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Welcome to NABS

We encourage you to join, renew, donate, and support our mission.
Your contributions play a vital role in preserving and promoting our significant stories, ensuring they continue to educate and inspire. Together, we can foster a brighter future, one story at a time.

The National Association of Black Storytellers, Inc.

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Literature

The National Association of Black Storytellers (NABS) proudly preserves and elevates the rich literary traditions of African and African American storytelling. Our publications honor the voices of our ancestors, celebrate the creativity of today’s griots, and ensure that the next generation inherits a strong, vibrant legacy.
Here, you’ll find books, guides, histories, and cultural resources that keep our stories alive, written with love, crafted with excellence, and grounded in the living heartbeat of the Black oral tradition.

NABS Store

2025 Featured Tellers

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National Youth

Program

NABS Youth Program empower ages 8-18 through storytelling, literacy, enrichment, and public speaking. Designed to build confidence and communication skills, our programs connect youth with cultural traditions and creative expression. Find an affiliate near you and help inspire the next generation of storytellers!

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Fuel Tradition

FESTIVAL

2026 - Rhode Island

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Social Media Posts
How We Got Ready for the 2025 Festival

How We Got Ready for the 2025 Festival
🗣️ Cultural TSA Check - Only joy and culture allowed on this flight.
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🗣️ Ancestor Alarm Clock - Wake up to your roots.
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🗣️ The Talkative Tambourine - You can’t silence the call.
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🗣️ Festival Fashion Show - Serve looks. Serve legacy.
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🗣️ Church Lady Countdown - Don’t make us call your name from the pulpit.
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🗣️ Suitcase Confessions - Packing joy, rhythm, and receipts for the festival.
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🗣️ Afro-Futurist Teleport - Beam me to the festival, ancestors!
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🗣️ Ancestor Text Thread - It’s a group chat you can’t leave.
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Honoring our Founders

Esteemed storytellers Mary Carter Smith of Baltimore, MD and Linda Goss of Philadelphia, PA are the founders of the National Association of Black Storytellers, Inc. They conceived the idea in 1982 to give more opportunities for African American storytellers to be heard and for more of the rich heritage of the African Oral Tradition to be shared and preserved.

We'd Love to Hear From You

Whether you're a storyteller, supporter, student, or simply curious, your voice matters to us. Reach out with questions, ideas, or collaborations. We welcome all who believe in the power of story to preserve culture, uplift communities, and inspire change. Just like our ancestors gathered in circles to listen and learn, we invite you to connect and continue the tradition.

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By submitting this form, you agree to be contacted by the National Association of Black Storytellers, Inc. (NABS). Your information will be kept confidential and will never be sold or shared outside our organization. Submissions may be reviewed for follow-up, collaboration, or inclusion in future programming. All communications are treated with care, respect, and cultural sensitivity.

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Previous Year 990s

The Authentic Voice of Blackstorytelling
National Association of Black Storytellers, Inc.

(410) 947-1117
a 501(c)(3) organization Co-Founded by Mother Mary Carter Smith and Mama Linda Goss - P.O. Box 67722, Baltimore, MD 21215

©2025 National Association of Black Storytellers. Original website designed by Be Light Media LLC. Revised and Managed by NABS Inc.

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