GRIOT AWARDS
Honoring the Keepers of Culture
The annual Griot Award recognizes individuals whose lives and accomplishments embody the spirit of the griot tradition — custodians of culture, champions of truth, and voices of wisdom.
THE GRIOT TRADITION
Storytellers, Historians &
Keepers of Memory
The griot has long held a sacred and respected role within African and African American communities — a keeper of history, culture, wisdom, and collective memory. Traditionally, griots served as storytellers, historians, educators, and advisors who preserved the achievements, struggles, and values of their people through oral tradition.
Today's griots continue this work — through education, public service, the arts, advocacy, scholarship, and community leadership — connecting the past to the present while shaping a more informed future.
HONOREES
Griot Award Recipients
AUTHOR
American writer and documentary filmmaker, known for her 2013 novel Wash, a runner-up for the Dayton Literary Peace Prize.
2013
Margaret Wrinkle
2016
MOTOWN ICON
Martha Reeves
Lead singer of Martha and the Vandellas — 'Dancing in the Street,' 'Heat Wave' — and a former Detroit councilwoman.
2017
Marine Corps Major General
J. Gary Cooper
Marine officer, Assistant Secretary of the Air Force, and U.S. Ambassador to Jamaica.
2018
PULITZER PRIZE JOURNALIST
Cynthia Tucker
Won the 2007 Pulitzer Prize for Commentary at the Atlanta Journal-Constitution.
2019
NFL HALL OF FAME
Robert Brazile
Houston Oilers linebacker, 2018 Pro Football Hall of Fame inductee, and later a special-education teacher.