Oba William King: Oba William King-- The Poetic Storyteller

Oba's interactive performances, storytelling, drama workshops and lectures involve participants in a stimulating variety of self-esteem building activities. His programs celebrate African-American heritage, demonstrate cultural tradition and encourage cultural diversity. His work helps students to develop articulation skills through storytelling and poetry, as well as conflict resolution, self-image, team-building and agile thinking. Oba also provides performances for seniors, adults and toddlers.

As an American Griot, the poetic storyteller, Oba offers assembly-style performances, interweaving stories and poetry with rhythm and song to create a wonderfully entertaining, educational event for school, church, community center, public or private organization. Materials are adapted to fit the age of the audience. All audiences, all ages, all cultures, all communities.

Oba is a 2002 Illinois Arts Council's Fellowship Award recipient, 2000 Hands On Stanza's Gwendolyn Brooks Award recipient, and Hidden Jewel of the Neighborhood 2000 recipient. Oba was recently featured on Network Chicago's 'Artbeat Chicago' segment titled King of the Classroom.