Presidents Report 

Black Storytellers of San Diego Inc. was founded in 1999 by Dr.  Annjennette Sophie McFarlin.  It was the first affiliate of the National Association of Black Storytellers, Inc. (NABS) west of the Mississippi River. The mission of Black Storytellers of San Diego (BSSD) is to promote storytelling through education and entertainment, to inspire through the power of the word, to keep African culture and tradition alive and connected from past to present through the telling and teaching of stories. BSSD has performed for various institutions and groups. While challenges take a back seat to triumphs, BSSD continues to gain traction and momentum. We continue to strive for funding opportunities yet look forward to achieving a great year.In 2016 we proudly continued to featured storytelling for all occasions, stories that:

Relate to the audience Relate to historical events Provide audience participation Are original and familiar Are about families and age appropriate Present various themes and genres of literature Represent folktales, tall tales, and folklore 

 BSSD Activities from July 1, 2016, to June 30, 2017, included the following:

1.    July 16th, 2016 11 am - 6 pm--- 2nd Annual Diamond District Street Festival Market Street & Euclid Avenue in front of the Malcolm X Library – Attendance 120

 

2.    July 19th, 2016 --- Southland Community School in Imperial Beach--- (Court School Performances) Attendance 90

 

 

3.    September 24th, 2016 --Kickoff to the Big Read-- Silver Sparrow! Malcolm X Library-- 12:30--2:30 Attendance 25 

4.    October 8th, 2016 –Sister Locks Lodge- Silver Sparrow Author’s performance (Pink Fox Salon)-3:00--5:00 pm Attendance 60 

5.    October 13th, 2016 – Silver Sparrow Book Discussion and performance. BSSD members @ Barnes and Nobles Oceanside, CA.  Attendance 45 

6.    October 15th, 2016 – Freedom Riders Film & Silver Sparrow Book Discussion --Elementary Institute of Science- 4:30 pm. Attendance 75 

7.    October 16, 2016--- The Black Storytellers of San Diego hosted a fantastic book-signing event with the award-winning author, Tayari Jones at the Malcolm X Library-Valencia Park Branch! Jones discussed her critically acclaimed book:  "Silver Sparrow" and also mesmerized the audience while reading excerpts from her novel. The event also included music by Lisa Sanders, guitarist and a special musical selection by Esther Anthony-Thomas Wesley Thomas. The evening culminated with a special book signing by the author. The full-house event included students, instructors, professors, parents and community members. The event was tremendously enjoyed by all! Attendance 200 

 

8.    October 17th, 2016 –Silver Sparrow author visits Morse High School -7:00 a.m. Attendance 200 

9.    October 21st, 2016 --New Song Community Church, Oceanside, Silver Sparrow Book discussion with Delta Sigma Theta – Attendance 20 

10. September 5th, 2016 University of San Diego Dare to Dream. BSSD had a fantastic performance to encourage African American Youth to Dare to Dream to attend college. Attendance 100 

11. November 15, 2016--Barnes & Noble Oceanside, Silver Sparrow Book discussion. Attendance 10 

12. Saturday, November 12 at 2 PM, Silver Sparrow Book Discussion and performance at BSSD member Esther Pearson’s home in Chula Vista.  Esther and Linda represented BSSD and brought both Ami and Linda's friend-since-kindergarten Loraine.  Attendance 20 

13. The National Association of Black Storytellers (NABS) presented the prestigious Brother Blue Circle of Elders Award to charter member Elder Florence Edmunds. The award ceremony was held in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania on November 1, 2016, at NABS 34th Annual Storytelling Festival & Conference. Ms. Flo was born in Philadelphia and had not been home prior to this event for more than three (3) decades! Ms. Flo is a current member of Black Storytellers of San Diego (BSSD). The event was very well attended and filled with entertainment and activities! Attendance 100 

14. February 9, 2017. BSSD performed and provided a soul food meal at Rachel's Center for women survivors of domestic violence. Attendance 20  

