As a non-virgin-y Twisted Story Tell-ee, I had a good idea of what may be in store this evening.
Even with that said, Satori Shakoor never fails to bring out Detroit’s most amazing line-up of courageous storytellers.
Tonight’s performance was dedicated to Detroit’s own R&B-jazz singer, Ortheia Barnes. Ortheia was a community activist, entrepreneur, ordained minister and a wonderful, loving person. She was called a living “hug” and Satori considered her a mentor and Guiding Light for being such a wonderful spiritual example of a human being.
The first speaker of the evening was Ted Olds, whose story focused on the choices that we all have to speak up and voice our thoughts when it appears someone is hurting others by using slanderous stereotypes, especially in regards to children and how it molds their thinking as they perceive the world while growing up. Ted’s story centered around how using your skills and abilities, regardless of your race, you can help change the world for the better.
Stunningly dressed international model, Piper Carter was living out her dreams in New York through the modeling and music industries, when her time there was cut short when she raced home after her mothers heart attack. Surgery to fix the situation left her mother in a coma. Despite the amazing opportunities she had to return to her work, Piper stayed by her mothers side, repeating a whispered, “it’s okay, I love you” mantra. To find out what happened next, click here…
Turning tears to laughter, Monica Sholer comes to the stage with her relatable story of transition from bachelorette to mother of a 5 year old boy had the audience in stitches. One of our cities top break out authors and entertainers, watch Monica’s story of her very precocious son, click here…
After speaking of Ortheia Barnes as a ‘She-ro’, Saxophonist Duane Parham’s spellbinding musical tribute was his rendition of “Wind Beneath My Wings”. It was the perfect transition to the second half of the evening.
Cornetta Lane shared the longing of a daughter for her father’s love. Despite the life that she knew he led, her brief moments on the phone and the one day she was able to be held in his arms as a child are held in her heart forever, helping us all to understand that the bond between parent and child supersedes all cultural and sometimes ethical boundaries.
Loren Harper took the stage last, but as they say, certainly not least. His quick but biting story about what, where and how anyone can end up when actively using drugs opened up a new experience for most everyone in the room. Humorously told, his incredible story led us to an entirely new world below the city streets, where desperate people set up ‘homes’, labs, and community in the last stop dominion of our urban tunnels.
His ‘gift from God’ experience drove him running upwards through the manhole to a sober life for the last 10 years. Loren then treated us to a heart-lifting song of sweet and total gratitude. His magnificently trained and heavenly voice was the perfect end to the evening.
Once again, Satori put together a terrific line-up and perfectly told theme of ‘Ties That Bind’ to continue bringing out the healing stories of our Detroiters. I urge you to come see for yourself.
I bet you’ll be not only hooked, but proud of Satori and our city!
For a hint of what you’ve missed and information on the next event, visit http://www.secretstorytellers.org
David Silverman is a writer, poet, and all around good guy, writing for GreeningDetroit.com
His wordplay and wit can be found in his latest collection, Ageless Gems: http://www.amazon.com/Ageless-Gems-David-Silverman/dp/0984812954
Source: Secret Society of Twisted Storytellers
Click here to be introduced to the Secret Society