Short Bio Statements

Comments

The StoryMan has received wonderful comments from story listeners over the years. Here's a sample of what has been said.

You represent what the power of language and music can do to capture children's imaginations and hold their attention."

I have seen many, many storytellers, but none with your ability to engage the spontaneity in children and hold their attention."

". . .Yes, you do affirm the children; and you encourage the adults."

"Excellent artist. True professional. Captivating."

"I thank the creator for you. . ."

. . . A Griot's Griot . . .

Baba Jamal Koram is a storyteller in the African American Griotic Traditions

Called a storyteller’s storyteller, and a Griot's Griot he continues to travel across the nation sharing his stories and his presence with thousands of school children and their families. Baba Jamal holds the B.A., M.S. and Ed.S. degrees, and is married and the proud father of children, grand children, and godchildren.

This master storyteller uses his stories to inspire, encourage, and to uplift the positive growth of our children and in our communities.

He has said:

“My South Carolina great grandmother Mary would say to her grandchildren, “Bring me a cool glass of water, and I’ll tell you a story. Then she would proceed to tell them one of those traditional African American Gullah stories, about Bruh Rabbit or one of the many folkloric characters. . . I follow in her storytelling footsteps. . .Call me if you have a cool glass of spring water.”

Profile of the StoryMan: Baba Jamal Koram, Ed.S.

Baba Jamal Koram the StoryMan is storytelling performance, storytelling products, storytelling events, and storytelling organizations.

The StoryMan represents the best in storytelling innovation, creativity and folkloric culture. He is distinguished in upholding storytelling traditions across a broad spectrum of cultures. At the 28th annual TESOL Conference (Teachers of English as a Second Language) he held 600 professionals spellbound with his presentation. This was written about him. "As a seasoned Griot, Jamal Koram captivates and energizes his audience with tales from the African Diaspora. Because of his unique focus on spirit and culture, Jamal Koram serves as a medium of African Folklore."

Baba Jamal has serves as a consultant, counselor, educator and friend for countless youth and for many schools, youth programs which have included Boys and Girls Clubs, TRIO Programs, and the African Heritage Education/Sankofa Drumming Camps for Boys. He is married and is the father of six children. Born in Greenburgh, NY, Baba Jamal credits his interest in African/American studies to John Harmon of White Plains, NY. "One of my truest mentors, however, was my foster mother, Maude Miller who, when I was ten years old, hugged my soul and helped heal the hole in my spirit."

Memberships and Affiliations

Baba Jamal Koram has received the B.A., M.S., and Ed.S. degrees and in addition to storytelling performances for youth and adults, conducts Residency programs and Workshops for Community Organizations, School Districts, Museums, Library Systems, Colleges and Special Programs. He is a cultural arts specialist, and is a member/supporter of the following organizations:

National Association of Black Storytellers, Inc.,

Alexandria Society for the Preservation of Black Heritage,

Fauquier County Historical Society, Inc.

Keepers of the Culture, Inc.,

Griots' Circle of Maryland,

North Carolina Association of Black Storytellers,

National Black Child Development Association, Inc.,

The Afro-American Historical Association of Fauquier County,

National Storytelling Network

Virginia Black Storytellers (ViRBS)

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