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| Norma Downs-Ashong AKA Madam Griotte & Osah AKA Osah Mensah | |
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A b o u t U s
Norma B.Downs-Ashong is television talk host, entrepreneur and educator. Known as Madam Griotte, Storyteller Extraordinaire, she visits schools at home and abroad teaching through the art of storytelling. Downs-Ashong, holds a degree in Speech Pathology and Audiology from Kent State University. She worked for the Cleveland Public Schools for 14 years. Her life experiences include a multitude of community service and volunteer work. She has dabbled in politics, is television talk host on cable 9 for twelve years and recognized featured storyteller in the states. She has been recognized been a State Senator and State Representatives for her tireless efforts to promote the welfare of children and for being a vigorous advocate for positive social change. Currently, she is featured in an exhibit at Akron University entitled the “Sojourn of Black Women throughout the history of Akron. She has been selected as one of the 100 Black Women who have helped shape Akron’s History. The exhibit is in the Dr. Shirla R. McClain Gallery of Akron’s Black History and Culture. |
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Congressman Sherrod Brown, in Summit County recently congratulated her for her work with the Eyeglass to Africa Project 2001. Downs-Ashong coordinated churches, schools, agencies and individuals to donate used prescription eyeglasses and protective eyewear to a village in Gbawe, West Africa, within the country of Ghana. Her work brought national attention to needy Africans in that region. August 5, 2000 she completed the first eyeglass project servicing 1,100 people with eyeglasses, hearing aids, dust mask and protective eyewear. April 28, 2001 she completed the second project 10,000 prescription eyeglasses were shipped, 20,000 dollars of Montessori classroom materials were donated, 300 curriculum content area books to the Osu Public Library In Ghana, Dental Supplies and clothing to the FraFraha Orphanage. Bible study and Sunday School Books for a small church in Ghana.
Downs-Ashong has now formally incorporated Angelhands of Northeast Ohio. A non-profit organization whose purpose is to offer “a hand-up, not a hand-out.” Ashong, is married to Emmanuel Osah Mensah Ashong. They traveled to Ghana, July 2003, during which Time she was adopted as a citizen by the village of Essiama and given an initial ceremony recognizing her as Queen Mother Atisilimushia II. The people are hoping she will influence other to come to the western region and give them help. Plans were already in the works to give Downs-Ashong the title of Queen Mother in the village of Gbawe. |
| Osah Mensah, is the Founding President of the Ghana Association of African Storytellers, whose mission is to preserve the African Oral Tradition of Storytelling in Ghana and abroad. GAAS members tell stories in schools and senior citizens homes. They also collaborate with the Labone Leo club to do projects to service the needy. Osah is also a past president of the Labone Leo Club, which is affiliated with the Lions Clubs International. Under his leadership members organized diabetes and eye screenings for the elderly, Organized dental screenings and donations of dental products for an orphanage, drug awareness talks in schools, campaign to educate citizens on AIDS, donations to school libraries, Site conservation and working with the blind. He is the first LEO President in his region to receive Leo Award of Honor, from the Lions Goodwill Ambassador. He was the first Leo President to receive the 100% Presidents Award from the Lions Club International, President. 1995-1996. |  |
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Osah and Norma Downs-Ashong AKA (Madam Griotte) both storytellers met August of 1999
when Norma
went to Ghana for a Storytelling Conference. Both having common interest
came together to
do joint projects to help the needy and underprivileged in Ghana. A year
later Norma formally incorporated AngelHands-NEO to allow for growth,
expansion and support at home and abroad. - Visit or return to madamgriot.com - - Visit or return to Angel Hands Home Page - |