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BSA / THE PEOPLE WHO CARRY THE TRADITION

Long-Standing
Members.

We honor the storytellers whose dedication, cultural knowledge, and community leadership have kept Black oral tradition alive across generations.

Meet Our Storytellers Explore BSA’s History ↗

The living legacy / 01

Behind every festival, classroom, and gathering are people who have carried the stories forward. This tribute grows as more long-standing members and culture bearers are added to the circle.

Mr. Zulu speaking in a community garden, wearing a rust-colored patterned tunic, sunglasses and a light-colored cap. AN AUTHENTIC BSA MEMBER PORTRAIT
THE VOICES OF BSA · 01 Mr. Zulu

Vusumuzi “Vusi” Zulu

Asanteheni · Co-Founder · Master Storyteller · McKnight Culture Bearer Fellow · Community Elder

40 years with BSA

Co-founder, master storyteller, educator, and community elder. For more than four decades, Mr. Zulu has helped preserve African and African American oral traditions and inspire generations of storytellers.

Storytelling specialty
Black History & Cultural Heritage
Folkloric character
The Signifyin’ Monkey
Read Mr. Zulu’s Story
Mariama Imani smiling in a white embroidered garment and tinted glasses, with a warm golden circle behind her. AN AUTHENTIC BSA MEMBER PORTRAIT
THE VOICES OF BSA · 02 Mariama Imani

Mariama Imani Kamali Gillespie

Karamu Garden Director

28 years with BSA

Third-generation griot, musician, storyteller, and Karamu Garden Director whose work helps people sing, reflect, grow, and reconnect through culture, land, and story.

Storytelling specialty
Folkloric stories, gardening stories, land-based learning stories, children stories, and participation stories
Read Mariama Imani’s Story
Brotha Asè holding a djembe close, wearing a deep red cap, shades, and a red garment, in a contemplative portrait. AN AUTHENTIC BSA MEMBER PORTRAIT
THE VOICES OF BSA · 03 Brotha Asè

Joshua “Brotha Asè” Gillespie

Modern Griot · Traditional Drummer · Storyteller · Teaching Artist · Cultural Bridge Builder

Modern griot, traditional drummer, storyteller, and teaching artist whose work uses rhythm, remembrance, and cultural reclamation to help communities reconnect to story, healing, and identity.

Storytelling specialty
West African folklore, oral traditions, and cultural history; traditional African drumming and rhythmic storytelling; interactive, participatory storytelling for all ages; African American history, identity, and cultural reclamation; healing-centered storytelling and community drum circles; intergenerational wisdom, mentorship, and youth empowerment; spiritual storytelling, faith, and ancestral reflection
Folkloric character
The Elephant — Keeper of Memory and Ancestral Wisdom
Read Brotha Asè’s Story
Kristie Lazenberry in colorful patterned clothing, expressive and mid-story, with a warm golden background and radiating accents. AN AUTHENTIC BSA MEMBER PORTRAIT
THE VOICES OF BSA · 04 Kristie Lazenberry

Kristie Lazenberry

Storyteller

10+ years with BSA

Storyteller, cultural connector, educator, and community leader whose work uses African and African American oral traditions to deepen empathy, build bridges, and spark meaningful dialogue.

Storytelling specialty
African and African American oral storytelling traditions; personal narratives and life experiences; cultural identity, heritage, and belonging; stories of resilience, hope, and human connection; intergenerational storytelling and shared wisdom; empathy, equity, and community understanding; storytelling that inspires meaningful dialogue
Folkloric character
The Spider — Weaver of Wisdom and Human Connection
Read Kristie Lazenberry’s Story

Every voice deserves to be remembered.

A living tribute, growing one story at a time.

As more long-standing members share their photographs and biographies, their stories will join this collection.

Our community / The next chapter

The tradition is still being written.

Explore BSA’s mission, connect with storytellers, or become part of the community carrying these stories forward.

Become a Member ↗Connect with BSA ↗