conversation with playwright/producer/filmmaker, Aisha Goss about her newest project, a documentary titled "Trial By Fire: Blessings Out of the Ashes". The film is Aisha's proactive way of recovering from a massive fire that destroyed the home of her family.

Daughter of noted storyteller Linda Goss and accomplished playwright Clay Goss, Aisha will tell the story, frame by frame, of the family as they campaign for Barack Obama believing in his vision for "Hope and Change", and the fire that took place 5 days after his election destroying everything dear to them. She will show the 'hopes and changes' the Goss Family goes through during and after the fire. The film will answer the question, "WHAT REALLY MATTERS"?

Equipped with documentary film making skills through course work at Scribe Video Center in Philadelphia, Aisha is currently in pre-production for the project. She plans to go into production this summer. Aisha is interviewing technical crew, production assistants, and volunteers for the project. She is also accepting donations and sponsorships from community members who are interested and able to support her in telling her story.

Check out AGossFilms for more information.

Who Benefits from NEWS stories?

2009-05-21T05:33:00.000-07:00

When I was a kid, the NEWS was the TRUTH. We woke up to the news, fell asleep to the news and watched it mid day, after school and work. Now a days, I don't really watch the NEWS. I find it very depressing. At first I attributed the bitter feelings I was left with after watching news programs with the ills of our world. However, in giving this more thought, I realize that this is a storytelling issue.

Philadelphia's top stories, today focus on a NY City bomb plot, marital distress between a couple with eight children, the killing of a dog during a drug bust, a landlord killing a tenant, and to uplift viewers/readers there are tons of American Idol highlights. All of this information is run in loops for hours on end until the scheduled NEWS time is over. NO WONDER IT'S DEPRESSING!

Growing up, I was taught that NEWS was an acronym for North-East-West-South, which made me feel it was an absolute truth about every corner of the world. According to the Center for Media Literacy, NEWS has always been centered in the people knowing what's new. In the days before literacy was the norm, news was all about oral storytelling. The stories that circulated were generally about the local neighborhood and community. Even in this short history, apparently sex and violence have always been a priority for people in the US.

Who does this storytelling benefit though? Not us and not our society. We are hysterical! We are loading our psyche with images of robbers, bombers, murderers, terrorist, and cheating husbands. And when the news decides to focus on the economy, we are really in trouble. Some haven't even been affected by the country's financial trouble but FEAR, has folks going to work in a state of paranoia. You know?

I learned a wonderful lesson about the NEWS around two years ago. The neighborhood I grew up in has been the target of urban renewal that many would call gentrification. Major construction in the neighborhood includes a shopping center with a brand new 7 theater movie complex. The evening of the theater's opening, the news reported that there had been a major brawl and a shooting. It just so happened that earlier that day, I spoke with some of my family members from the neighborhood who told me they would be going to see a movie at the new theater. So, when I heard this report on the news saying that a number of people were shot and hurt in a massive brawl, I became paranoid. I frantically called my family member to make sure that she and the children were okay.

"Hello?", she answered.
"Did you all go to the movies!!!!!??????", I panted.
"Yes, Baby"!
"Well, well, is everyone ok??? I'm watching the news and someone got shot!!!"
"Oh baby, everyone's fine. A couple kids got into an argument"
"Yeah. And there was a major brawl and a shooting right"
"Oh Baby. They just made a big deal for nothing. They sent a bunch of cop cars but there was nothing for them to resolve"...

And so on...

I hung up the phone relieved and annoyed. The NEWS had taken this opportunity to degrade the neighborhood and really blow this situation out of proportion. I was better off getting the STORY from the source.

Who benefits from NEWS stories? How can we make better NEWS?

Better NEWS

Good Morning America! You are AMAZING. You can do anything you focus on today. Are you ready to feel FANTASTIC? I sure hope so because we have some exciting headlines today.

Top Story: There are 6 new charter schools opening in Philadelphia this fall. It takes a lot of planning, collaboration and a huge vision to open a school. Visions are being realized America! Isn't that exciting?

Ok. So, I need to collect more positive stories that are actually news. Stay tuned. But hopefully, you see where I'm going with this!

Take a little time to tell a story today!

African American Storytelling Retreat with Baba Jamal Koram

2009-05-20T11:19:00.000-07:00

This past weekend, I attended the African American Storytelling Retreat in Whittakers, North Carolina with Baba Jamal Koram. The retreat focused on four aspects of African American culture: Storytelling, Dance, Music and Visual Arts. What a refreshing experience!

