Rise of the American Griots

Tijara Smith
  • 5.0 (2)
  • FICTION

When young Black teen, Nani, discovers she holds a gift that connects her to a long line of storytellers descended from her enslaved ancestors, she must quickly adjust to her new position in order to find a cure to an unknown illness rapidly spreading through the Black community. But with time not in her favor, can she rally enough support among new friends to save her family? And her people?

Episodes

  1. 09/20/2024

    Tape Ten

    The Past and the Present finally come face-to-face. What does the future hold? ------------ Thank you so much to everyone who has contributed to this production! CAST: McKenzie Franklin as Nani Joshua Curry as Charlie Jada M. Darden as Tayla Jordan Loman as Nazim Michael Cortez as Eric Yani Barrow as Dia James Bond as Elijah Samantha Haughawout as Syn Annaya Barnes as Angry Spirit SPECIAL THANKS: Nyla Smith (Singer/Songwriter) Dr. Deanna Koretsky The Annotated African American Folktales by Henry Louis Gates and Maria Tatar Spelman College English Department Spelman College Tech Department Royalty Free Sounds

    13 min

  2. 09/19/2024

    Tape Nine

    Syn leaves her final gift... much needed answers. ------------ Thank you so much to everyone who has contributed to this production! CAST: McKenzie Franklin as Nani Joshua Curry as Charlie Jada M. Darden as Tayla Jordan Loman as Nazim Michael Cortez as Eric Yani Barrow as Dia James Bond as Elijah Samantha Haughawout as Syn Annaya Barnes as Angry Spirit SPECIAL THANKS: Nyla Smith (Singer/Songwriter) Dr. Deanna Koretsky The Annotated African American Folktales by Henry Louis Gates and Maria Tatar Spelman College English Department Spelman College Tech Department Royalty Free Sounds

    10 min

  3. 09/18/2024

    Tape Eight

    With a renewed sense of energy, Nani picks up where she left off. ------------ Thank you so much to everyone who has contributed to this production! CAST: McKenzie Franklin as Nani Joshua Curry as Charlie Jada M. Darden as Tayla Jordan Loman as Nazim Michael Cortez as Eric Yani Barrow as Dia James Bond as Elijah Samantha Haughawout as Syn Annaya Barnes as Angry Spirit SPECIAL THANKS: Nyla Smith (Singer/Songwriter) Dr. Deanna Koretsky The Annotated African American Folktales by Henry Louis Gates and Maria Tatar Spelman College English Department Spelman College Tech Department Royalty Free Sounds

    8 min

  4. 09/17/2024

    Tape Seven

    In her final hour, Nani accepts a lifeline. ------------ Thank you so much to everyone who has contributed to this production! CAST: McKenzie Franklin as Nani Joshua Curry as Charlie Jada M. Darden as Tayla Jordan Loman as Nazim Michael Cortez as Eric Yani Barrow as Dia James Bond as Elijah Samantha Haughawout as Syn Annaya Barnes as Angry Spirit SPECIAL THANKS: Nyla Smith (Singer/Songwriter) Dr. Deanna Koretsky The Annotated African American Folktales by Henry Louis Gates and Maria Tatar Spelman College English Department Spelman College Tech Department Royalty Free Sounds

    15 min

  5. 11/12/2023

    Tape Six

    Nani comes face to face with her fate. Can she handle it? ------------ Thank you so much to everyone who has contributed to this production! CAST: McKenzie Franklin as Nani Joshua Curry as Charlie Jada M. Darden as Tayla Jordan Loman as Nazim Michael Cortez as Eric Yani Barrow as Dia James Bond as Elijah Samantha Haughawout as Syn Annaya Barnes as Angry Spirit SPECIAL THANKS: Nyla Smith (Singer/Songwriter) Dr. Deanna Koretsky The Annotated African American Folktales by Henry Louis Gates and Maria Tatar Spelman College English Department Spelman College Tech Department Royalty Free Sounds

    8 min

  6. 01/23/2023

    Tape Five

    Amidst doubt cast upon her by her family, Nani meets a familiar friend.   ------------ Thank you so much to everyone that has contributed to this production! CAST: McKenzie Franklin as Nani Joshua Curry as Charlie Jada M. Darden as Tayla Jordan Loman as Nazim Michael Cortez as Eric Yani Barrow as Dia James Bond as Elijah Samantha Haughawout as Syn Annaya Barnes as Angry Spirit SPECIAL THANKS: Nyla Smith (Singer/Songwriter) Dr. Deanna Koretsky The Annotated African American Folktales by Henry Louis Gates and Maria Tatar Spelman College English Department Spelman College Tech Department Royalty Free Sounds

    11 min

  7. 11/14/2022

    Tape Four

    Nani learns more about who, and what, she is.  . . . Thank you so much to everyone that has contributed to this production! CAST: McKenzie Franklin as Nani Joshua Curry as Charlie Jada M. Darden as Tayla Jordan Loman as Nazim Michael Cortez as Eric Yani Barrow as Dia James Bond as Elijah Samantha Haughawout as Syn Annaya Barnes as Angry Spirit SPECIAL THANKS: Nyla Smith (Singer/Songwriter) Dr. Deanna Koretsky The Annotated African American Folktales by Henry Louis Gates and Maria Tatar Spelman College English Department Spelman College Tech Department Royalty Free Sounds

    10 min

  8. 10/24/2022

    Tape Three

    Nani plays catch up with her African American folklore knowledge. Thank you so much to everyone that has contributed to this production! CAST: McKenzie Franklin as Nani Joshua Curry as Charlie Jada M. Darden as Tayla Jordan Loman as Nazim Michael Cortez as Eric Yani Barrow as Dia James Bond as Elijah Samantha Haughawout as Syn Annaya Barnes as Angry Spirit SPECIAL THANKS: Nyla Smith (Singer/Songwriter) Dr. Deanna Koretsky The Annotated African American Folktales by Henry Louis Gates and Maria Tatar Spelman College English Department Spelman College Tech Department Royalty Free Sounds

    10 min

  9. 10/24/2022

    Tape Two

    Nani decides whether or not to fulfill the role destined for her. Thank you so much to everyone that has contributed to this production! CAST: McKenzie Franklin as Nani Joshua Curry as Charlie Jada M. Darden as Tayla Jordan Loman as Nazim Michael Cortez as Eric Yani Barrow as Dia James Bond as Elijah Samantha Haughawout as Syn Annaya Barnes as Angry Spirit SPECIAL THANKS: Nyla Smith (Singer/Songwriter) Dr. Deanna Koretsky The Annotated African American Folktales by Henry Louis Gates and Maria Tatar Spelman College English Department Spelman College Tech Department Royalty Free Sounds

    10 min

  10. 10/10/2022

    Tape One

    Nani uncovers a long-kept family secret. Thank you so much to everyone that has contributed to this production! CAST: McKenzie Franklin as Nani Joshua Curry as Charlie Jada M. Darden as Tayla Jordan Loman as Nazim Michael Cortez as Eric Yani Barrow as Dia James Bond as Elijah Samantha Haughawout as Syn Annaya Barnes as Angry Spirit SPECIAL THANKS: Dr. Deanna Koretsky  The Annotated African American Folktales by Henry Louis Gates and Maria Tatar Spelman College English Department Spelman College Tech Department

    13 min
  • 10 Episodes

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
2 Ratings

About

When young Black teen, Nani, discovers she holds a gift that connects her to a long line of storytellers descended from her enslaved ancestors, she must quickly adjust to her new position in order to find a cure to an unknown illness rapidly spreading through the Black community. But with time not in her favor, can she rally enough support among new friends to save her family? And her people?

Information