"In the Tradition..."  31st Annual National
   Black Storytelling Festival and Conference

"Connecting with Our Youth: One Voice...Many Stories!"

November 6-10, 2013

Crowne Plaza Hampton-Marina
700 Settlers Landing Road
Hampton Virginia

Featured Tellers:

Highlights

• HAMPTON AFRICAN-AMERICAN TOUR - You will begin with a visit to the Hampton History Museum where early Hampton’s history is told. Next, a visit to Fort Monroe wherein lies Port Comfort, the place where in 1619, Africans stepped on Virginia’s soil and also was later a haven for contraband during the Civil War. Libation of remembrance along the James River is a must! Finally, a stop at Hampton University’s Harvey Library where you’ll view the work of African American muralist John Biggers. While on campus, you’ll end the tour by honoring those Indian, African-American and education ancestors who are buried on the grounds of the University.
• OPENING GALA & MOTHER MARY CARTER SMITH LOVE CIRCLE - The official opening of the 31st Annual National Black Storytelling Festival & Conference. A storytelling “olio” featuring a sample from our talented concert tellers fills the playbill…culminating with our cherished Mary Carter Smith Love Circle!
• STORYTELLING CONCERTS - An array of the finest and best in the Black Storytelling world!
• AKWABAA GAT HERING - First-Time attendees, New Members and Old-Timers gather to learn how to get the most out of their Festival & Conference experience and as a member of NABS!
• Learn the art of Black Storytelling - Adult and youth workshops for professional and aspiring storytellers - Storyteller Interactive Workshops
• NEW!! WORKSHOP FORMATS – One-hour, GROUP interactive storytelling skills for all registrants! Also, one-hour morning workshops to stimulate, gain storytelling knowledge and make you a better storyteller!
• Network with others interested in preserving the African and African American oral tradition
• VILLAGE TELLIN’ - Members of our fourteen affiliates share their unique regional storytelling style and art among other works of art throughout the Hampton University Museum!
• AFRICAN AMERICAN MARKETPLACE with African imports, Afro-centric wearable art, African American literature, Black art, Karamu Corner, craft demonstrations and intriguing wares. Meet featured tellers and purchase their recordings and writings.
  
• AUCTION – A ticketed auction AND a Live Auction!
• YOUTH & ADULT LIARS’ CONTEST - Always a must-attend event! The Youth are, finally, given a chance to be awarded for telling a lie…Adults take an opportunity to fabricate as always!
  
• Hours of Black Storytelling for story listeners
• NEW!!! The first LINDA JENKINS BROWN NIA AWARD – Awarded for commitment, work ethic and dedication that promotes and embodies the vision, mission, and spirit of NABS.