IM 2009 -10 Speaker Eva Abram

A native of New Orleans, Louisiana, Eva Abram has lived in Seattle, Washington for more than 30 years. Upon graduation from the University of Washington, she worked as a public administrator for 10 years. She then operated her own massage therapy health care practice for 11 years. Eva began training as a storyteller in 2000, after identifying storytelling as a wonderful way to share historical and cultural information in an acceptable, non-threatening way to people of all ages. She researches, writes and presents stories of American history and multicultural folktales to enhance school, museum and library programs.

Civil Rights: A History of Us
Eva Abram's well-researched dramatic portrayal of pivotal events in American history introduces students to two compelling characters from the 1950s and 60s. First, a feisty woman lovingly shares her personal experience of growing up in the early 1900s Jim Crow Louisiana. Next, Mrs. Rosa Parks recalls the Montgomery Bus Boycott and tells what it felt like to live as a second-class citizen. Appearing in costume, Eva seamlessly takes on the lives of her characters and gives depth to her stories by drawing on her own Southern upbringing. Students learn how historic events shape our lives today and gain appreciation for how citizen participation helps maintain the ideals of democracy.

Fun-tastic Folktales: African and African-American Folktales
In this engaging and informative program, Eva Abram uses stories such as The King of the Birds, Katchie Katchie Blue Jay, and How Animals got their Coats to explore where stories come from, why we tell them, and how tone of voice, gestures and body language heighten storytelling impact. Students learn how they can teach kindness, respect, fairness, sharing and other lessons, and are encouraged to try it for themselves.