15. February 18, 2017. The Oak Park Library Performance - African American History- Harriet Tubman themed stories, songs, actors, and storytellers were all incredible. The inner city library enjoyed amazing lessons and artistry. Attendance 60 

16. Kuumba Fest February 2017.  Black Storytellers of San Diego, Inc. was a key supporter to bring our Elder our Sister Sonia Sanchez to San Diego.  Kudos to BSSD, Inc.! Sanchez was wonderful, as always, and gave the audience a good dose of his/her story--starting with a roll call of image makers past and present. She also gave us an invitation to try for one-week--in summary to be kind and say kind things to one another--no negatives.  For all of us, our children and grandchildren who did or will experience--at the college level--what is known as Black Studies--we thank her--a foremother of the discipline (founded/started at San Francisco State University)  Black Studies was the first/laid the foundation--all others followed--Women's Studies, Latino, and Chicano Studies, Native American Studies, Asian-American Studies, Gender Studies.  At 80+ years old--she has not lost her spirit or passion to speak up and speak out!  Attendance 250  

17. February 25, 2017. Spring Valley Library Karamu Fest featured the Black Storytellers of San Diego.  Each part of the presentation was wonderful!   Esther Anthony-Thomas’s piece allowed everyone's talents to be used.  Gwen Chamberlain’s Yasmina story kept everybody intrigued.   Linda Browns reading was perfect.  Wesley Thomas’ drumming and singing brought life to this wonderful story!  Ami Brown’s voice was a beautiful addition to the performance.  Dr. Barbara’s musical story was enjoyed by young and old.  Attendance 200 

18. April 1, 2017-- San Diego Central Library, Words to Go Collaborators. Esther Anthony-Thomas represented BSSD in a collaborative countywide effort to increase literacy through creation and performance of storytelling for inner-city youth. Attendance 25 

19. April 28, 2017--BSSD Elder Linda Brown along with BSSD Youth Ami and Kaniya attended and performed at the South Coast Storytellers Workshop Story Swap.  Attendance 40 

20. June 17, 2017 @ 9:00am. Juneteenth Celebration in Oceanside.  OJ Mozon & Almina Mozon, BSSD Tellers, sang and shared stories to support the North County NAACP Juneteenth Celebration in San Diego County.  Attendance 150 

21. June 24, 2017@10:00 am. San Diego County Fair Creative Youth Tent.  BSSD Elders and Youth Tellers took the stage with drumming, songs, and stories to engage youth and adult attendees. Attendance 50 

22. June 24, 2017 @ 7:00 pm. The World Beat Center- Gwen Chamberlain read a proclamation written by BSSD Elder T Ford. This proclamation from BSSD was read in honor of one of our Friends of BSSD who made her transition about a month ago! The memorial service was a collaborative effort of Mesa College Black Studies Department, community activists, and family! It was very well-planned and attended. Many good memories were shared through poetry and song! Attendance 100   

Performance Totals-- July 1, 2016, to June 30, 2017 Total of 22 eventsTotal of 1960 attendee’s  (Please note that BSSD’s performs on an academic calendar year.)

  List of Members 

1.    Mrs. Esther Anthony-Thomas, President

2.    Mr. O.J. Mozon, Vice- President

3.    Dr. Almena Lowe Mozon, Treasurer

4.    Ms. Gwendolyn Chamberlain, Secretary

5.    Momma Florence Edwards, Charter member

6.    Dr. Theresa Ford, Charter member

7.    Elder Linda Brown, Former President

8.    Ms. Aminatta Brown, Youth Member

9.    Mr. Wesley Thomas, Drummer

10. Mrs. Esther Pearson

11. Ms. Evie Henderson

12. Dr. Wanda Addison

13. Dr. Kimberly Dawn Wisdom

14. Ms. Kristina Marie Wisdom List of OfficersMrs. Esther Anthony-Thomas, PresidentMr. O.J. Mozon, Vice- PresidentDr. Almena Lowe Mozon, TreasurerMs. Gwendolyn Chamberlain, Secretary Respectfully submitted by Mrs. Esther Anthony-Thomas