Join us for a dramatic event to commemorate the 250th!
“Renowned storyteller Andre Keitt portrays William (Billy) Lee, an American enslaved man who was the personal assistant of George Washington, before, during, and after the American Revolution. “Billy Lee,” began serving Washington as a young boy, stood by his side as a valuable servant until he was an elderly man. He was the only one of Washington’s slaves freed immediately by Washington’s will. Mr. Keitt brings a unique insight into his story, life and relationships.”
Andre Keitt, The Great Heart Griot, felt a strong connection to the cultural arts from an early age and says that storytelling is “in his blood”. His beloved grandmother Martha Greatheart Thompson, “Mama Thompson,” told him stories that he uses today in his tale telling. Mr. Keitt received a Bachelors-of-Arts in English from the South Carolina State University and worked doing outreach, marketing, writing, teaching and performance arts for such places as the Hartford Public Library, the Dallas Public Library, the Greater Hartford Arts Council, the Bushnell Memorial Performance Hall, the Hartford Stage Company and the Hartford Symphony Orchestra. Serving as the Artistic Director for Journey Writers, Inc., Andre also facilitates discussions and performs storytelling for The Connecticut Humanities Council’s kid program, Book Voyagers, where he opens the doors of art & culture, to diverse peoples and places near and far. Andre created his virtual Kamp Kitt, Kwanzaa and Celebration of Light programs for kids and families, stuck at home during the pandemic. He facilitates storytelling workshops for adults, children and the community alike! Currently Andre is serving as the Program and Education Consultant with the Farmington Historical Society.
Co-sponsored by the Friends of the Avon Library and Avon Historical Society.
Please register so we can set up the community room with appropriate seating.
This event is part of Avon’s America 250th events. Find more events here