Is Fort Worth Home?

Yes, and I am Texas born and raised in Houston's "Fifth Ward." A prodigal at heart, I joined the military for over a decade. I traveled the world visiting five of the seven continents, while attending colleges and universities worldwide, and finally settling down in "Funkytown" (Fort Worth).I am my mother's prodical son always wondering what was beyond todays sunset. I draw from this rich bank of experiences for my stories.

Do You Only Work in Texas?

No, I have performed in Arizona, New Mexico, Arkansas, and Kansas. Have stories, will travel. During my wandering years I worked all over doing a little of everything. Although Texas is home I still love the thrill of a new place, a new experience. During my travels in storytelling I  have slept in tents, a bunkhouse. on a houseboat and a few trailers. I hope to return to the Islands one day, and take another shot at that mountain in Alaska too.

You Say You are a Griot, What is That?

The village storyteller, keeper of history and legend. This aspect of black culture was lost to the Americans as a result of the middle passage, where the language, history, and culture of a people were eradicated by an oppressor. I am recreating the art form and reinserting it into the urban village of today. As a Contemporary American Griot I represent you, when I sit among the griots of Africa they don't ask me about Africa they ask me "Hey Decee tell me a story about the Hood?". Now we can thank MTV, VH1 and BET for that, because all the worlds sees of us is the "hood' but we are more than that and it my job to tell our stories and learn theirs in turn and share them all. And as we are a country of many cultures and peoples my stories reflect that. Umoja Unity  the fingers come together to create the power of the fist, but the closed hand cannot give or recieve. This is what I do.

How?

I use stories to teach and motivate, especially pre-teen and teenagers. My work with at-risk kids has been recognized by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Center for substance abuse prevention and public health service. In 2004 my work with at-risk kids was recognized by the Presidental Committee on Art and Humanities.Over the years I have worked with the I HAVE A DREAM FOUNDATION, the STOP THE VIOLENCE programs of the 90's and others. You can deal with problems with bullets or seeds;bullets tear and rend the flesh, but seeds planted grow and change from within good seeds bring forth good fruit but beware bad seeds rot the meat. My stories are the seeds I sow.

What Kind of Stories?

Myths, legends, fables, folklore, and history can be fun, exciting, and educational .My stories run the gambit; Western tales about my favorite "woman of the old West" My heroes growing up and why; like Dr Daniel H. Williams, African Dilemma tales that  stimulate critical thinking,  Ghost Stories, Trickster tales, personal stories from The Urban Griot's rich experiences, and more,stories to entertain, inform,  and stimulate the imagination of students.

Are They Age Appropriate?

Yes, and I can construct stories around current classroom activities from elementary to college level. Stories are designed to invite childern and young adults to read more about history, myths, folklore and just for fun. I have develped  orginal stories that entertain as well increase their curiosity about people places and events. For the little guys lots of fun with audience participation. My college programs are primarily for Lib. Science  and Education Majors on the Art of Storytelling; TAAS and TEKS, and The Griots Way, the Oral Historian Today.

Can I Afford You?

Yes, contact me and let's talk. I work hard to be user friendly, and would rather be spreading my laurels than sitting on them.I prefer whole days at schools, but will split a day if the schools are close. My fees average under 600.00 flat rate depending on location, method of travel, if you want my display of world artifacts (i.e. drums African masks and insturments), sound system. Also are you a Public Lib., afterschool program, classroom, etc... So many factors( i.e a public library within 50 miles round trip with musical instruments 30 to 60mins program 175.00 flat rate or 150.00 plus gas and mileage) Schools can get as many as  programs a day as needed usually between 4 and 6. So call or email me with what you need or want. In today's economic climate we must work together.

What About Festivals?

Love them! Point me at a stage, pull the trigger and BANG! It's time to have some fun. I have performed at the Texas Folklife Festival, CrabFest, George West Storyfest, Kwanzaafest,Main Street Arts Fest FwTx, and the Texas Storytelling Festival. In addition I have been the featured teller at Juneteeth programs statewide, the Squatty Pines, Houston Storytelling festival, Storytellers of the High Plains, and most recently The Texas Librarians Associations Confrence in Houston. I love the festival scene, the interaction with the crowd, the music, the food, the whole shooting match, from the more traditional to the "off the hook" celebration. I'm at home.

What Are Curriculum Based Programs?

These are programs to support lesson development, including Texas history, the Civil War, and African history (these are really popular).Storytelling supports language arts, social studies, math and science. As a Artist in Education I understand and encourage other artists to learn the applicible TEKS for their craft, this insures that your visit is not just fun and entertaining, but a welcome addition to the learning experience. At all grade levels

What Do You Tell At-Risk Kids?

Stories that reinforce what they already know, believe or not, about communication, respect, sharing, etc. The life skills, when applied, have helped others like themselves overcome major obstacles in life.You have value, if I took a 20.00 dollar bill and offered it to you but before I gave it to you I crumpled it up , stepped on it, smeared it with mud you would still want it because you recognize the value...You have value!....Regardless of your background.They need to hear this from us as educators, counselers, caregivers, parents, responsible adults.

Email Decee at cornishdecee@aol.com