Baba Jamal Koram is a storyteller in the African American Griotic Traditions.™

He is a dedicated practitioner and teacher of the spoken word traditions and is a respected leader in the world of storytelling, Baba Jamal is a groundbreaking storyteller, educator, folk drummer and organizer. He is a past president of the National Association of Black Storytellers, Inc. and is a 2001 recipient of its prestigious Zora Neale Hurston award. Called a storyteller's storyteller, and a Griot's Griot he continues to travel across the nation sharing his stories and his presence with thousands of school children and their families. Baba Jamal is married and a proud father, grand father, and godfather.

This master storyteller uses his stories to inspire, encourage, and to uplift the positive growth of our children and in our communities.  He has said: "My South Carolina great grandmother Mary would say to her grandchildren, "Bring me a cool glass of water, and I'll tell you a story. Then she would proceed to tell them one of those traditional African American Gullah stories, about ‘Bruh Rabbit’ or one of the many folkloric characters... I follow in her storytelling footsteps.

Call me if you have a cool glass of spring water."

Learn more about Brother Koram at www.babajamalkoram.com, or www.BlackStory.org.

MONTE ALFONSO JONES

Monte Alfonso Jones (dancer) received his BFA in Dance and Choreography from Virginia Commonwealth University. 

He Studied Capoeira under Cobran Mansa and has worked with Ron K. Brown and Marleas Yearby in New York City. He has also appeared in numerous Hip Hop and R&B Videos. Monte opened Capoeira African Dance Studio in October 2005 to teach Richmond youth about culture, self control and confidence.  The studio is located on Fendall and Brookland Park in Richmond, VA. 

 February 4, 2006, Mr. Jones was on his way home from Dancing in Baltimore, Md. Due to an accident, he did not wake up until February 14, 2006.  He was told he would never walk again. By the Grace of God, prayer, his love for dance, and his students he was back on stage in June 2006. Although very weak and in tremendous pain, he went through rehab and in that same year was teaching at the Latin Ballet.  Mr. Jones is a spiritual dancer who has come back better than ever.  Monte also volunteers at the Virginia Brain Trauma Center. His love for dance has made him stronger than ever for life!

Wesley L. Williams, Jr., a native of Durham, NC, studied with some of the best teachers and choreographers, such as Dr. Chuck Davis, Ava Vinesett, Thad Bennett, and Sherone Price.

Mr. Williams began his professional dance career with Dr. Chuck Davis, of the African American Dance Ensemble (AADE) based in Durham, NC. Mr. Williams has also performed with other nationally acclaimed companies, such as the Ballethnic Dance Theater in Georgia, the North Carolina Black Repertory Theater Company, and the John Gamble Dance Theater.

He has starred in the famous musical "Black Nativity,"written by the late Langston Hughes. Currently, Mr. Williams' main focus is on his own theater, Wesley Williams Urban Dance Theater, with the goal of making it the premiere theater company in the mainstream of dance.