By Ericka Alston Buck, Particular to The AFRO
In a vibrant celebration of African-American tradition and storytelling, the Waxter Middle in Baltimore just lately hosted an occasion to honor griot Edna Lawrence-Williams for her excellent achievement within the artwork of storytelling.
Affectionately generally known as Grandmother Edna, Lawrence-Williams was awarded the celebrated Chesapeake Related Press Broadcasters Affiliation First Place Award for Excellent Use of Sound for her work on “The Griot” at WEAA 88.9 FM positioned at Morgan State College.
The occasion, held on the Waxter Senior Middle on Cathedral Road, was a joyous event full of music, storytelling, drumming and group fellowship. Lawrence-Williams, together with fellow Black storytellers, got here collectively to rejoice the wealthy heritage of griot storytelling and pay homage to the legacy of “Mom Griot,” Mary Carter Smith.
Smith, a beloved determine within the African-American group, was famend for her dedication to preserving and sharing the oral traditions of African-American tradition. As a griot, she served as a keeper of historical past, passing down tales from era to era and making certain that the voices of her ancestors had been heard and honored.
Lawrence-Williams mentioned the significance of griot storytelling can’t be overstated. “It’s a custom that dates again centuries in African cultures, the place griots performed an important function in preserving the collective reminiscence of their communities.”
She added, “By storytelling, griots imparted knowledge, shared values and preserved cultural heritage, creating a way of continuity and connection throughout generations.”
On the celebration, attendees had been handled to an array of storytelling performances, drumming, and a lightweight lunch of varied sandwiches, fruits and cheese. Representatives from organizations such because the Nationwide Affiliation of Black Storytellers and the Black Storytellers of Western Maryland had been current, highlighting the widespread impression of griot storytelling throughout the nation.
In her remarks on the occasion, Lawrence-Williams emphasised the significance of the griot custom in sustaining thriving communities. “And not using a griot, a storyteller, our communities won’t thrive,” she mentioned, echoing the feelings of generations of griots who’ve handed down their information and knowledge by means of the artwork of storytelling.
Because the griot custom continues to evolve and adapt within the fashionable world, Lawrence-Williams mentioned “occasions like these function important reminders of its enduring significance.”
