User:MamaEdie1

Hello, I am often called Mama Edie (pronounced "EE-dee"). I live in Chicago and have been a professional bilingual (Spanish/English) storyteller and percussionist for many years, presently serving as the Membership Chair of the National Association of Black Storytellers, based in Baltimore, MD.

One of my several passions is learning more about cultural history, especially that of children of African descent who have been dispersed throughout the world. Through my storytelling and music, I attempt to inspire people to learn what they can about EACH of their own respective lineages, no matter what culture(s) they claim; to lovingly embrace their connections to them all; and to manifest their talents/gifts for the upliftment and greater good of all people. I have a particular interest in Continental Africans, African American Indians and Afro-Latinos. Being of West African, Seminole, Cherokee and Italian ancestry, I somehow also developed at the age of 9 a fascination for India. With studies in Hinduism beginning in 1979, I was happy for the opportunity to finally have been invited to perform in Bangalore, India a few years ago for the joint celebration of the 25th anniversary of the Art of Living Institute and the 50th birthday of its founder, Sri Sri Ravi Sankar. Although I was raised as a Roman Catholic and will at times share Christian stories, I also enjoy sharing stories from Vedic scriptures, and from other spiritual traditions as well. Having studied several, each has blessed me in its own way. I enjoy singing songs in Sanskrit, Cherokee, Spanish and various African languages. (Hmm... I suppose I should mention that I enjoy singing them in English too. :)

As a speech and language pathologist, percussionist and storyteller, I've come to accept that, through music, stories, workshops, and everyday conversation, one of my primary missions - if not my primary mission - is to assist people in connecting in healthy ways, even within themselves. I believe that when people learn what there is to be proud of, which helps us to appreciate who we are as individuals and as part of a cultural group, it has an impact on one's confidence and self-esteem. It can open our eyes, and even doors, better allowing us to see all kinds of possibilities, and to pursue without fear, contributing great things to the world. And when we can learn a healthy appreciation for our connections to each other, we're less likely to want to hurt others and we don't find the need to put each other down. I have learned that when we find the need to make others feel small, we're actually reflecting how small we feel and how small we are inside.

Inspired by the work of people such as Malidoma Some' and Sobonfu Some' of Burkina Faso, Ivan Van Sertima, Franz Fanon, Khalil Gibran, Rumi and many others, I am interested now in learning more about and connecting with a man by the name of Nomad Winterhawk, an African Native American in California. He has published an appreciable accounting of historical information related to the indigenous people of this country, of centuries-old African and Asian arrivals, and their related multi-ethnic connections and contributions toward civilization.

I would appreciate any information our readers may have that may be related to any of the areas described above. In the meantime, I wish you peace and many blessings.

Warm regards, Mama Edie, the Storyteller