McIntosh County Shouters – Preserving African American Culture

The McIntosh County Shouters are preserving the oldest known African American performance tradition – the Ring Shout. The group is comprised of 10 members of the same family which has been practicing the ring shout since the 18th century. This age-old tradition has been passed down from generation to generation in this family since their ancestors arrived in bondage over 300 years ago. It is the oldest known African American performance tradition remaining on the North American continent. It is a historical narrative expressed in the oral tradition of sound, song, and movement– a unique fusion of dance, song, and percussion.

We hear from members of the McIntosh County Shouters who represent 3 generations of the family – grandmother Carletha Sullivan, daughter Vanessa Carter and grandson Brenton Jordan

The McIntosh County Shouters will perform at Macky Auditorium on the CU Boulder campus on Sunday June 23 at 2.30pm at a special event presented by the NAACP Boulder chapter. The event is free but registration is required.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download