Speakers & Performers

A note to program planners: Always request references and check other sources to determine if a speaker/performer is appropriate for your needs. Contact your local library for additional speakers in your area.

Listings are open to anyone who gives performances or presentations related to African American history and culture. Click here to learn how you can be listed .

Gaye ADEGBALOLA http://www.adegbalola.com

Founding member of Saffire ~ the Uppity Blues Women and W.C. Handy Award winner, Adegbalola has toured and performed around the world. She has recorded 7 CDs with Saffire, two solo CD's, "Bitter Sweet Blues" and "Neo-Classic Blues" and one instructional video, "Learn to Sing the Blues." Adegbalola, former Virginia State Teacher of The Year, also presents workshops about The History of Women in the Blues. Classic blues women of the 1920's and 30's provide the only documented history of black working class women ~ women who were unashamed to lay their souls bare and unafraid to give advice. Adegbalola incorporates video clips, audio clips, live performance and lecture into this dynamic presentation that can be crafted to fit any group or any length. Additional programs include "Civil Rights and Wrongs" and "Gay Rights vs. Civil Rights ­ The Similarities and the Differences
."

For more information, please contact Suzanne at Hot Toddy Music. sumoe@sumoe.com

American Anti-Slavery Group http://www.iabolish.org/

"If you think slavery ended in 1865...think again." Slaves around the world are still producing many items we take for granted, such as chocolate. The American Anti-Slavery Group has been spreading the word for years, and has speakers available, including Mr. Francis Bok, a 22-year-old who escaped from slavery in the Sudan, and Mr. Jay Williams, a Harvard student who helped liberate thousands.

Karima Amin

Karima Amin a dedicated educator, consultant, and published author from Buffalo, NY who works as a full-time professsional storyteller. She tells stories and conducts workshops for children and adults throughout the U.S. and Southern Ontario, Canada. She is well-known for her warm, engaging style. Recognized for her contributions to education, performing arts, and community service, her bio appears in WHO'S WHO AMONG AFRICAN AMERICANS

Dr. Ysaye Marie Barnwell http://www.ymbarnwell.com/

A member of Sweet Honey in the Rock, Ysaye leads several workshops, including "Building a Vocal Community: Singing in the African American Tradition." Her website includes information about booking as well as her publications. I have attended two of her workshops and recommend them highly. She's based in Washington DC but travels widely.

Bijan C. Bayne1300 Monroe St., N.E., Washington, DC, 20017 (202) 832-5562.

Bijan C. Bayne writes travel features, book reviews, editorials, sports history and profiles of historical figures. Bayne co-wrote the chapter "Not Just Black" in the book Between Race and Empire. He will speak on Black semi-pro baseball in Boston and New England (1920-1950)at the national conference of the Society for Baseball Research (SABR)in Boston June 2002.
Bayne has taught feature writing courses at Prince George's Community College's Continuing Education program,and at The Writer's Center in Bethesda, Md. His chapter on early Black baseball in North Carolina appears in the new book Baseball in the Carolinas. In July 2002 he will speak on the struggle of the Latin American ballplayer at the Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum in Cooperstown, N.Y. Visit his website/blog

Beyond Black History Month: The African American Studies Toolkit An Internet Workshop for Educators, with Gerri Gribi

Using the Internet students can travel the Underground Railroad, listen to the "Negro National Anthem," explore art work by African American painters and even find a recipe for traditional yellow raisin rice.

Gerri Gribi is the creator of BEYOND BLACK HISTORY MONTH: THE AFRICAN AMERICAN STUDIES TOOLKIT featured in NEA Today and selected as School Library Journal's "Site of the Week." She'll take you on a tour of the best sites for history, visual arts, music, language arts, math and science, and will help you connect with lesson plans, activities and resources appropriate to your grade level.

BluesWorks , Judy Luis-Watson & Paul Watson     http://www.bluesworksband.biz/ Contact Judy for more information bluesworks@aol.com

Founded in 1991 and based in the DC Metro area, BluesWorks' music is a tasty gumbo of a variety of American blues with a dash of jazz and world rhythms. Co-founders Judy Luis-Watson & Paul Watson are touring musicians with a passion for playing music that is rooted in the blues and for sharing the cultural stories behind the music. Paul is a virtuoso on the harmonica and is one of the rare blues mandolin players performing today, drawing inspiration from the legendary Howard Armstrong. Judy puts fire and soul into her mastery of the piano. Seasoned teachers and workshop leaders, they perform as a duo and as a larger ensemble with renowned area musicians. BluesWorks also offers special programs for a wide range of audiences, from school children to college students and general audiences that include: the interactive Blues Songs and Rhythms, the multimedia Blues Connection: The Music, Stories, and Pictures of Legendary Blues Artists, and a Tribute Concert to Thomas A. Dorsey featuring his hokum blues and gospel music.  

