We are delighted to announce that The Givens Foundation for African American Literature is a sponsor of StoryFest 2023, “Shared Stories, Shared World.” The foundation’s generous contribution is made in memory of storyteller Beverly Cottman, who passed away unexpectedly on March 10 while traveling in Egypt. Beverly, known to many as “Auntie Beverly,” was a COMPAS teaching artist and a member of the Black Storytellers Alliance and Story Arts of Minnesota. A memorial statement on the Givens Foundation website notes that “Beverly was a long-time teaching artist with the Archie Givens Sr. Collection for African American Literature and The Givens Foundation for African American Literature, conducting residencies and workshops for all grade levels performing the works of African American authors and illustrators.” Beverly was known for sharing stories, folktales and fables of the African Diaspora with audiences young and old.
The Givens Foundation for African American Literature is dedicated to enriching cultural understanding and learning through programs that advance and celebrate African American literature and writers. It remains the only organization in Minnesota exclusively dedicated to advancing and celebrating black literature and writers. Each year, the foundation serves nearly 5,000 students, educators, readers, and writers. Learn more about their programs at http://www.givens.org/