LIVINGSTON MANOR — Vanessa Johnson, Syracuse-based storyteller, writer, artist, and griot will be visiting our area on Saturday, June 17 to share stories in honor of Juneteenth and the freeing of slaves in America, as well as a workshop for those who want to learn more about the art of storytelling. 

On October 1, 1851, the people of Syracuse broke William “Jerry” Henry out of jail. Ms. Johnson will engage the audience in an interactive storytelling experience titled, “The Jerry Rescue,” in Renaissance Park in Livingston Manor at 4:00 p.m. to dramatize this true jail-break account. All ages are welcome. In case of inclement weather, please come to the Livingston Manor Library. 

Earlier in the day, from 1:00 – 3:00 p.m., developing storytellers can join Ms. Johnson for an interactive workshop at the Livingston Manor Library. In “What Should Not Be Forgotten, Telling our Family Stories” participants will learn some basic storytelling skills, grab an experience from memory, and turn it into performance for family gatherings, reunions, and evenings around the fireplace. Space is limited for this workshop. Please register at livingstonmanorlibrary.org/programsignup.

To begin the day, youth of all ages can join Ms. Johnson at the Liberty Public Library at 11:00 a.m. for “The Soft Whispers of Ancestors”, stories to celebrate the voices of those who helped end slavery. If you listen, you can hear the voices of the ancestors from Africa and the Middle Passage, through slavery and the Underground Railroad!

These events are funded in part by the Statewide Community Regrant Program, a program of the NYS Council on the Arts with the support of the Office of the Governor and the NYS Legislature and administered by the Delaware Valley Arts Alliance.