Honoring Jimmy Neil Smith

I so appreciate my long-time friend and story-colleague, Jimmy Neil Smith for his inspired vision, unwavering dedication, and hard work in creating and nurturing the National Storytelling Festival for decades, initiating the first National Storytelling Organization (NAPPS/NSN) and Directing the International Storytelling Center. His work profoundly influenced me and countless others in the art of storytelling. He paved the way and shined the light for a revival that has captivated both storytellers and listeners, ushering us into a world where performance storytelling thrives. Along with that, he transformed Jonesborough, TN into the storytelling capital of the world!

Connie, Jimmy Neil, and Barbara Freeman in 1976 at the 4th Annual Storytelling Festival.

Our gathering in Jonesborough on May 18th was a powerful time with tears and laughing intertwined with 5 decades of memories and appreciations.

Click on the video below to watch the memorial. My honoring-story starts at 48 minutes, followed by Ed Stivender and Donald Davis.

Kiran Singh Sirah

The storytelling revolution is a concept that my predecessor and friend, Jimmy Neil Smith, talked about often. We literally had hundreds of conversations about it. It’s the idea of using stories to help build a better, more just, socially inclusive, and balanced world. It’s about harnessing the good, the wisdom, and the knowledge that exist in all places and in all communities. It’s about realizing the power we all have to shape a story of the future we care about. These are the ideas I’m keeping in my heart today.

This morning, as I prepare to leave for Atlanta for a few days to discuss, with my peers, the value of our folk and traditional arts field, it means I can’t attend the celebration of life taking place in Jonesborough today. But I’m 100% there in spirit and in heart.

I’m wearing the bolo that Jimmy gave me when we first met. I usually keep this on my sacred shrine. I’ve only worn it three times. The first time Jimmy gave it to me, then at the 50th National Storytelling Festival when I presented a tribute to my predecessor in person, and I wear it today.

The celebration of life will be livestreamed for those who cannot attend, via the Storytelling Center’s website (which will be recorded and available for the next few days as well).

I’m grateful for the storytellers who will be presenting, especially Connie Regan-Blake. She and I have been sharing stories of Jimmy these past few weeks. Connie has known Jimmy for decades and is like a storytelling sister to him.

I remember this beautiful human who had such an impact on my life, both personally and professionally. I think about the millions of lives that Jimmy has influenced around the world. I honor the friendship, the ideas and the storytelling revolution discussions Jimmy and I shared.