Welcome to Adventures in Story Village
Signed in as:
filler@godaddy.com
Welcome to Adventures in Story Village
Signed in as:
filler@godaddy.com
1872-1906 Dayton, Ohio
Love of Dunbar is a international collective of Educators, Poets, Storytellers and everyday people .
We meet on zoom to research, discuss and perform the poetry and folktales of America's Shakespeare, Father of The Spoken Word Movement, Poet and Author.
The New York Times
Paul Laurence Dunbar was born to Joshua and Matilda Dunbar, former enslaved Africans in America on June 27, 1872. From the age of 16 to 33, he published 12 books of poetry, four novels, four books of short stories and wrote lyrics for Broadway musicals.
Dunbar published more than any African American writer before 1950.
He was an assistant to freedom fighter and abolitionist Frederick Douglas, who hailed Dunbar as "The poet laureate of the Negro race and one of "his boys."
In 1975 Dunbar's portrait was featured on a United States postage stamp. In 2022, #Dunbar150 - the United States Government issued a Paul Laurence Dunbar Commemorative Gold Coin and his image is also offered on driver's license plates in the state of Ohio.
Dunbar is worthy of a Pulitzer Prize, as many schools, streets and buildings are named in honor of his literary excellence and trailblazing voice. However, today some of these schools and places view Dunbar as history and may find little time to honor the significance and depth of his works.
Dunbar is OUR Story.
~ THE LOVE OF DUNBAR ARTISTS ~
Recognize and hold in high esteem Dunbar's legacy in American Literature, History and Culture. We have grown up listening to Dunbar from our teachers or parents, while others have recently discovered his genius.
In February of 2022, many participated in Oni Lasana Productions,
virtual workshop, "You Can Do Dunbar! Add Him To Your Repertoire!"
presented by Story Crossroads, Inc. & Artists Standing Strong Together, Inc.
Since March 2022, we gather as the LOVE OF DUNBAR COLLECTIVE in a virtual meetup to research, discuss, recite, rehearse and give voice to his spoken word poetry, explore short stories and his life.
We welcome special guest speakers, scholars, authors, experts and poetry lovers to learn or share about the literary works and life of Paul Dunbar with us.
~ PRESENTATIONS ~
A video: Juneteenth : Faith & Freedom
LOVE OF DUNBAR PROGRAM OFFERINGS
(keep scrolling to see program descriptions)
DUNBAR'S YOUTH
Elementary School
VOICES OF DUNBAR
Middle Schools to Seniors
CUSTOM THEMES
Circle Of LIfe, Activism, Civil War, Love, Nature and Historical Figures
Our programs assisted in spreading the word on Dunbar's 150th Anniversary #Dunbar150, and continue to share the timeless beauty and diversity of his prose for youth and adults.
Our mission is to educate, entertain and foster appreciation for Dunbar's life, spoken word poetry, prose and folktales to a new generation, while continuing to delight longtime fans.
~ THE LOVE OF DUNBAR EXPERIENCE ~
Virtually on ZOOM
This is how we do it....
Dramatically ~ Educationally ~ Joyfully ~ Interactively ~ Musically
Our programs comply with the National Standard Curriculum NCTE: 1,2,3, 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, 11, 12 and we offer a Teacher’s Aide for Elementary & Middle Schools.
HISTORY: African American / Irish / Civil War Era
LITERARY ARTS: Unique use of Southern & Northern vernacular
MUSIC: Selected prose arranged to Country, Jazz, R&B, Calypso & Hip Hop.
What makes Dunbar so unique is his conversational spoken word (Shakespearean style) with voices of youth, women and men; also, the use of personification in animals and nature such as tree's speaking etc.
~ YOU ARE INVITED ~
To engage us to present a virtual groundbreaking Literary Arts, American History and musical experience. We will enrich your curriculum and enhance your community with A Love Of Dunbar program.
Our offerings of his spoken words and stories, reflect on our past, appreciate our present connections and envision a future of cultural consciousness.
Yes! It is our hope that Dunbar's works will lead you to discover his rich inclusiveness of human thoughts and feelings.
A Love of Dunbar enrichment program will no doubt encourage
your students and community to write and wax poetic. It will inspired them to present his works and or create prose and short stories from their own experiences.
HEADS UP!
