Pearls of Wisdom Storytellers
The Pearls of Wisdom are a touring ensemble of elder storytellers directed by ESTA. In richly told presentations, the Pearls share stories that illuminate their individual pasts and, in turn, our collective histories. Their lively, spirited, interactive, and authentic presentations not only uphold the value of elder stories but also inspire audience participants to share stories of their own. Presentations typically last 60 minutes and include an introduction, story presentation, and discussion. Pearls present in a wide range of settings and presentations and are a great way to enrich discussion during awareness months such as Black History Month, Women’s History Month, and Older American’s Month. Continue reading for bios on the Pearls.
Pearl Bios
Thelma Ruffin Thomas serves as the Artistic Director of the Pearls of Wisdom. As an independent storyteller, she performs throughout New York City and along the eastern seaboard. She has traveled all over the world telling stories in Tanzania, Brazil, Ghana, Coast Rica, South Africa, Russia, and Australia. Her extraordinary storytelling skills provide a uniquely entertaining and educational experience. Thelma is a founding member of the African Folk Heritage Circle, along with being a member of the Network of Biblical Storytellers, The Storytelling Center, the National Association of Black Storytellers, and the Harlem Arts Alliance. She says with enthusiasm, “Go out and tell your stories wherever you go.”
Carrie Raiford was born in South Carolina in 1922, one of nine children. Once she overcame her stuttering as a child, she wanted to stand up before people and express herself without fear or nervousness. As a Pearl of Wisdom Carrie has told stories in many neighborhoods throughout New York City, and she has represented the Pearls of Wisdom at the United Nations’ International Year of the Older Person and at the International Storytelling Conference in London, England. Carrie, one of the original Pearls of Wisdom, says, “Show people that you love and care for them, and what you do is from your heart, not your mind, just from your heart.”
Doris Diamond is a natural wordsmith. She is a storyteller, writer, and mother of two daughters. She was born in Jersey City, New Jersey and raised in Brooklyn, New York. Both sets of her grandparents and her father, a babe-in-arms, passed through Ellis Island on their way from Poland and Russia to a “better life.” She draws her love of stories from her maternal grandmother. A Manhattan resident, she has volunteered time in activities serving the homeless and in the performing arts. “When you’re telling personal stories, it’s taking the particular and making it accessible to other people, so that when they hear what you’re saying they can remember something that went on in their life that was similar—a touch of hands, people coming together.”
George Edward Tait, also known as the Poet Laureate of Harlem, is a multi-talented musician, educator, poet, writer, activist, and storyteller who has given thousands of presentations and workshops, for over three decades, in a wide variety of venues including colleges, community centers, correctional facilities, libraries, theaters, museums, and cultural centers. Mr. Tait served as President of the Society of Afrikan Poets, producing seven years of poetry readings in the historic 360-week series entitled, Black Words for a Wednesday Night. Editor, publisher, journalist, music director, faculty member, and published poet, Mr. Tait’s insight and thoughtfulness is far reaching.
Joyce Duncan is a first generation American born on ‘Sugar Hill’ in Harlem, New York. She was raised as well on the luscious Caribbean Island of Jamaica. Joyce holds an honorary doctorate in theology and is a folklorist, cultural historian, community organizer, mediator, and facilitator. She became intrigued by folklore and storytelling upon her first hearing the African proverbs, “hard times makes the monkey eat hot peppers” (Zanzibar) and “talking with one another is loving one another” (Kenya). In 1996, she founded the African Heritage Folk Circle and continues as its president today. Joyce loves coming to the Pearls of Wisdom meetings and sharing her personal experience with other people, “I like seeing people, watching how we evolve, and how the aging process affects each one of us. How the beauty shifts and changes, but always grows.”
Juliette Holmes hails from Savannah, Georgia and the Geechee Gullah culture. She has more than thirty years experience as an Early Childhood educator. Juliette was awarded a fellowship from the African American Institute and Columbia University to travel and study in West Africa to develop a curriculum in African Studies and African Arts and Crafts for children. In 1986, she was the recipient of the New York City Board of Education Teacher of the Year Award. Juliette believes that we need to combine the old and the new to have wisdom, but that wisdom without love is cold. "You have to have both. You have to have love and wisdom in order to really flourish in your life."
Rebecca King was born and raised a native of Harlem, New York. Her career in program development, training, and employment services focused on at risk populations reentering the work force. The performance of classical and sacred song in the church community has been a deep love of Rebecca’s. After a vocal injury redirected her to developing the spoken word, she feels she has found a natural and generous vehicle for sharing with others. “So many things have happened in my life where people have helped turn me around. I love to talk and I love helping people. Sometimes you’re called to do something else.” Storytelling seems the perfect fit.
Rose Fontanella is a proud Italian-American daughter, community activist, mother, friend, tenant, graphic and visual artist, entrepreneur, writer, stand-up comedian, and storyteller. Rose began storytelling in the 1980’s when a corporate take-over forced her out of a job. She compares storytelling with the ocean, “Just throw it out there, then it comes back to you…, and that is what starts the whole circle of communication. That is what storytelling is about. It is about connecting with people; otherwise there is no purpose to it.” Rose has presented at many places around NYC. She has been heard on public radio as well as seen on cable TV.
Shirley Young is a native of Baton Rouge, Louisiana who grew up in New Orleans, where she was initiated into storytelling. Settling in Brooklyn, New York, she began working for the New York City Board of Education as an Educational Assistant, a position she would hold for twenty-five years until her retirement. Shirley has volunteered with the Boy Scouts of America and in public schools. In recent years, she has been part of the Retired Senior Volunteers Program (RSVP) in New York City. This drumming and music lover, who happens to be happily married for over fifty-five years, reflects on the Pearls of Wisdom, “This program is about truth, to be truthful, because we are doing living stories. We are not doing book stories.”
