MAMA AYO
STORYTELLING BIO
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 and skit re-enactments with paper dolls, doll
babies, stuffed animals, and friends. As an adult, Ayo professionally
started telling stories in her work, as a Community Organizer and Mental
Health Counselor, as early as 1970.
In 1981, Handy-Kendi founded a cultural event that grew and grew, developing as
the Founder/Director of the African American Holiday Association
(AAHA) in 1989. Here, she 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 is culturally based, filled with life’s lessons, values, and
history. Mama Ayo continues to connect culture, health, and history
to delight young and old with story performances that make information
come alive!
Ayo Handy-Kendi has presented before millions over radio, TV, and
print as a Storyteller, Holiday Authority, Founder of Black Love Day –
Feb. 13th, Workshop Facilitator, Rituals Officiator, Breathologist,
Inspirational Speaker, Author, Entrepreneur, and Spokesperson for
Holiday Stress Management.
As "Mama Ayo – the Kwanzaa Griot", she has presented notable story
performances locally in Washington, D.C. at the National Theater, National Harbor,
the Smithsonian, Fort Dupont Summer Theater, P.G. Mall, and is featured
at numerous Kwanzaa, Juneteenth, and D.C. Emancipation Day events, and
schools, churches, hospitals, and community programs. Nationally, she has
performed with African American Women on Tour, N.Y’s Kwanzaa Expo, and
Atlanta’s Juneteenth Celebration, while internationally on Voice of
America broadcast to over 22 countries, and at the Roots & Gospel
Festival, Benin, West Africa.
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 and skit re-enactments with paper dolls, doll
babies, stuffed animals, and friends. As an adult, Ayo professionally
started telling stories in her work, as a Community Organizer and Mental
Health Counselor, as early as 1970.
In 1981, Handy-Kendi founded a cultural event that grew and grew, developing as
the Founder/Director of the African American Holiday Association
(AAHA) in 1989. Here, she 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 is culturally based, filled with life’s lessons, values, and
history. Mama Ayo continues to connect culture, health, and history
to delight young and old with story performances that make information
come alive!
Ayo Handy-Kendi has presented before millions over radio, TV, and
print as a Storyteller, Holiday Authority, Founder of Black Love Day –
Feb. 13th, Workshop Facilitator, Rituals Officiator, Breathologist,
Inspirational Speaker, Author, Entrepreneur, and Spokesperson for
Holiday Stress Management.
As "Mama Ayo – the Kwanzaa Griot", she has presented notable story
performances locally in Washington, D.C. at the National Theater, National Harbor,
the Smithsonian, Fort Dupont Summer Theater, P.G. Mall, and is featured
at numerous Kwanzaa, Juneteenth, and D.C. Emancipation Day events, and
schools, churches, hospitals, and community programs. Nationally, she has
performed with African American Women on Tour, N.Y’s Kwanzaa Expo, and
Atlanta’s Juneteenth Celebration, while internationally on Voice of
America broadcast to over 22 countries, and at the Roots & Gospel
Festival, Benin, West Africa.
Holiday Presentations / Ceremonies
Black Love Day–Feb 13TH .:. MLK Birthday .:. Rituals of Reconciliation .:. Women’s History Month
D.C. Emancipation Day–April 16th .:. Juneteenth-June 19th .:. International Breath Day .:. Kwanzaa
Popular Stories
It’s Kwanzaa Time .:. The Talking Drum .:. A Diversity Healing Story .:. Freedom Song
Black Love Day–Feb 13TH .:. MLK Birthday .:. Rituals of Reconciliation .:. Women’s History Month
D.C. Emancipation Day–April 16th .:. Juneteenth-June 19th .:. International Breath Day .:. Kwanzaa
Popular Stories
It’s Kwanzaa Time .:. The Talking Drum .:. A Diversity Healing Story .:. Freedom Song