National Association of Black Storytellers

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

June 16, 2025

Contact: Kay Merrill

President, National Association of Black Storytellers

www.NABSinc.org

“The Story Must Continue” – NABS Honors Its Legacy and Prepares to Launch Bold New PR Campaign

Baltimore, MD — The National Association of Black Storytellers, Inc. (NABS), the nation’s premier organization devoted to the preservation and celebration of African and African American oral traditions, is preparing to launch its most powerful visibility campaign to date.

This six-month public relations and media initiative, culminating in the 2025 “In the Tradition…” Black Storytelling Festival and Conference in Atlanta, Georgia, November 19-23. The festival will highlight the impact of Black storytelling across generations, platforms, and communities.

As we move forward, we also take a moment to honor the life and legacy of Baba Jamal Koram, a master griot, past President of the Griots’ Circle of Maryland, and former National President of NABS. His storytelling not only entertained, it educated, liberated, and transformed. Baba Jamal reminded us that the oral tradition is not a relic of the past, but a living, breathing force that continues to shape our future.

“As we prepare for the next 100 years, we’re raising our collective voice with bold storytelling and even bolder visibility,” says Kay L. Merrill, National President of NABS. “This campaign is an open invitation to experience the joy, power, and purpose of our legacy; one that Baba Jamal helped nurture and expand.”

Beginning in July, NABS will unveil a series of initiatives spotlighting signature programs like Adopt-A-Teller, cultural partnerships, and the vibrant work of affiliate storytellers across the country. The campaign will feature media placements, digital storytelling series, behind-the-scenes features, and a countdown to the national festival.

Because the story must continue—and so must the storytellers.

Donations can be made at https://bit.ly/donate2nabs