Name: African Storytelling and Oral Tradition
Start: 2025-02-01T19:00:00-06:00
End: 2025-02-01T21:00:00-06:00

[Outdoor Afro Houston](https://www.facebook.com/groups/OutdoorAfroHouston) has joined forces with our friends at [Brazos Bend State Park](https://tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks/brazos-bend) (BBSP) to introduce African folktales and oral traditions around the campfire!

According to Britannica, [oral tradition](https://www.britannica.com/topic/oral-tradition) was the first and still most widespread mode of human communication. Far more than “just talking,” it is typically contrasted with literacy, which can and does interact in myriad ways, and literature, which dwarfs in size, diversity, and social function.

According to [NCpedia](https://www.ncpedia.org/culture/stories/african-american), over eight hundred African languages are spoken among the various ethnic groups. Each group has its term to describe the storyteller. In the West, the most common is griot, a French word denoting an expert in oral performance. However, among the Yoruba, the storyteller is Akewi, called Maroka among the Hausa, and Imbongi among the Xhosa people. Those enslaved Africans who survived the horrors of the Middle Passage told stories they had listened to and said in the motherland. The most generic form of storytelling among these enslaved people was the folktale. They were used to teach philosophy, morality, and history and share ideas about liberation. These stories also entertained the plantation owner, friends, and family; they saw no problem allowing this activity.

A former hunting ranch, BBSP is about 28 miles south­west of Houston and covers 5,000 acres. Its 3.2-mile east­ern boundary fronts the Brazos River on the southeast border of Fort Bend County. The state purchased the park land in 1976-77, and the park opened in 1984. Archeological materials show pre­his­toric people visited this area as early as 300 B.C. In early historical times, the Capoque band of the [Karankawa Indians](https://karankawas.com/2017/08/08/what-did-the-karankawa-look-like/) roamed between the mouth of the Brazos River and Gal­ves­ton Bay. They may have traveled inland as far as Brazos Bend.

Event Cost:
There is no cost! [BBSP](https://tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks/brazos-bend) has graciously offered to waive our fees for this outing.

Where We Will Meet:
Please let the gate attendants know you are registered to attend an Outdoor Afro event. They will guide you to our location. Look for James in the colorful Outdoor Afro Leader shirt!

What We are Doing:

We will learn about the history and influence of African American storytelling as an oral tradition and some of the techniques and styles that have developed over time. We will hear some well-known and not-so-well-known tales and provide opportunities for participants to share their stories and practice what they have learned!

What Should You Bring:
Dress in breathable, lightweight, or weather-appropriate clothing. We are not expecting to be in the high brush, so shorts and T-shirts are OKAY.

Please wear closed-toe shoes with good support. We will encounter different terrains (mulch, concrete, dirt, sand, etc.), so keeping your feet covered is always essential. Athletic shoes are OKAY.

Please also bring bug spray and other protective gear (FACE COVERINGS, hats, sunglasses, sunscreen, etc.) for your protection. We will be in direct sunlight at various times while walking and exploring the distinct locations. Reusable water bottles and light snacks are highly recommended.

Please also bring a reusable water bottle (a MUST) and a light snack if hungry. We also highly encourage those requiring more water or dehydrating quickly to carry an extra water bottle, as it may get hot while we are out.

Support those companies who support [US](http://outdoorafro.org/). If you want to purchase items for this outing or from our corporate sponsors and collaborative partners, you can find them at the [Outdoor Afro](http://outdoorafro.org/) website!

Please follow all guidelines for visits to our Texas State Parks. Visit the [link](https://tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks/parks/park-rules) below for the most up-to-date information. [https://tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks/parks/park-rules](https://tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks/parks/park-rules)

Who's Coming:
This event is open to all ages (bring your friends, family, and the kids); however, PLEASE REGISTER EVERYONE for our records.

Please also review the [waiver](https://outdoorafro.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/REQUIRED-Outdoor-Afro-Trip-Waiver.pdf) at: [https://outdoorafro.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/REQUIRED-Outdoor-Afro-Trip-Waiver.pdf](https://outdoorafro.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/REQUIRED-Outdoor-Afro-Trip-Waiver.pdf).

Extras:
If you register and cannot make it, please be courteous to others and remove your registration so we don't have to wait for you and begin on time or others who may be on the waiting list have a chance to participate.

Please feel free to send James a direct message if you have any questions about this event!

Outdoor Afro Houston

Travel & Outdoor

Travel

Camping

Adventure

Hiking

Outdoors

Black Professionals

African American Families

OutdoorAfro

Black Men

African Americans

Walking

New In Town

Fitness

African American Women

Kayaking

Have you reviewed the waiver? If not, please review it at: https://outdoorafro.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/REQUIRED-Outdoor-Afro-Trip-Waiver.pdf

African Storytelling and Oral Tradition

Details