Jo-Ann Lewis Frazier and her aunt Isabel Harrell Cook was the keepers of oral history

Jo-Ann Lewis Frazier and her aunt
Isabel Harrell Cook
Photo Credit: Dr. Antoinette Harrell

My mother Isabel Harrell Cook was the family griot for both her paternal and maternal families. Among her records were photographs, documents, funeral programs, and other items useful for genealogy research. Being a family griot is a position of great importance and responsibility. It means being the keeper of family history, traditions, and stories, ensuring that they are passed down from generation to generation. By preserving and organizing these valuable records, my mother played a vital role in connecting our family to its roots and fostering a sense of identity and belonging. She taught me so much about our family history. Although she sometimes repeated the same stories over and over. 

Her niece Jo-Ann Lewis Frazier was the first of my grandparent's grandchildren. Jo-Ann was also a family griot. Her family stories always make me smile. Family history and traditions serve as a cultural and emotional anchor, providing a sense of belonging and identity to individuals and their descendants. They allow us to understand our roots, appreciate our heritage, and pass on valuable lessons and values to future generations. By preserving and sharing these stories, family griots like my mother and Jo-Ann ensure that our family's legacy is not lost, but rather cherished and celebrated.