Brother Moses http://www.Quietfiretheater.org (301) 390 0392

Brother Moses has appeared throughout the country as Dr Martin Luther King and uses Dr King's voice to recreate his speeches and sermons. He was the first to re inact Dr Kings "I have a dream speech" on Capital Hill, before both houses at the rally to make Dr King's birthday a national holiday.   He also does a one man show called "Let Freedom Ring - The life and times of Dr Martin Luther King." The show features songs, speeches and re-creations of events and characters in Dr King's life from his birth to his untimely death.

Dred

Mildred Gerestant, aka Dred is a Haitian-American, activist, gender-illusionist, actor, and women-loving woman. She brings to life funky soulful characters such as Shaft, Sly Stone, Grace Jones, Busta Rhymes, Puff daddy, etc. and has performed all over the world. She hopes to create more awareness and acceptance of people who are considered "the minority" or "different" - mainly people of the Women, People of Color, Lesbian, Gay, Bi, and Transgendered communities.

AMY FREEMAN, POET AND MOTIVATIONAL SPEAKER - http://www.amyfreeman.net

Amy Freeman is a poet, writer and motivational speaker who has enlightened audiences across the country. Whether it's encouraging students to complete their education, inspiring the next generation or just a positive word, she's an uplifting addition to any event. Her multi-faceted background includes a M.S. degree in Architectural Engineering as well as poetry featured in ESSENCE Magazine. Her satire, education and common sense will leave your listeners laughing and seeing the positive side of themselves.

Michelle Goodwine, Entrepreneur and Professional Speaker Contact: (518) 465-1266 or at mgoodwine@rmlassociates.net

As an entrepreneur and professional speaker, Michelle is an expert on human resources, diversity, business, technology, and educational issues. Described by those who have experienced her talks as energetic, enthusiastic, and most importantly, enlightening, Michelle has presented at workshops, seminars, and conferences throughout America. Michelle also writes two monthly website review columns for African American publications, and is currently writing Cultivating Connections, a book about how to maintain your professional network. Currently she is completing her Ph. D. in Public Administration at Rockefeller College, where she also received her MPA. Michelle received her undergraduate degree from Howard University.

Harlem Gospel Choir on Tour, Inc. Contact Allen Bailey, Founder harlemgospelchoir@yahoo.com (917) 696-3067

I've had the joy of hearing the Harlem Gospel Choir perform...in fact, I even got to join them on stage for a song! The choir was founded in 1986 by Allen Bailey, and is first and foremost a ministry. They strive to bring about a better understanding of the African American culture as it relates to the Black Church and the inspirational music called Gospel. Believe me...if they can get a crowd of 300 people on their feet singing and shouting in Green Bay Wisconsin during -9 degree weather, they can do it anyplace! They have several CDs of live performances, and you can also find their tour schedule at the Harlem Gospel Choir Web Site.

Keith D. Hart http://www.kingsandqueensofafrica.com/

An elementary educator for seventeen years, and a professional musician for over twenty years, Keith Hart creates a combination that embellishes children's lives. King and Queens of Africa is a lesson in American history about the African-American experience. It's message is universal, and will be enjoyed by young, old, and has multi-cultural appeal. Other programs are also available.

Haverford Singers Contact: Mr. Barrington C. Davidson (215)879-1814.

The Haverford Singers, under the direction of Barrington C. Davidson, is a versatile and talented choral group from Pennsylvania, Delaware and New Jersey. They have performed in the United States and the Caribbean Islands. They offer an outstanding repertoire, which features Negro Spirituals and traditional choral works from the classical and baroque periods i.e., Vivaldi's Gloria, Bach's Magnificat, Camille Saint Saens' Christmas Oratorio and American contemporary compositions.

The Healing Force http://www.thehealingforceonline.com/

Based in Winston-Salem NC, The Healing Force presents African culture through storytelling, music, dance, and exhibition. Their most popular presentation, "The Rhythm of the Drum" is a lively, colorful (stage props, bright garments, and over 30 instruments) celebration in which audiences become enthusiastic participants! The performances, residencies, and workshops are suitable for schools, churches, festivals, libraries, and more.

Meisha Herron http://www.geocities.com/bsharpcmusic

African-American woman folk-jazz singer/songwriter, sings warm, earthy, poetic songs with acoustic guitar.  Her songs are personal and universal stories and she promotes positivity, awareness and community.  Meisha has a unique voice and sound that appeals to a wide range of folks. To book Meisha, please contact: bsharpcmusic@yahoo.com.  She is currently promoting her latest CD.

