By Ericka Alston Buck,
Special to The AFRO
In a vibrant celebration of African-American culture and storytelling, the Waxter Center in Baltimore recently hosted an event to honor griot Edna Lawrence-Williams for her outstanding achievement in the art of storytelling.
Affectionately known as Grandmother Edna, Lawrence-Williams was awarded the prestigious Chesapeake Associated Press Broadcasters Association First Place Award for Outstanding Use of Sound for her work on “The Griot” at WEAA 88.9 FM located at Morgan State University.
The event, held at the Waxter Senior Center on Cathedral Street, was a joyous occasion filled with music, storytelling, drumming and community fellowship. Lawrence-Williams, along with fellow Black storytellers, came together to celebrate the rich heritage of griot storytelling and pay homage to the legacy of “Mother Griot,” Mary Carter Smith.
Smith, a beloved figure in the African-American community, was renowned for her dedication to preserving and sharing the oral traditions of African-American culture. As a griot, she served as a keeper of history, passing down stories from generation to generation and ensuring that the voices of her ancestors were heard and honored.
Lawrence-Williams said the importance of griot storytelling cannot be overstated. “It is a tradition that dates back centuries in African cultures, where griots played a vital role in preserving the collective memory of their communities.”
She added, “Through storytelling, griots imparted wisdom, shared values and preserved cultural heritage, creating a sense of continuity and connection across generations.”
At the celebration, attendees were treated to an array of storytelling performances, drumming, and a light lunch of assorted sandwiches, fruits and cheese. Representatives from organizations such as the National Association of Black Storytellers and the Black Storytellers of Western Maryland were present, highlighting the widespread impact of griot storytelling across the country.
In her remarks at the event, Lawrence-Williams emphasized the importance of the griot tradition in sustaining thriving communities. “Without a griot, a storyteller, our communities will not thrive,” she said, echoing the sentiments of generations of griots who have passed down their knowledge and wisdom through the art of storytelling.
As the griot tradition continues to evolve and adapt in the modern world, Lawrence-Williams said “events like these serve as vital reminders of its enduring significance.”
