WS Chronicle

Storytellers, and the art of storytelling, has always been a rich tradition in African and African-American culture. In recognition of Black History Month, last weekend the Forsyth County Central Library held a showcase for modern-day storytellers when they hosted their first African-American Author Fair.

The event, held in the auditorium, featured more than a dozen authors, each with their own story to tell and share with the public. Each of the authors had a table displaying their book and contact information. Throughout the day, they took turns at the microphone to talk about their book.

Sage Chioma, a local poet, playwright and counselor, had her book there.  A collection of various poems written by Chioma, “Earth is a Mother’s Hood” features poems that “honor the feminine divine.” During a brief conversation with The Chronicle, Chioma said her book is an extension of what she does every day.

As a certified substance abuse counselor, Chioma provides counseling for homeless men, women and veterans at Caring Services Inc. in High Point. She has also conducted workshops with teens in New York State juvenile detention centers. Her most recent endeavor is the development of “Reunited Love,” a substance abuse program that aids families with loved ones embarking on the path to recovery.

“I have worked on the front lines of addiction for over 20 years and so I’m doing poetry and counseling together. What we’re doing is using poetry and expressive arts for healing,” said Chioma. “… The work is like marrying two things I enjoy most – the arts and healing. I’m a practitioner for arts and healing.”

Chioma said the power of storytelling is important because it gives a voice to the voiceless and gives people hope that they can overcome life’s obstacles. She said, “The power of story is everything because everyone of us has to make the hero’s journey.

“… We’re all creating stories all the time. So now I’m constantly re-writing stories about victimhood, about womanhood, about motherhood, and I’m writing it from a place of triumph.”

One of the most popular authors there was also the youngest, 10-year-old Isaac Redfern, the author of “Isaac’s Adventures In Paris.” A native of Winston-Salem, in his book Redfern details his amazing adventure during a trip to Paris, France. While there, Redfern explores the Parisian culture – their language, money, food and a few major events.

When asked how it felt to be a published author at such a young age, Redfern said he was proud of what he has accomplished.

“I was a little nervous at first, but I’m proud to be an author.”

Redfern told The Chronicle to be on the lookout for his next book that will detail his adventures in Brazil.

If poetry or a travelers’ guide to Paris isn’t what you were looking for, there were plenty of other options to choose from during the Author Fair. From cookbooks to fiction, non-fiction and children’s books, the event had something for everyone.

While making her way through the crowd, Tanisha Watts said she had no idea there were so many published African-American authors right here in the Triad. Watts, who is an avid reader, said she made it her mission to speak with every author there.

“If we don’t support each other, nobody will. I think this event was a great idea to get local authors the exposure they deserve,” Watts said.

For more information on the African-American Author Fair or for a complete list of the authors who attended the event, call 336-703-2954.