M'Zuri Invites You To Learn About Fanny Lou Hamer http://www.mzurisings.com

mZuri singer, actresss and writer, co-star of the hit film Sankofa stars in a one woman show on the life of Fannie Lou Hamer. The show is one hour and fifteen minutes long. It tells a stirring story of the great civil rights leader in poetry prose and songs from the movement as well as gospel and spirituals.

Kate Clifford Larson, Ph.D., Historian and Author. http://www.harriettubmanbiography.com

Author of Bound For The Promised Land: Harriet Tubman, Portrait of an American Hero. Ballantine Books, December 2003. Based on years of intensive research in archives, libraries, court houses, and private collections, accessing hundreds of never-before-used letters, diaries, journals, interviews, court and municipal records, Bound For The Promised Land offers a fresh new look at Harriet Tubman, revealing many new details about one of America's most famous women. Bound highlights new information about Tubman's life in slavery, her family, the actual people Tubman rescued from bondage, her John Brown relationship, her Civil War work, and her suffrage and humanitarian activism after the War. Available for lectures.

JOANNA MADDOX www.joannamaddox.com Joanna@joannamaddox.com 678-522-5915 Fax 770-431-1864

Combining her musical and acting talents, Joanna "truly becomes the characters she portrays." Joanna Maddox actress/singer/storyteller is known for dramatic portrayals of historical Black women, such as Marian Anderson, Wilma Rudolph, Bessie Coleman, Mae Jemison, and Madam CJ Walker. In "Raising a President, the story of Rachel Clark and Jimmy Carter," Joanna portrays Rachel Clark the black woman was one of the most influential people in Jimmy Carter's life. She helped raise the little boy who would become our 39th President.

From "A Journey to Freedom with Harriet Tubman, to "A Bus Ride with Rosa Parks," to "Life Lessons from the Divas," motivational edutainment as Joanna sings, impersonates and pays tribute to Tina Turner, Diana Ross and Whitney Houston. Availability: National

Jolene McLean, Contermporary Gospel Recording Artist Contact: (518) 465-1266 or at mgoodwine@rmlassociates.net

A veteran, professional vocalist, Jolene has worked with a number of Christian and Gospel music greats, recorded with Reverend Timothy Wright, the National AME Zion Convention Choir, and Wayne E.N. Ireland-Cleghorne; and has performed as a background dinger for Vanessa Bell Armstrong, LaShun Pace and Karen Clark-Sheard. Her talent has afforded her the honor of singing the National Anthem for baseball fans at Shea Stadium. She has performed in the US and abroad, travelling to Japan, Cuba and Canada. Jolene recently released her debut CD, I Live for Him. Samples from the CD can be heard at http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/jolene Jolene is a versatile performer who can sing her contemporary gospel songs as well as perform spirituals and hymns.

Robert V. Morris, Author and Founder, Fort Des Moines Memorial Park 1-888-828-FORT

Robert V. Morris provides an up-close history on black military officers and soldiers from WWI through today and related socio-economic issues. An author, television producer, and entrepreneur , in 1997 he founded the $20 million Fort Des Moines Memorial Park in Iowa set to open in 2003 honoring the U.S. Army's first officer candidate schools open to black men in 1917 and women as part of the WAAC in 1942.

Curtis "Kojo" Morrow

Based in Chicago, Mr. Morrow is a Korean war veteran who served with the all Black Infantry Combat Unit formerly known as the Buffalo Soldiers during its last year of existance. (1869 - 1951) He is the author of a memoir, What's A Commie Ever Done to Black People, a title meant to provoke us to rethink the notion of war. He is one of the early pioneers who helped to reestablished relationships between, Africans on the continent, and African Americans in the Diaspora. He lived in Ghana from 1965 to 1976, during which time he was adopted, lived amongst and was taught the ways of his ancestors by the Ashanti. His book about those experiences is Return of the African American.

He is available for book signings and to speak about his experiences during Black History Month. You can purchase his books at Amazon.com by clicking on the titles.

