Meet the 5 Iowans who will share their family stories at the next Storytellers Project
Five Iowans will share stories of their families at the Des Moines Storytellers Project's next show.
"Family" takes place at 7 p.m. Oct. 24 at Des Moines' historic Hoyt Sherman Place, 1501 Woodland Ave.
In its sixth season, the Register's Storytellers Project is dedicated to the idea that oral storytelling and journalism have the same goals: Serving and reflecting a community while fostering empathy.
Iowans will tell their stories live on stage without notes and from their hearts. They have been coached by Register journalists Noelle Alviz-Gransee, Ronna Faaborg, Stephen Gruber-Miller, Alyssa Hertel, Brandon Hurley, Kim Norvell and F. Amanda Tugade. Faaborg will host the show.
Tickets for the show, the last remaining in the 2023 season, are now on sale at DesMoinesRegister.com/Storytellers.
Tickets cost $12 or $28 for VIP, which includes a free drink and treat, and are available to purchase through Ticketmaster or at the Hoyt Sherman Place box office.
Questions about the shows can be directed to events@dmreg.com or 515-619-6548.
Meet our storytellers:
Sam Blum
Sam Blum grew up in Nashua, a small town in northeast Iowa. After college he got the opportunity to live in Colorado and Oregon. Now he teaches AP Literature and AP Composition at Central Academy in Des Moines, a job he absolutely adores.
Who or what inspired you to tell your story?
I grew up playing guitar, headbanging, and because of that I never really could find a niche in my tiny town. I fell in love with metal. That love led me to a family of like-minded kids and a new world of solidarity, and that experience inspired me to write this story.
What do you hope listeners take away from your story?
If you take away anything from this rant nerding out about music, know that your crew is out there. You’ll find them. Just wear the right shirt.
Sonya Jackson
Sonya Jackson, a self-described executive producer of ideas that matter, is a culture curator. She is an accomplished writer, producer, playwright and activist, and uses storytelling, media, technology and lived experiences as a force for good. She is a former senior corporate executive with more than 25 years of experience in communications, reputation management, giving and social impact. She is producer and impact producer of "Punch 9 for Harold Washington," the first feature-length film about Chicago’s first African-American mayor.
Who or what inspired you to tell your story?
My ancestors shared our family with each generation, to ensure we know our roots and history. Storytelling is in my DNA, and sharing my story continues the legacy.
What do you hope listeners take away from your story?
I hope listeners learn something they didn’t know, recognize the aspirations, hopes and dreams that live in all of us, and feel inspired to one day share their own stories.
Luisita McBurney
Luisita McBurney is the founder of the Filipino American Society, serves on the board for On With Life and is the treasurer of the Iowa Unity Coalition. She has worked for the state's IPERS department for more than 17 years. She has a son and two stepchildren and her husband serves on the Urbandale City Council. She was inducted into the Chicago Filipino Asian American Hall of Fame for community service leadership and public service in 2019. In her free time, she enjoys shopping, spending time with friends, and serving the community.
Who or what inspired you to tell your story?
My stepmother. She taught me the value of the family you have instead of the family you’re born with.
What do you hope listeners take away from your story?
I hope listeners are able to see how important their chosen family can be in their lives and find the courage to seek out others who will support you for who you are. This is, at the end of the day, your family.
Louise O'Donnell
Louise O’Donnell grew up in a small town in Iowa, graduated from Iowa State, and launched herself out into the world as a graphic artist. During her career, she lived on both coasts, in the mountains and on the prairies. She happily returned to Iowa to pursue painting, gardening, volunteering and being with family. Louise has one daughter who came into her life from Korea when she was 11.
Who or what inspired you to tell your story?
My family has scolded me for “telling stories." As the oldest of a large family, I am the repository of many memories and “big sister” to a small village! Announcing that I am the oldest of 14 becomes a sort of cocktail hour icebreaker with the first question: “How did your mother do it?” I would like to answer that question perhaps.
What do you hope listeners take away from your story?
The example of optimism, integrity, respect and love that can nurture amidst the crowded inherent chaos of a very large family. Each child growing up to be what would be called successful, but more, with values, curiosity, talent, and determination to recreate a happy life they witnessed as children. My mother spoiled each of us!
Ehsanullah Shaban
Ehsanullah Shaban is an avant-garde poet and a student at DMACC. He is obsessed with learning and adventure, believes in kindness and helping others and creating a peaceful world in which everyone has the right to an education and to pursue their dreams.
Who or what inspired you to tell your story?
I think my story is unique because I have not had a linear life and I have been through lots of difficulties and hardships. My story may inspire others who are tough and fight for their lives, or it may give a sense of happiness for people who have an easy and comfortable life. This sense of having a different life than others inspired me to tell my story.
What do you hope listeners take away from your story?
Every person may take away different things from my story. I want to keep it open and just illustrate what I have been through to let listeners take away anything they can find in it. A listener can take away the value of knowledge, the value of family, the bad situation in Afghanistan, the cruelty of genocide or how tough a young boy can be.
Hear past storytellers
WATCH: Mediacom rebroadcasts stories from the most recent show on MC22 periodically; check local listings for times. Replays also are available at YouTube.com/DMRegister.
LISTEN: Check out the Des Moines Storytellers Project podcast, which is available on your favorite podcasting platforms.
Kim Norvell is the Register's communities editor and director of content for the Des Moines Storytellers Project. Reach her at knorvell@dmreg.com.
This article originally appeared on Des Moines Register: Iowans will share family stories at next Des Moines Storytellers Project
