The North Carolina Association Of Black Storytellers Is Keeping Storytelling Alive

Raleigh, NC – The North Carolina Association of Black Storytellers (NCABS) is a non-profit organization devoted to promoting the art of Black storytelling. This art has been passed down from generation to generation and the organization prides itself on giving these storytellers a voice and a place to perform. The main goal of the organization is not only to preserve this art form, but also to ensure the preservation and protection of, “historical truths, folklore, legends, myths, and fables important to African American traditions.”

Storytelling is an oral tradition that has been passed down for numerous generations within black communities. It is an important connection to the older generations and is a tradition that has remained untainted from bureaucracy. It not only involves reciting a story but also incorporates various props and other art forms to capture the imagination of the listeners. 

Within its ranks, NCABS hosts about 20 different storytellers each with their own unique methods of delivering these stories. NCABS hopes to keep the storytelling tradition alive in the black community by allowing future members a chance to take on some of the stories themselves.

Formed in Baltimore, the National Association now has over 15 affiliates throughout the country as far away as San Francisco and Utah, however, Beverly Fields Burnette, who is the President of the NC affiliate, informed me that storytelling very much originated in the South. This oral tradition has been practiced for many generations and is a vital aspect of the community, especially today.

Burnette spoke about the importance of NCABS and its purpose today. She explains that the organization is important for three main reasons: cultural awareness, history, and entertainment. She continued, “We tell stories from our culture, from Africa to historical stories to people who made an impact in the culture.”

Today, the world has been shaken by a large-scale pandemic that has forced the storytellers to adapt to the times. Even during the pandemic though, the storytellers can get their voices heard. Now, many storytellers can get a chance to recite their stories through Zoom for various groups and companies. Burnette informed us that, “Companies all over the triangle, especially insurance and computer companies, call on us.” It is great to see that the hard times have not slowed down the impact this organization and its members can have.

Of course, there is another side to this coin. The nation has been drenched in racial tension for a long time now and Burnette speaks of the importance of storytelling to influence the younger generation. “There are many schools that call on us to do storytelling in all grade levels.” This interest that the younger generation seems to have in this tradition is vital for the community as it helps them connect to their culture.

Burnette, aside from being the President of NCABS, is also a storyteller. She tells us that each storyteller has their unique style, and many are inspired by figures of the past. For Burnette, that inspiration comes from Zora Neale Hurston who was a premier storyteller from the Harlem renaissance. Burnette was inspired by the ability that Hurston had to not only entertain but also inform, and this ability has translated on to her in her storytelling which is unique and powerful in its own right.

Similarly, Mitch Capel, a storyteller with NCABS has his inspirations. Hailing from Southern Pines, he has been a part of NCABS since 1988, traveling across the country and reciting his stories. His style of storytelling, which he refers to as, “Sto’etry” is a mix of storytelling and poetry. This style is inspired by the works of Ohio-born poet, Paul Laurence Dunbar.

Capel believes that storytelling is, “especially important for the next generation to teach them morals and values for the community.” He strongly believes that oral tradition is far greater than written as there is more of a connection to older generations. He still has events to participate in with a Zoom event coming up with a company based out of San Diego. This goes to show the reach that the organization truly has.

Another great storyteller, and one that may be familiar to many people in the area, is Willa Bingham. A tremendous storyteller and poet, she is known to incorporate various music, poetry, and moral stories in her storytelling process giving her an utterly unique and distinguished voice. Her style of storytelling is geared towards educating children. In her own words, “I choose stories that have a message, that teach a lesson.”

Aside from being a proud member of NCABS, she also has two Emmy awards for her time on WRAL when she hosted a talk show where she would recite stories to children, a truly great accomplishment. In fact, one part of that show has heavily influenced her own storytelling. A section called “Tell a Story” where children would call in to tell the listeners their own story was later adapted into a type of call and response attribute associated with Bingham’s storytelling. She informed me of how she would get the children involved in not only the storytelling process but also the story-making process. 

Today, she has adapted her home kitchen to serve as a studio as she continues to host stories over Zoom for an audience. Her skills in storytelling and in entertaining are simply breathtaking and her ability to captivate and capture the attention of kids is something that has very much worked in her favor as a storyteller. Moreover, her attitude towards making stories an educating moment for children is admirable as it allows the kids to grow as humans, learning morals and valuable life lessons. 

The NC Association of Black Storytellers is not slowing down by any means. They are proud of their culture and are performing an honorable tradition to keep storytelling alive and have been featured multiple times on NPR stations, including a series called “A Season’s Griot” which celebrates old African traditions that are being preserved today. They regularly perform during the NC Juneteenth Celebrations and have sold out the National Black Theatre Festival held in Winston Salem whenever they have attended They are hopeful that they will be able to showcase their tradition at this year’s festival as well. 

The NC Association of Black Storytellers thus performs an important duty of preserving this tradition of storytelling. Along with the National Association and all of its affiliates, the tradition of storytelling is far from dying out and the strength and support they get from the community are awe-inspiring. 

For more information, please visit www.ncabstellers.org/