Activist-Professor-Griot-Poet-Soul Singer-Actress-Dancer
NANA CAMILLE YARBROUGH
Read a Wonderful Article Describing Yarbrough’s Life
Ms. Yarbrough, a multi-talented veteran of theater, film, dance, and song is, like her article-mates, enjoying a renewed interest in her career. Much of that attention is generated by the 2000 re-release of her spoken word CD “The Iron Pot Cooker” (Vanguard Records). One of the songs from that album (“Take Yo’ Praise”) was covered by British DJ Fatboy Slim. His international hit “Praise You” has since been heard in hit movies, Mercedes Benz and Wimbledon commercials, and several television shows for the past two years. Amazingly, “The Iron Pot Cooker” which was originally released in 1975, was Ms. Yarbrough’s first and only recording.
In a Spin Magazine review, Yarbrough was dubbed “a hip hop foremother.” Some know Camille as the author of the children’s classic book “Cornrows;” some know her as a spoken word artist/performer from the Black Arts Movement; others will remember her from her dance days with the esteemed Katherine Dunham Dance Company, where she was a member of the for five years and taught Dunham technique at Southern Illinois University; and still others will remember her from the original movie Shaft or any number of the television shows she’s done.
Whatever the genre, all will recognize her commitment to preserving African and African American culture. Ms. Yarbrough is available for general lectures and speaking engagements during Black History Month, Women’s History Month, and National Poetry Month.
In 1994, Camille Yarbrough was enstooled by Abladei, Inc. (Ghanian) as Naa Kuokor Agyman 1, founder of the Stool House of Harriet Tubman. Ms. Yarbrough has received numerous awards, including the Unity Award in Media from Lincoln University in Missouri, the Jazz/Folk/Ethnic Performance Fellowship Grant from the National Endowment of the Arts; Ida B. Wels award from the United African Movement; and Women of the Month Award from Essence Magazine.
Sankofa Camille Yarbrough has had distinguished careers as community activist, writer, teacher, actress, composer, singer, dancer, radio talk show host, and lecturer. She was most recently presented by:
- ASCAC (The Association for the Study of Classical African Civilizations)
- THE NEW SCHOOL FOR SOCIAL RESEARCH (The Journey of the Griots-Souls: Unsold)
- KEAN COLLEGE (Misuse of the African Image in the Media)
- THE BLACK CAUCUS of the AMERICAN LIBRARY ASSOCIATION
- THE NATIONAL BLACK CHILD DEVELOPMENT INSTITUTE
- KUNTU WRITERS WORKSHOP – DEPT. OF AFRICAN STUDIES, UNIVERSITY OF PITTSBURGH
- OUR ROOTS RUN DEEP” – Atlantic Recording Group
- PAN-AFRICAN BOOKFEST and CULTURAL CONFERENCE – Florida International University
- THE FIRST WORLD LECTURE SERIES
- UNITED AFRICAN MOVEMENT
- THE NATIONAL ACTION NETWORK
- CEMOTAP (Committee to Eliminate Media Offensive to African People)
CAMILLE YARBROUGH was a faculty member of the BLACK STUDIES DEPARTMENT OF CITY COLLEGE OF NEW YORK for twelve years and has contributed articles to the “JOURNAL OF AFRICAN CIVILIZATIONS”, editor Ivan Van Sertima, to “BLACK COLLEGIAN MAGAZINE” and to the “NEW YORK TIMES” Drama Section.
VANGUARD RECORDS RECORDED CAMILLE YARBROUGH’S first album of original songs and poetry, “THE IRON POT COOKER” and her work as an actress can be heard on the cast album of Lorraine Hansberry’s Play, “To Be Young, Gifted and Black”.
The Iron Pot Cooker
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Audio CD (February 22, 2000)
Number of Discs: 1
Label: Vanguard Records
ASIN: B00002069L
Also Available in Vinyl & MP3 Download
Though The Iron Pot Cooker was originally released in 1971, the first time I heard it was in 2000. I dropped everything to write this review and to build the web page you are reading now — I felt compelled to get the word out about this CD. Read the full reviews by AALBC.com’s Troy Johnson.
Cornrows
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illustrated by Carole Byard
Reading level: Ages 9-12
Paperback: 48 pages
Publisher: Putnam Juvenile; 1 edition (January 27, 1997)
Originally Published in 1979 by Coward, McCann & Geoghegan, Inc
ISBN-10: 0698114361
ISBN-13: 978-0698114364
Product Dimensions: 8.4 x 9.7 x 0.2 inches
A Coretta Scott King Award Winner
Mama’s and Great – Grammaw’s gentle fingers weave the design, and their lulling voices weave the tale, as they braid their children’s hair into the striking cornrow patterns of Africa.
