Have Mouth. Will Run It!
Artist Statement:
In the early 90’s, I had just finished a storytelling assembly for grades 3-5 and was waiting for grades k-2. A ten year old fourth grade girl walked up to me and said, “Mr. McCarty, I want to thank for your stories. They made me laugh. I haven’t laughed in a long time. Thank you.” And she left. The school principal walked in and I told her about this encounter. She explained that the girl’s father had committed suicide a few months prior. So for that little girl to laugh was a major accomplishment. That’s why I do this.
Biography:
Michael’s Mom was his storyteller. She told him stories, read him stories and always reminded him of the importance of reading. She instilled in him the conviction that he could be anything he wanted to be. In 1992, he met Joel ben Izzy, a professional storyteller. He picked Joel’s brain and vowed that he was going to become a professional teller too. Michael asked himself what would he do as a profession if he were independently wealthy. Tell stories was his answer. Since then he’s been running his mouth around the country and around the world. He loves his job!!!
Programs:
Michael specializes in stories of African and Afro-American history, multi cultural stories and personal stories of the brilliant and absolutely stupid stuff I’ve done in my life. Since 2014, he’s been working in California prisons as part of the Arts In Corrections project. He gives a variety of workshops open utilizing the art of storytelling.
Quotes:
If your vision is for one year, plant rice. If your vision is for 10 years, plant trees. But if your vision is for 100 years, educate children.
– Back in the 90’s I’d just finished telling stories for grades 3-5
There is no greater agony than bearing an untold story inside you. MAYA ANGELOU
– Have Mouth. Will Run It!
Many Afro-American Storytellers of today seek to fulfill the role of Griots by making sure that the world is continually made aware of the achievements and contributions of the people of the African diaspora.” Michael D. McCarty
– Have Mouth. Will Run It!
http://racebridgesstudio.com/category/storyteller-videos-collection/michael-mccarty/