I must admit, I went through a mental and emotional detox the first day. When I got to the retreat at 5 pm on Thursday, there was nothing scheduled. People were just hanging out, talking, casually cleaning gourds and enjoying the sunshine. Usually, when I arrive at conferences and festivals, I drop off my bags, throw some water on my face, re do my eyebrows and run straight to the activity I'm always running just a little late for.

I figured I'd check in my hotel-like room and watch a little tv but there were no stations. I didn't bring my computer, had accidentally left my ipod home and had no cell phone connection. What was I to do? Find something to eat... With none of my convenient vegetarian city eateries anywhere around, I was subjected to a lettuce sandwich on honey oat bread from Subway. Yuck. At that moment, I had come into the realization that my weekend would be long and interesting.

At about 8 that evening, the group gathered for a discussion centered around the work of a storyteller. Why did we tell stories? What was our role in our community? Per Baba Jamal, "If the children in your neighborhood don't know you're a storyteller... something ain't right" (I'm paraphrasing). Well that got me to thinking. Wow. I work with a number of community and youth groups but I don't think one person on my block knows that I'm a storyteller. I was challenged in thinking about whether I really want my potentially newsy, fairly new neighbors to know what I do. There's something about the peace of saying "Good morning! Isn't it a beautiful day?" and keeping it moving.

Some stories about the Franklington Center at Bricks retreat location were also told. It was a place where former slaves (i.e. Africans affected by the institution of slavery), were sent to be broken and/or disciplined to my understanding. Baba Jamal shared of an experience that took place at a retreat years ago, where it was revealed that one of the trees on the land had been a lynching post. The story was spirit filled and eery. It left me in a state of mourning for the injustices that had taken place. Yet, it inspired me to include details that suggest reconciliation for these types of injustices in the stories I tell.

The remainder of the weekend was full of stories. Bre'r Rabbit, Anansi the Spider, and Dylan the OG Cat all had their shine! It was amazing to hear the different references each teller used to the histories and experiences of the African Diaspora. There's a saying "let those who have ears hear". I find that I hear these references more and more clearly. For example, Denise Valentine shared a story of Anansi and his Good Day. However, in her sharing of the story, she talked about the story travelling through Ghana to the Carribean, told her story with a beautifully colored carribean accent, and included types of foods one might find in the carribean and references to they types of agriculture and activities that might take place. This is where stories become journeys - the teller being the tour guide!

One of the most prominent moments of the retreat was the discussion about funding, planning and organizing for the purchase and development of an African American Cultural and Storytelling institute. Baba Jamal Koram has a vision and it's big! Can you imagine, 38 acres of land dedicated to preservation and training in African cultural arts? Well it's in progress. If you'd like to make a donation or organize a fundraiser to help with the vision, please contact Baba Jamal Koram ASAP!

In closing, as a storyteller who is engaging in mixed media projects including digital media, documentary and live productions, the retreat forced me to sit with myself and think about my purpose, my mission and the intentions for the work I do. The lack of coffee, television, cell phone, ipod, facebook, etc forced me to sit with me and further cultivate my vision for my work. I think every artist needs that and I am thankful for the experience!

Take a little time to tell a story today.

Joslyn Duncan

GRIOTWORKS New Mission

2009-05-20T10:33:00.000-07:00

GRIOTWORKS brings communities together through the production and distribution of mixed media projects that weave storytelling and folklore into the fabric of modern day society. Mixed media projects include documentary, live performance, internet video, audio recording and published written works.

2008-01-23T22:56:00.000-08:00

Celebrate African American History all year around!

2008-01-23T22:41:00.000-08:00

Celebrate African American History all year around! Share a story about a well noted African American. Have young people note their own stories and all they desire to accomplish. Their stories are tomorrows histories!

GRIOTWORKS Blog!

2007-11-04T07:31:00.000-08:00

GriotWorks uses storytelling as a vehicle to educate, preserve cultural histories and entertain through the creative mediums of live performance, books and video. We are storytellers, dancers, singers, writers, visual
artists and film makers with a shared passion for bringing families and communities together for progressive change.

Griotworks works with schools, churches, dance companies, theatres and
recreation centers to help these organizations accomplish cultural education and preservation goals.