Professor-Griot-Poetess-Soul Singer NANA CAMILLE YARBROUGH
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 Durham Dance Company; 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. Please contact the Akila Worksongs Speakers' Bureau for more information 718.756.8501 or speakersbureau@akilaworksongs.com
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. WELLS 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: |
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ASCAC (The Association for the Study of Classical African Civilizations) | ||
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THE NEW SCHOOL FOR SOCIAL RESEARCH (The Journey of the Griots-Souls: Unsold) | ||
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KEAN COLLEGE (Misuse of the African Image in the Media) | ||
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THE BLACK CAUCUS of the AMERICAN LIBRARY ASSOCIATION | ||
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THE NATIONAL BLACK CHILD DEVELOPMENT INSTITUTE | ||
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KUNTU WRITERS WORKSHOP - DEPT. OF AFRICAN STUDIES, UNIVERSITY OF PITTSBURGH | ||
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"OUR ROOTS RUN DEEP" - Atlantic Recording Group | ||
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PAN-AFRICAN BOOKFEST and CULTURAL CONFERENCE - Florida International University | ||
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THE FIRST WORLD LECTURE SERIES | ||
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UNITED AFRICAN MOVEMENT | ||
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THE NATIONAL ACTION NETWORK | ||
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CEMOTAP (Committee to Eliminate Media Offensive to African People) | ||
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AUTHOR of several Young Adult and Children's Books including the ever popular "CORNROWS" | ||
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 Lorrain Hansberry’s Play, "To Be Young, Gifted and Black".
Ms. YARBROUGH was a member of the KATHERINE DUNHAM DANCE COMPANY for five years and taught DUNHAM TECHNIQUE at Southern Illinois University.
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
Related Links
Article: Taking her Praise: Profile of Camille Yarbrough,
A Renaissance Woman
written by DuEwa M. Frazier
http://aalbc.com/authors/article.htm
Read more about Camille Yarbrough's Children's Books
http://aalbc.com/authors/cornrows.htm
AncestorHouse.net
http://www.ancestorhouse.net