Reanae McNeal http://www.rmcneal.com 563-328-4702
e:mail reanae@rmcneal.com

Reanae is an international performing artist, award-winning playwright, storyteller, and speaker. She does one-woman plays around African-American women's lives. Ms. McNeal is known for her plays "Don't Speak My Mother's Name In Vain" which deals with the herstory of the sexual assault of African-American women, "Blues Women Don't Wear No Shoes" which deals with social issues and African-American women, and "And Still I Fly" which deals with Breast Cancer and African-American women. She is a powerful storyteller who weaves together African and African-American folktales and stories with singing and the playing of African instruments. Reanae is an awesome lecturer and speaker who interweaves her speaking with stories, poetry, and singing. She has won numerous awards for her art, activism, and speaking around African-American peoples lives

OUTmedia Programs include:

Jewels of the Diaspora: A Concert Celebration of African-American & Jewish Song. Songs of struggle, survival. freedom, and peace from diverse African-American (Gospel, R & B, folk, pop, and jazz) and Jewish sources, sung in english, Hebrew, Ladino (Judeo-Spanish), Yiddish andamharic (Ethiopian).

Diversity Meltdown Tour Featuring Sherri Shepherd, Carlos Oscar, and Jason Stuart. Wait for a nuclear reaction as an African-american woman, Latino man, and a gay Jew churn up the cultural comic heat, and your campus tensions dissolve into side-splitting connections.

Professor Griff - Contact Erik Perry

One of the founding members of the legendary rap group Public Enemy who rose to fame as the "Minister Of Information" and leader of the S1W's (Security Of The First World.) Griff has successfully released 5 powerful,thought-provoking albums including the newly released spoken word project "And The Word Became Flesh." (Available at Amazon.com)

Griff has toured all over the country speaking on topics such as "HipHop and Global Politics", "The State Of HipHop Today,Where Are We At?", and about social ills occuring in the African American Community. He is available for lectures, spoken word performances and MC/Host for college, conferences, correctional facilities,etc. You can get more info at Rapstation.com PublicEnemy.com

Rosie Robinson Storyteller50@aol.com

Rosie is a cultural arts educator whose specialty is one woman historical portrayals, such as the Buffalo Soldier, Sim Webb(Casey Jones fireman) and Big Maybelle Smith. She also conducts children's theater with African Gourd Puppet and does cultural seminars that focus on food and textiles. She lives in Jackson,Tennessee and in 1998 received a Certificate of Merit from the Tennessee Historical Commission.

Roots and Wings - Stories are like Roots to the Past, and Wings to the Future http://www.denisevalentine.com or email to storyteller@denisevalentine.com.
Denise Valentine offers interactive Storytelling Performances and Workshops for children and families, school assemblies and residencies, teacher/professional staff development, and community events. Her themes include:

Stories of Freedom and Hope from African and African American History. Knowledge of the Past, Awareness of how these events have shaped the Present, Hope and Vision for the Future. Stories & Music exploring the Roots of African American Blues & Jazz , Spirituals, Stomps, Shouts, and Work Songs; and Wisdom of the Ages 'Folk Knowledge' Indigenous or 'Traditional' Wisdom applied to today's dilemmas.

Roth Talent Associates http://www.rothtalent.com/

Roth Talent Associates represents speakers for Black History Month including Daymond John, the Founder & CEO of FUBU; Monique Greenwood, Former Editor-in-Chief of Essence; Nick Chiles & Denene Millner, authors of What Brothers Think, What Sistahs Know; Bobby Seale, founder of the Black Panthers; Chuck D of Public Enemy and more.

Sparky & Rhonda Rucker http://www.sparkyandrhonda.com

Sparky and Rhonda Rucker have performed throughout the U.S., singing songs and telling stories from the American tradition. Sparky Rucker has been performing over thirty-five years and is internationally recognized as a leading folklorist, musician, historian, storyteller, and author. Rhonda Rucker is an accomplished harmonica and piano player, and also adds vocal harmonies to their songs. She has developed her own unique style of playing harmonica, which complements their music, whether they are playing railroad songs, Appalachian music, blues, slave songs, Civil War music, gospel, work songs, cowboy music, ballads, or Sparky Rucker's original compositions. I've heard Sparky perform on several occasions - he's great with any age level. Based in DC, Virginia, Maryland area but travels extensively.

Rosemary Sadlier, President,Ontario Black History Society

Author of Leading the Way, Black Women in Canada; Mary Ann Shadd, Publisher, Editor, Teacher, Suffragette, Lawyer; and also Harriet Tubman and the Underground Railroad, her life in the United States and Canada. You can purhcase these books or contact Ms. Sadlier (and other speakers on topics in African-Canadian history) through Ontario Black History Society

Barry Scott (Website under construction: Contact Andy Barton at 615/254-3333)

Scott is the founder and artistic director of the American Negro Playwright Theater located at Tennessee State University in Nashville. He is a scholar/historian of Martin Luther King, Jr. and presents a lecture titled: The Life and Works of Martin Luther King, Jr. In the lecture, Scott recreates several of Dr. King's famous speeches, talks about King's philosophy on nonviolent aggression and assesses the state of race relations today. Scott has also written/directed and starred in a one man play, called "Ain't Got Long To Stay Here" (about King and his life). This play has been performed around the country in performing arts centers.

