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AWARD WINNING STORYTELLER

Decee Cornish
Educational informative and fun multicultural programming at it's best!
  • Five Time Texas State Storytelling Champion
  • Texas Commission of the Arts Touring Artist
  • Texas Librarian Association Advocate
  • Five Time Chair of the TLA Storytelling Round Table
  • Program Provider for the Education Service Centers State of Texas
  • 2015 National Storytelling Network , "Storyslam" Champion
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PROUDLY HAILING FROM the fifth Ward


Born in Texas and raised in Houston’s Fifth Ward, 
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Decee Cornish joined the military and served over a decade, traveling and attending colleges and universities worldwide. In the process, he experienced different cultures and learned their stories. 


Traveling in places like the Pacific Rim, Southeast Asia, Australia, Alaska, and the desert tribes of the Southwest.  He attended colleges and universities worldwide, such as Prairie View A & M, the Universities of Guam and Alaska, The University of Maryland at the Philippines and at Japan. 

Decee began to tell stories to disadvantaged and at-risk children at a non-profit youth facility, using stories to teach and motivate. He continued his work through the I have A Dream Foundation and the Stop the Violence campaign. 

In 1996, Mr. Cornish was instrumental in the implementation of the Amber Alert system.  His programs on 'Stranger Danger' in the DFW metroplex helped garner nation wide recognition and support.

PROGRAMS   SPECIAL EVENTS   
CURRICULUM-RELATED PROGRAMMING

Fun and Adventures with Decee  A fun, informative, and entertaining program about the folklore, stories, and cultures of people from around the globe.

Love, Peace & Soul  An entertaining, informative program that combines story with the music of the eras that helped to define American culture. 

Stories and 'Infotainment'   Sometimes it is okay to just have some FUN!  Invite Decee to your school or event just for that. Irreverent, crazy, laugh out loud funny.  Enjoy stories from Tall Tales to Fairy Tales and all things in between. 

Great People of Color a secondary school program that shares stories of great men and women of color in world culture.  Mary Seacole, Eugene Chan,  Thomas-Alexander Dumas, Alexander Sergeyevich Pushkin, Candice, Ya Asantewaa

ALSO
  • Texas History
  • The Civil War 
  • Mythology
  • US History 
  • Tall Tales
  • Black History
  • Festivals 
  • PTA's
  • Traditional and Non-traditional Holiday Events.

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AWARDS  In 2004 the President's Commission on the Arts and the Humanities recognized his work with the "Coming Up Taller" award to the Creative Solutions Summer Program. 

For over 17 years, Decee has told stories and entertained nationally. 
Cornish is often referred to as the “Urban Aesop” and was introduced at a youth rally as the “Bad Boy of Storytelling.”  When he asked why he was introduced as such, the student responded that Cornish was “the baddest dude there.”  Recently, Cornish has appeared in schools as “Gator Bill,” telling stories of Buffalo Soldiers to students.

ASSOCIATIONS  A member of the
  • Tarrant Area Guild,  
  • National Storyteller Association
  • Tejas Storyteller Association 

Cornish has conducted workshops and performed at Texas Christian University, Texas Wesleyan University, East Texas State University, Texas A & M University, the Lena Pope Home, Texas Youth Commission, the NOSAP Program (Neighborhoods Organized for Substance Abuse Program) and the I Have a Dream Foundation.  

He has also held Residence positions at Texas A & M University and Sam Houston State College. He has served as adjunct professor at Tarrant County College for over fifteen years .

Featured Storyteller Cornish is a featured storyteller. He has served as featured storyteller state-wide.  Festivals such as: Storytellers of the High Plains, Storytellers of San Antonio Guild, the Houston Storyteller's Festival,  Tejas Storytelling Festival and George West Storyfest.  

In 2012, Cornish wrote and performed the play “To Love This Earth”:  A Tribute to George Washington Carver.


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Benefits of Storytelling

- Shares Values
- Stimulates Learning
​- Stimulates Imagination
- Improves Listening Skills
- Models Appropriate Behavior
- Gives Tools for Coping
- Expands Cultural Understanding

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