In honor of Black History Month, Charles H. Bullock students were entertained by actor, poet and storyteller Rochel Garner Coleman a veteran of the theatre, working professionally since the age of nine. Garner captivated the audience, first reading the poem “Aunt Sue’s Stories,” by African-American author Langston Hughes and sharing that his own aunt used to tell him stores, which is how he learned about African-American culture. He continued his presentation, combining his unique storytelling style with song. He encouraged participation and had students clapping and singing along.
“I expose students to live images of history, which, in turn, enables them to visualize a world outside their own,” Coleman says. “My shows present a point of view of a period of history told by those outside mainstream culture. There’s great satisfaction in that ‘light bulb moment’ when you can see the children suddenly get it.”
Living in both Los Angeles, CA and Providence, Rhode Island, Coleman maintains a busy performance schedule working in television and movies, acting in plays at various regional theaters around the country, and entertaining audiences around the world. Whether telling a story or performing one of his own works, Coleman creates a living experience with his audiences.
More on Bullock’s and the district’s Black History Month activities.