Miss Donna The Storyteller

Donna Willingham is currently a Children's Librarian for Cleveland Public Library, Downtown Main Branch. She is also an "always learning" Storyteller, specializing in African and African-American folktales, for both adult and children's audiences. Ms. Willingham is a member of the Cleveland Association of Black Storytellers, Inc., and the National Association of Black Storytellers, Inc. In 1997, Ms. Willingham told the "tallest tale", and won the "Liars' Contest" at the National Black Storytellers Festival and Conference, which was held in Cleveland, Ohio that year. Ms. Willingham holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Speech and Hearing from Cleveland State University, and an Associate of Applied Science Degree in American Sign Language Interpreting and Transliteration Technology from The University of Akron.

Ms. Willingham is a native of Denver, Colorado, but spent the majority of her childhood in El Dorado, Arkansas and Cleveland, Ohio. Her experiences in these settings allowed her the opportunity to develop an appreciation for diverse nationalities and cultures.

Ms. Willingham made her debut as a Storyteller in February, 1997, when she was asked to speak at a Black History program at Mt. Olive Missionary Baptist Church in Cleveland, Ohio. Since then, she has shared stories in various venues, such as schools, libraries, churches, Cain Park (public park theater), The Cleveland Museum of Art, The Cleveland Botanical Garden, "Another Look" (local cable television) and special events such as "Palooza" at Playhouse Square Center, and "Jazz Portraits" in support of The United Black Fund of Greater Cleveland.

Ms. Willingham uses storytelling as a means for highlighting and illustrating morals, offering encouragement, and stimulating imaginative thinking. Stories shared are usually folktales, with a strong emphasis on African and African-African culture, but stories from other cultures are also shared. 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 particular moral, or just brings out a good "laugh" then I'd like for that to happen".

"Miss Donna" is available for school, library, and church performances, as well as special occasions and festive events. Stories shared can be geared towards a particular theme; advanced notice is required.

For booking information, please call (216) 287-3355 or (216) 341-2974, or contact by email to WillinghamDV@netscape.net

CABS Home Page