Slaying the Giant http://www.saundrasmokes.com, SS@saundrasmokes.com or TM Management at (315) 469-6111.

A poignant interactive presentation, which interweaves history with contemporary themes through storytelling, humor and thought-provoking commentary that aims not only to inspire, but to inspire personal change. Presented by Saundra Smokes, the noted former United Features nationally syndicated newspaper columnist and USA Today contributor, who specialized in political and social commentary. Perfect for Black History Month, Women,s History Month, forums, conferences, town-hall meetings, educational events and other commemorations.

Barbara Smith BSM3835992@aol.com Office telephone (518) 454-2891.

The author of HOME GIRLS: A BLACK FEMINIST ANTHOLOGY is available for campus speaking engagements.

Velma Maia Thomas http://www.velmamaiathomas.com/ vmaiathomas@hotmail.com

Award winning author, gifted singer, genealogist, and researcher, Velma "Maia Thomas is a sought after speaker on African-American history and culture. She is the author of four interactive books, including the award winning, Lest We Forget: The Passage from Africa to Slavery and Emancipation (1997), and is the creator of the highly acclaimed Black Holocaust Exhibit at the Shrine of the Black Madonna Bookstore and Cultural Center in Atlanta, Georgia. Velma has been a lecturer and keynote speaker at conferences, libraries, churches, and universities across the country.

Carolyn Quick Tillery, Author, International Speaker & Seminar Leader jackietillery@aol.com or you may call her 661-860-2151

Author of At Freedom's Table and The African-American Heritage Cookbook. African American history, women's history, (especially that of military wives), patriotic themes and Christian teaching on the issues of home and family are her passions. Carolyn Quick Tillery attorney, internationally recognized author and speaker, is the wife of Colonel J.R. Tillery, a career Air Force Officer. A committed criminal prosecuting attorney, Carolyn took a hiatus to follow her husband, raise her family and pursue her life-long love of cooking and writing. Speech topics include: REMEMBER, CELEBRATE, ACT: Martin Luther King, Jr,'s Birthday; CELEBRATING OUR EQUALITY: Brown v. Board of Education; AT FREEDOM'S TABLE: The History and Heritage of Military Wives; GOD'S RATION OF WISDOM FOR MILITARY WIVES: Making a Proverbs Home and Haven; PRESS ON TO THE MARK: Running Our Christian Race to Win!; A WOMAN'S PLACE: Women's History Month

Voices of Africa Choral Ensemble http://members.aol.com/VOAfrica3/Homepage.html

 "We are an Internationally acclaimed, all women's a cappella and percussion ensemble.  We perform a powerfully unique blend of soul-stirring a cappella harmonies and African Percussions.  The  instruments we play are the Sekere (shay-ka-ray), sakara  and samba drums and agogo (double headed bells).  Our music spans the African Diaspora and brings a powerful message about our culture and tradition as African descendant women who dare to play drums. We are available to bring our culturally rich entertainment to your place of business, school, church, university, community center social and/or cultural programs. " Based in Philadelphia.

Bronson Elliott Woods (317) 340-2107, or email: Blackpresident83@yahoo.com

Originally from Indianapolis, IN,  is a UNLV pre-law student, United States Air Force member, youth minister and most of all an Humble servant to the community. He has been speaking for 10yrs across the United States of America. He specializes in k-12 motivational speeches,  A lecture series entitled " Shut Up and Listen." He has been sent in honor of the NAACP to speak at the Pentecostal Assemblies of the World Convention in Chicago, IL 2004 to encourage the 18-25yr olds to register to vote and educate them on the legislative process.  Also, he is a recommendable Black History speaker. He currently resides in Las Vegas, NV, but can go where ever he is sent to uplift a people.

Bob Zellner, Civil Rights Activist (631) 287-5590 BobZellner.com bobzellner@optonline.net

Bob Zellner, whose life has been a roadmap of social responsibility, was among a select group of Americans who were personally recruited by Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. to serve the civil rights movement. As a result of his dedication and courage, he is often described as a civil rights legend. A true scholar, Zellner is an intelligent, articulate and knowledgeable man. He has taught the History of the Civil Rights Movement at Long Island University, lectures throughout the country, and takes an active part in diverse political and social issues.

Class Acts http://www.classactsarts.org/

Bringing quality performing artists to the DC, Virginia, Maryland area. In addition to Sparky Rucker, their roster includes: Kayaga! of Africa East African Music and Dance, Namu Lwanga of Uganda East African Stories, Dance and Song.

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