Arts Directory

About

Artist bio

Carlo L’Chelle Dawson is an award-winning master storyteller, author, poet, historic dramatic reenactor, Power of PROGENY Foundation nonprofit founder and executive director, motivational speaker, singer/songwriter, community organizer, and teaching artist for nearly 20 years. She is the author of three children’s books and two poetry books. Most notably, Carlo’s children’s book “Why We Celebrate: The Rich Legacy of Juneteenth” is a beautifully written & illustrated children’s book that offers information about African American historians, inventions, and Juneteenth celebration, ideas, and activities, which has been featured on the BBC and SCETV. As a historic dramatic reenactor and storyteller, Carlo shares stories in a style that delights, inspires, and enlightens audiences. She has portrayed Coretta Scott King, Harriet Tubman, Eartha Kitt, Ruby Bridges, Julia Child, Colonel Sanders, and more. Her “why” is providing a voice to those who are often muted by society, which has enabled her to create a one-woman show that gives voice to underrepresented historians and populations across the nation. Furthermore, Carlo leads creative writing and storytelling classes and workshops with groups of all ages and compels her audience through participation, enthusiasm, and engagement at schools, museums, libraries, festivals, conferences, and more. Learn more about this talented author and storyteller at carlolchelledawson.com. With a heart for the craft of story, a lover of language, and a drive to ,”motivate, to uplift, and to inspire” individuals to maximize their full potential, Carlo L’Chelle Dawson is ready to take any audience on a high energy, inspiring, interactive, educational, and entertaining journey.

Artist statement

A native of Darlington, S.C., I, Carlo L’Chelle Dawson, am an award-winning author, master storyteller, historic dramatic reenactor, arts integration specialist, motivational speaker, community organizer, master teacher, and teaching artist for over 20 years. I am a graduate of College of Charleston with a master of education in curriculum and instruction from Lesley University. I truly believe all individuals and students possess a gift or talent to “shine;” therefore, I recognize the value of embracing the diverse needs of our learners. Students learn in multiple art modalities, possess diverse backgrounds, and deserve a safe, brave space to thrive and learn. My “why” is providing a voice to those who are often muted by society, which in turn became the title of my master’s thesis and accompanying teacher curriculum guide, “A Student’s Voice: Why the Arts are Essential for Multicultural Education and Student Empowerment.” Most notably, I wrote and starred in “The Missing Voice” a one-woman show and educational workshop to bring awareness to the educational and social needs of the youth while providing teaching strategies for educators and teacher leaders. My belief is when students feel empowered, they are no longer “voiceless,” which means students’ test scores will improve, they will graduate on time, their grades will increase, and their legacy of success will thrive for generations to come. Equally important, the students will recognize their merit, and consequently, will be positive contributors to society and the world at large. Moreover, it is highly important to be culturally relevant to the needs of students by possessing an awareness of their affective and cognitive needs. I believe that we must appeal to all learners in order for our students to be successful. For this reason, I employ arts integration, differentiated instruction, social justice education, and culturally relevant teaching while emphasizing the state standards and district mandates. For example, I employ the kinesthetic modality, such as the inclusion of movement, tableaus, and dramatic reenactment within workshops/lessons. I have even integrated the popular 1970’s Soul Train line to teach students an educational concept. I employ visual arts to teach and assess concepts. I incorporate mimic songs, playing “the dozens,” or story and/or poetry creation to understand challenging content or to display acquisition of information. Also, as a certified master teacher and DEI instructor, I integrate socially equitable practices that promote student engagement, creativity, and high quality, authentic learning experiences for all students. I engage students in inquiry, creative problem solving skills, and reflection. Community projects or self-reflective tasks coupled with the arts enable students to see what they have to offer, to look beyond their own needs to those of their community and the globe, and to foster empathy. In my role as teaching artist and facilitator, I am continually honored to share space and time with individuals that I am called to lay the foundation for students to become agents of change, global citizens, independent thinkers, and to “motivate, uplift, and inspire.”