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Community Connections

Celebrating Black History Through Stories and Songs

Join Miss Donna the storyteller as she shares stories and songs in celebration of Black history and culture.

Donna Willingham is a retired Branch Manager from the Cleveland Public Library system. She is also an “always learning” Storyteller. Stories shared strongly emphasize African and African-American culture, and are tailored to be shared with either youth or adult audiences.

Ms. Willingham uses storytelling as a means for highlighting and illustrating morals, offering encouragement, and stimulating imaginative thinking. According to Ms. Willingham, “If a message can be passed from a story that eases an emotional hurt, helps to illustrate the importance of a moral, or just brings out a good “laugh”, then I’d like for that to happen”.

Ms. Willingham is a member of the Cleveland Association of Black Storytellers, and a Life Member of the National Association of Black Storytellers.

Presented in partnership with the Cleveland Association of Black Storytellers.

For students in grades K-5. Registration is required.

Supported by the Friends of the Beachwood Library.

During the performance, photography by the audience is permitted, but no video recording.

If you have questions about this program, please contact a librarian at the Beachwood Branch at 216-831-6868.

Participants may be recorded and/or surveyed to capture this program’s effectiveness. Learn more about parent options at Policies for parents.