While some of Dunbar's southern writings used during his lifetime is obsolete and often offensive, WE seek to elevate.
HOW WE DO DUNBAR?
We, the LOVE OF DUNBAR COLLECTIVE consciously embrace creative license by substituting offensive words and descriptions common in Dunbar's day, with positive vernacular to reflect the dignity and respect of today.
~
Join us to research, discuss & perform in the Love Of Dunbar community square on Zoom
2nd Fridays of the month in 2024
"I am a new Dunbar fan and I liked the enthusiasm the Love of Dunbar artists had for his works. Voices of Dunbar program made me want to learn more."
B. Rogers, Educator & Storyteller - Philadelphia, PA
ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
~
PROGRAM 1
Pre-K - 3rd grades
Theme: At Home
~
In The Morning
When De Corn Pone's Hot
Opportunity
A Grievance
A Cabin Tale
The Boogah Man
Sandman & Johnny Speaks
& more!
PROGRAM 2
4-5th Grades
Theme: Outdoor Adventures
The Capture
Wadin' In De Crick
Till The Wind Get Right
Disappointed
The Seedling
Winters Approach
Keep A Pluggin' Away
Sympathy aka "I Know Why The Caged Bird Sings"
~ ~ ~
Poetry from programs 1 & 2 can be combined within time limitations.
MIDDLE SCHOOL - UNIVERSITY
~
Sympathy aka "I Know Why The Caged Bird Sings" - A interactive rap/song
Dreams
Vagrants
Angelina
The Haunted Oak
We Wear The Mask
The Corn Stalk Fiddle
When Malindy Sings
Encouragement
Circumstances Alter Cases
Made To Order Smile
A Negro Love Song
At Sunset Time
A Virginia Reel
~ ~ ~
We can also customize a program from these listed poems to suit your theme.
UNIVERSITY - SENIORS
~
Whistlin' Sam
Ode To Ethiopia
Abraham Lincoln
Harriet Beecher Stowe
When Dey 'Listed Colored Soldiers
An Ante-Bellum Sermon
John Boyle O'Reilly
When Malindy Sings
Frederick Douglas
The Colored Soldiers
Robert Gould Shaw
How Lucy Backslid
The Party, a Juneteenth Celebration
~ ~ ~
SPECIAL THEMES
Lyrics of Love & Laughter
Country & City Folks
Civil War & Freedom
CIRCLE OF LIFE...dawn to dawn
Creative Director : Bettye Haskins.
4th Annual Tribute Memorial Program
Creative Director: Oni Lasana
Founder, Coordinator, Creative Director
Performing & Teaching Artist, Storyteller, Poet
Philadelphia, PA
~
"Dunbar is my main muse, I love the drama, humor and pathos of his spoken words, especially the southern voices. His self-reflection and insight into human nature, is timeless.
Dunbar's creative historical reach and literary range touches the heart of all humanity, no matter race, creed or age."
Educator, Storyteller & Tech Support
Carryduff, Ireland
~
"In the workshop, I was immediately captivated with “We wear the Mask” and “Sympathy” it touched my heart and soul.
As an Irishman, I feel a kinship or empathy with those who had been so mis-treated.
The more I learn about the poet and his work, the more I admire both."
Educator, Storyteller &
Creative Director
Baltimore, Maryland
~
"Dunbar's works are not only entertaining, they contain many layers of complexity that always have you asking "what does that mean?"
It is the search for those meanings that keep Dunbar alive for me."
Poet & Storyteller
Philadelphia, PA
~
"I feel like Dunbar gives us the magic of poetry as well as its versatility. He paints pictures with his words.
I find lost melodies, images, characters.
His metaphors I adore. Justice and injustice and different world views.
He makes me laugh, think and dream."
Storyteller & Historical Actor
Killeen, Texas
~
"For me it is both a pleasure and privilege being a part of the journey that shares the works of Paul Laurence Dunbar. His works are an uplift and wonderfulness to enjoy with others and an endeavor to experience to its fullness."
Artist, Writer & Researcher
Philadelphia, PA
~
"Sculpting the mood by his insightful bend of mind, Dunbar had a method of constructing his writing so as to choreograph the intentional interpretation of his compositions.
Reading and listening to Dunbar's work expands my life historically, emotionally and intellectually."
