Today we’d like to introduce you to OBA William KING.
Hi OBA, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today.
I served in the US Army during Viet Nam era as communication specialist… My introduction to the arts came via Kay Fulton Dean of Dance Santa Barbara City College, Eleanor Flewellen; Dean of the Literature Department, together they introduced me to Joe Hanrready, the director of the local community theater company, at the time he was producing Shakespeare – they liked the way I talked (Iambic pentameter). I was cast in Midsummer Night’s Dream, Taming of the Shrew and then I performed the Santa Barbara Theater production of Bleacher Bums and became (humbly) infatuated with the City of Big Shoulders, The City By The Lake, The Home of Jean Baptist Point DuSable and Harold Washington, and President Barrack Obama. This article will impact my practice by providing exposure as I take the next step on the ladder of growth toward development of my voice, style, and content as the storyteller. When I arrived in Chicago, I received a grant from the Chicago Park district through the renegade fund to produce an Open Mic event at Howard Street Theater in Rogers Park, I met and collaborated with Tom Tresser director of Peoples Housing community sustainability department. Tom introduced me to the importance of using my art form for community development. We rehearsed my Urban Gateways touring show; We Speak in Rhythm, in the theater at Howard Street. We ultimately created a showcase for multiple artists with The Drums of Rogers Park bringing the community together through rhythm, celebrating Summer Solstice as an opportunity to find common ground. I performed throughout Chicago at The History Museum, DuSable Museum, Kohls Children’s, The Field Museum as well as, The Museum of Science and Industry. I was blessed to strategically utilize arts council grants, City and Community arts awards, and ultimately I won a Fellowship in Traditional Folk Arts from Illinois Arts Council funded by The National Endowment for the Arts. During my time in Chicago I received the opportunity to travel to Benin, West Africa and practice traditions of The Jeli and Griot. In 2017 I received an invitation to develop community arts programs at a small independent public library near Fort Worth, Texas. My Mother was born in Okmulgee, OK and my Dad was born in Silsby, Texas. Amazingly the invitation to Fort Worth would bring me nearly into the middle ground of where they were both from. So, I packed up my goods, grabbed my drum and a few dashiki style shirts and cultural outfits, bought a pair of comfy boots, and headed south. I arrived in November and by the summer of 2018 I’d written my 1st proposal for The American Library Association, I received the funding for my summer reading program titled See What I’m Saying: reading, telling, and acting out folktales, stories, and a few poems for young readers.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Dwelling in the art form of traditional folk arts is a challenge in and of itself. Many of the communities that would most benefit from activities and productions in the arts, don’t really recognize the traditional folk arts as a vehicle for growth and development of said communities. As a storyteller, it is difficult to market presentations, workshops, performances, or residencies in areas where the arts are not considered essential. Many communities do not set aside funding for cultural arts activities and in areas where state or arts council funding is available, very few non-profit entities are familiar with proposal processes, or they do not have the staff support to focus on developing the funding resources. The combination of multiple conditions cause nearly insurmountable obstacles and difficult challenges in marketing and booking arts programming. Over coming obstacles is in the job description.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I am available for pre-k through high school assembly, library event, community workshop, and short term residency. Oba King is a Master Storyteller, a Cultural Arts Specialist, Poet, and Children’s Book Author specializing in educational workshops designed to introduce students to the power of the spoken word and the magic of literature. Oba is innovative, energetic, professional, and dedicated. During the past several years my programs have had long-lasting, positive effects on school-age youth, their parents, and community members. Performing, Touring, Teaching Artist; The Poetic Storyteller. I’ve a long list of many awesome family friendly, cultural arts programs at The JFKennedy Center in DC, The International Storytelling Center Jonesboro,TN George H W Bush Library/Museum, Kimbell Art Museum Fort Worth, Bishop Arts Theatre & Pan African Connection in Oak Cliff. My favorite experiences are visiting small towns and communities across the Midwest, and Mid America presenting cultural arts activities, through storytelling, spoken word, reading, writing, rhythm, drumming, and poetry for festivals & featured events. I’ve posted an engaging collection of content on social media, by far the best experience is live and in person, but one of the good lessons from the pandemic for me is the awesome reach of YouTube, Instagram, and my virtual performance distant learning Facebook page. I enjoy sharing the art of storytelling, with new audiences, especially in workshop settings for participants of all ages and cultures. THIS JUST IN! November 11, 2022 The National Association of Black Storytellers will celebrate the organization’s 40th annual “In The Tradition” Festival & Conference. This year NABS will bestow an a magnificent honor upon ObaKing: Induction into the Brother Blue Circle of Elders; This is a tremendous cultural-milestone for me. An American Educator; Dr. Hugh Morgan Hill known as “Brother Blue” was born in Ohio, July 12, 1921, the epitome storytelling, a Harvard, Yale, & Geffen School of Drama-educated Street Performer. He lived in Cambridge, MA. Boston’s Griot, Brother Blue became an Ancestor November 3, 2009. I will walk proudly with a mighty angel on. my shoulders.
Can you talk to us a bit about the role of luck?
Luck is the combination of hard work, preparation, and opportunity. Sometimes one may exclaim “I was in the right place at the right time” and attribute that to luck. I prefer to see those situations as fate, proper choices as instinct. I call myself an “imaginatarian” everything is possible when we engage the power of our imagination, following our spirit, taking time to seek and find fuel for the journey, then celebrate our gifts of wisdom by sharing them. Remember though, if we are not prepared, “luck” is never lasting.
Pricing:
- Affordable
- Grants Available for Non-Profit 501c3
- Pro Bono programming offered throughout the year. Up to 4 (four) events -minimum transportation, lodging & per diem (only)
- Price ranges are listed via website https://justusarts.com
- block booking is encouraged
Contact Info:
- Website: https://justusarts.com & www.arts.TEXAS.gov
- Instagram: #storytellingking • #Oba4062
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/obaking
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/ObaWilliam
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-XpM-RzDDCg
- Other: https://ilpresenters.org/oba-william-king-poetic-storyteller
- ObaKing: www.obawilliamking.com
Image Credits
JUSTUSarts Educational Entertainment
