Recognizing and honoring the National Association of Black Storytellers and Keepers of The Culture, Inc. for hosting the 34th Annual Black Storytelling Festival and Conference in Philadelphia.

WHEREAS, In November 2016, Philadelphia will be the host site for the National Association of Black Storytellers’ 34th Annual Black Storytelling Festival and Conference. This national event is returning to the City of Brotherly Love and Sisterly Affection after 20 years; and

WHEREAS, For more than 33 years, the annual festival and conference has educated and entertained thousands of people across the country, demonstrating how the oral tradition of storytelling continues to be a sustainable method to depict and document the African American experience; and

WHEREAS, Keepers of The Culture, Inc. (KOTC), the only Philadelphia-based storytelling organization committed to sustaining and preserving African and African American folklore, will be co-hosting the festival. KOTC has been producing quality storytelling programs throughout Philadelphia for over 22 years. KOTC is charged with the task of welcoming performers, presenters and attendees from across the nation to our City; and

WHEREAS, The theme for the 2016 Festival and Conference is “The Way We Tell It: Is The Way It Is!”. The event will feature many workshops and presentations, including

adult and youth workshops for professional and aspiring storytellers, scholars’ panel, and a storytelling awards ceremony

; and

WHEREAS, It is projected that in 2016 more than 500 national and international storytellers are expected to attend the festival and conference. These artists will be touring Philadelphia historical sites, patronizing local businesses and performing in area schools, museums and libraries; and

WHEREAS, In 1996, when Philadelphia hosted the 14th Annual “In the Tradition…” Black Storytelling Festival and Conference, the City buzzed about the cultural and literary impact the event had on our schools, libraries, museums and community centers; and

WHEREAS, The National Association of Black Storytellers was founded in Philadelphia and the 34th Annual Black Storytelling Festival and Conference has the potential to greatly impact Philadelphia economically and culturally

;

now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That the Council of the City of Philadelphia, Hereby recognizes and honors the National Association of Black Storytellers and Keepers of The Culture, Inc. for hosting the 34th Annual Black Storytelling Festival and Conference in Philadelphia.

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