"I learned a lot about Dunbar. Even though he passed at the early age of 33, he created a treasure trove from his life as a Black American. Long live Paul L. Dunbar!"
Nashid Ali, WURD Radio Griot/Storyteller, Philadelphia, PA
Storyteller
Amherst, Ohio
~
"A man of such sensitivity and compassion Paul Laurence Dunbar could feel the pain of a perfect stranger and put into words that which would be soothing to him and yet allow for another to empathize. He had a wicked sense of humor and found joy in the smallest of God given gifts."
aka Pop Pop Grow Somethin'
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
~
I was introduced to Dunbar's poetry during my early years at Walton Elementary School, by a beloved HBCU Cheyney University educated teacher, Ms. A. Foster. We loved to hear Ms. Foster with her perfectly pronounced dialect and additional commentary.
Today, I regard Paul Laurence Dunbar the great grandfather of the ever evolving Black Literacy Revolution. Write on.
Storyteller
Texas
~
"I have a deep appreciation for the honor, dignity, and beauty Paul Laurence Dunbar gives in his poetry. His sharing of African-American culture and to the deep southern dialect once spoken by my maternal grandmother, Alice."
Narrative Artist
Bulbancha aka
New Orleans, Louisiana
~
“Dunbar has been called the Shakespeare of America. He gives voice to a people.
Shakespeare should be so honored. “
Motivational Speaker, Author, Actor
Seattle,Washington
~
"I have been reciting his poetry since I was a child. I was born and raised in Dayton, Ohio, and my mother was a volunteer at the Dunbar House, To be able to keep Paul Laurence Dunbar’s poetry and stories alive is also keeping my history and memories alive."
Educator
Cincinnati, Ohio
~
"I love presenting Dunbar recitations because I am privileged to keep alive the great memory and talent of a prolific Black Man."
Visual & Teaching Artist & Storyteller
Moss Landing, California
~
"I am blown away by the depth and scope and beauty of Paul Laurence Dunbar’s work. His words must be spoken out loud to fully appreciate their mastery. He is an inspiration and mentor to us all on the power of words."
Award-winning Musician
Massachusetts, USA
~
"I musically approach the genius of Dunbar who had an ear and deep understanding of rhythm and rhyme. I find his prose a great inspiration to my own musical sensitivities and delight in his works."
Educator & Docent
Mt. Rainier, Maryland
RIP
~
"Dunbar's poetry helped me see American history and literature in a brand new light. The tragedy of slavery and his overcoming prejudices in his day, is a great example of overcoming for everyone, young and old.
Dunbar works should be extensively studied in all schools curriculum's."
We were pleased to welcome Adam Alonzo of Dayton, Ohio and the creator of the Paul Laurence Dunbar .org website.
Adam, Thank you for visiting with us and sharing your love of Dunbar.
If YOU are a Dunbar scholar or fan and have time to visit to share your expertise, please contact us.
If you booked a Love Of Dunbar program, feel free to copy and paste this logo in your promotional materials.
Thank you
Oni Lasana Doin' Dunbar as 'Lias' Mother
"A mother like no other"
May 10, 2024 - Friday @ 7:00 PM EST
If you have registered for previous programs, no need to register again, just use the Zoom ID & password, if not, please
"This was such an invigorating way to experience poetry as well as being so easily accessible due to the zoom format. Amazing stuff, can’t wait for more!!
Simon Gibson, Ireland
We are a benevolent collective whose mission and purpose is to educate and entertain a new generation on the brilliance of Paul Laurence Dunbar's rich literary legacy.
Please contact us at the form below to receive our letter of introduction and more information.
We look forward to hearing from you to plan a
program for your school, organization or community.
"We loved it, it was excellent!"
Caren Hudson, Raleigh, North Carolina
A inside look into Dunbar's legacy.
Dunbar's most loved and recited poem.
by
Bettye Haskins of Baltimore, Maryland
Bowen Lee presents Kamishibai, Japanese theater art of Dunbar's short story poem.
"Because you love me I have much achieved,
Had you despised me then I must have failed,
But since I knew you trusted and believed
I could not disappoint you and so prevailed"
"Wow! His poetry is the bomb.com!"
Jennifer A. - Wilmington, Delaware
Check out!
© 2024 Oni Lasana Productions
All Rights Reserved
~ THANKS FOR VISITING ~
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