“A jubilant celebration of black culture … with absolutely marvelous drawings.” -Publishers Weekly
“This book is a Gem! Camille Yarbrough captures the warmth of family affection and the pride of our rich heritage in a story that’s superbly illustrated by Carole Byard.” -Essence
The Shimmershine Queens
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Reading level: Ages 9-12
Paperback: 144 pages
Publisher: Putnam Juvenile (June 18, 1996)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0698113691
ISBN-13: 978-0698113695
Product Dimensions: 7.7 x 5 x 0.5 inches
“A remarkable story about self-esteem and achievement” — Publishers Weekly
“A brave Book” — Booklist
Angie and Michelle are best friends, facing the very real problems of growing up in a tough inner-city neighborhood where it’s sometimes not considered “cool,” or even safe, to be smart or to have kinky hair and dark skin. That is until 90-year-old Cousin Seatta comes to visit and teaches Angie and Michelle about the shimmershine feeling, that good feeling and pride which people have for their racial heritage and physical features.
The Little Tree Growing in the Shade
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Reading level: Ages 9-12
Hardcover: 64 pages
Publisher: Putnam Juvenile (February 7, 1996)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0399212043
ISBN-13: 978-0399212048
Product Dimensions: 11.8 x 8.4 x 0.6 inches
A history of the African-American spiritual and its unique cultural significance discusses the origins of these songs in the music of slaves who used the songs as expressions of hope, fear, sorrow, and freedom. By the author of Cornrows.
Illustrated by Tyrone Geter. With the skill of a weaver, Yarbrough has woven the variegated threads of African-American history into a memorable story for young readers that speaks of the rich of the Africans brought in captivity to America. It tells of a people who “refuse[d] to die small,” symbolized by the shade-covered small tree that grew against all odds. Then there is the story of the Negro spirituals, the sounds of praise and solace and cleverly disguised coded messages of plans for escape – the music form academically called the root of rhythm and blues. The narration further describes the unbroken thread of civil rights leaders across the years and their tireless quest for freedom. Selecting a warm family gathering at a concert in the park as the background, Yarbrough’s informative text is filled with a rhythmic use of language – poetic, alliterative, onomatopoeic – that begs to be read aloud. Geter’s black-and-white sketches capture the many moods of the text – celebration, religious fervor, and family love.
— Henrietta M. Smith
Tamika & the Wisdom Rings
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Reading level: Ages 4-8
Paperback: 71 pages
Publisher: Just Us Books (October 30, 2004)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 094097567X
ISBN-13: 978-0940975675
Product Dimensions: 7 x 5.4 x 0.2 inches
From Sankofa Books, and imprint of Just Us Books
Tamika is a member of a special club: the Sweet Fruit of the African Family Tree Club. She loves being a Sweet Fruit. Tamika also loves to wonder. But sometimes wondering gets Tamika into trouble, especially when she doesn’t think before she acts. So Mama and Daddy share words of wisdom with Tamika. Love yourself. Carry yourself with dignity. Use your mind freely, but always think before you act. And they give her sparkling, colorful rings, so whenever Tamika starts wondering, she can look at the rings and remember. But lately Tamika and her family’s safety has been in danger. Then eight year old Tamika suffers the biggest tragedy of her life. Will the wisdom rings keep her strong and help her do the right thing?
Every group leader should share with their youngsters the rich experience of Tainika’s rites of passage -for in essence, the book is about the reality of life for young girls in our communities today. In Tamika’s story, wholesome cultural heritage struggles to subsist in the midst of drugs and violence.” “Every sensitive, caring single mother will empathize with the tragedy and struggles of Tamika’s mother. Hopefully, they will be guided to use her wisdom and strength in relating to, caring for and teaching their own children.” — Gwen Akua Gilyard, President Sojourner Truth Adolescent Rites Society
Related Links
Read more about Camille Yarbrough’s Children’s Books
Contact Information
Telephone: 212-865-7460
Address:
African American Traditions Workshop
80 St. Nicholas Avenue Ste 4G
New York, New York 10026
Email: Yarbroughchosan@aol.com
>via: http://aalbc.com/authors/camille.htm
Dua, Dua, Praises to Elder Camille Yarbrough! We are truly blessed to have her in our lives, rooting for our continuing existence as Afrikan ppl! Meda ase to our Afrikan ancestors for sensing her to alla we!