Our Sponsors
Adopt-a-Teller
Bring the magic of storytelling to your community by hosting a nationally renowned teller through the Adopt-A-Teller Program through a free Adopt-a-teller program. Inspire students and educators with powerful stories rooted in African-centered traditions that enhance learning, creativity, and cultural connection.
The Adopt-A-Teller Program (AATP) is a unique initiative that brings nationally renowned Black storytellers to schools, libraries, and community venues for free.
Established in 1991 at the Ninth National Festival of Black Storytelling, AATP has reached over 188,700 students and adults with engaging performances and workshops.
Through storytelling rooted in
African-centered traditions,
the program offers:
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For Students – Workshops and performances that boost listening, critical thinking, oratory skills, self-esteem, and a love for reading.
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For Educators & Community Leaders – Training in storytelling techniques as powerful educational tools to enrich learning experiences.
What is the Adopt-A-Teller Program?
The Adopt-A-Teller model began in 1991 in Horry Co./Georgetown Co. SC at the Ninth National Festival of Black Storytelling under the leadership of NABS 2nd President, Eleanora E. Tate. Since then, over 188,700 students and adults have enjoyed our programs. Through AATP your venue has an opportunity to host an experienced, dynamic, nationally renowned storyteller FREE and without the added expense of providing travel and lodging expenses.
This year, 2026, we will be in Providence, Rhode Island during the 44th In the Tradition… National Black Storytelling Festival and Conference, November 2-8th.
Our tellers have a wealth of stories that celebrate African-centered traditions from around the world. For students, we offer workshops, performances, residencies, and customized programs. Our stories and workshops help improve listening, critical thinking, and oratory skills. They also enhance self-esteem and stimulate the desire to read. For teachers, parents, librarians and community service providers, we offer workshops in storytelling and in the use of storytelling techniques as educational tools.
Who Hosts Adopt-A-Tellers?
Schools, libraries, museums, arts councils, colleges & universities, cultural organizations, living residences, churches, senior centers, early childhood facilities, community groups, and more.
The Venue is responsible for the Tellers transportation. The venue may pick up and return the assigned Teller to and from the host hotel. Crowne Plaza Hotel at 801 Greenwich Avenue Warwick, RI 02886 or pay a transportation fee of $50 per Teller. The teller needs to be at the venue 40 minutes before the designated start time.
Our programs are FREE due to the generous funding of the National Endowment for the Arts, and the Nora Roberts Foundation. There is a $75 application fee per service.
What Programs are Available?
45-minute Performances:
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Single performance
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Back-to-Back performances (two services)
Workshops:
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Lifting the Story Off the Pages
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The ABC’s of Storytelling
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Storytelling for Social Justice
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Storytelling as a Teaching Tool
Customized programs designed upon request. Selections of dates will be between November 2 - November 8.. November 2 - 4 dates and times are limited.
Deadline for applications is October 10. 2026.
Upon acceptance of application, NABS AATP administration, will contact you.
Bunjo Butler
Baltimore, MD
Karen Abdul-Malik "Queen Nur”
Willingboro, NJ
Questions or to learn more about the program:
Our 2026 Adopt-a-Teller Request Form
