Nothando Zulu was a Master Storyteller’s storyteller.  The sixth and last child of sharecropper parents in segregated but historically rich Southampton County Virginia she shared stories with widely varying audiences for more than 50 years.  Drawing upon her deep cultural heritage and experiences she follows Zora Neale Hurston  – capturing and portraying oral imagery that entertained, educated, motivated and inspired. 

Nothando performed nationally and internationally.  Her extensive repertoire of colorful characters’  – even when portrayed through Anansi or Bre’r Rabbit –antics and foibles had her audiences pondering their own life’s lessons.   Her portrayals of historical African American sheroes gave the robust feel of their lives, struggles and ultimate achievements!

As cofounder and President of Black Storytellers Alliance she produced a three-day storytelling festival called, “Signifyin’ & Testifyin’” (from 1991 until her death in 2023).   Nothando was a wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and community activist who lived through the power of stories.

Her legacy is most noted in the creation of the institution of Black Storytellers Alliance which will continue to “;;;-er-et8ate and preserve the art of oral storytelling in the African tradition.”