Ayo Handy-Kendi, the oldest daughter of Doris A.M. Thomas, Actress and Company Director of the Serenity Players learned the art of “storytelling” as a child listening to her Mother’s stories. She then created story dramas with paper dolls, doll babies, stuffed animals and skits re-enactments.  As an adult, she professionally started telling stories in her work as a Community Organizer as early as 1970.  

 

In 1981, she founded a cultural event that grew and grew developing as the Founder/Director of the African American Holiday Association (AAHA) in 1989.  Since, she has delighted young and old, lovingly called Mama Ayo- the Kwanzaa Griot. A “Griot” (pronounced Gree o) offers storytelling in the oral

tradition of Motherland Africa that are culturally based, filled with life’s lessons, values and history.  Mama Ayo connects culture, health and history to delight young and old with story performances that make information come alive!

 

Ayo Handy Kendi has presented before millions as a Storyteller, Holiday Authority, founder of Black Love Day, Workshop Facilitator, Rituals Officiator, Inspirational Speaker, Breath Facilitator/ Stress Manager, Author, Entrepreneur, and media-spokesperson over radio, t.v. and print.   As a Storyteller she has presented locally, at the National Theater, the Smithsonian, Fort Dupont Summer Theater, National Harbor, numerous Kwanzaa, Juneteenth and D.C. Emancipation Day events, schools, churches, hospitals and community programs; nationally with  African American Women on Tour; and internationally at the  Roots & Gospel Festival, Benin, West Africa.