Remembering John L. Reed
A griot is a West African storyteller, singer, musician, and oral historian. They train to excel as orators, lyricists and musicians. The griot keeps records of all the births, deaths, marriages through the generations of the village or family. However, John was that and much more. The quilt I created has so many of the organizations that John was affiliated with.
- First African American Teacher at Barnstable High School (History) (30+ years)
- President of the NAACP 9 Cape Cod Section
- President/Director of Zion Union Heritage Museum
- Leader of the NAACP – Imani group for young people
- NEA – National Education
- MTA Massachusetts Teacher Association
- Human Rights Academy
- SNCC – Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee
- Hyannis Rotary
The Griot of Barnstable
by Robin Joyce Miller
In the Village
The village of Barnstable
Was a Man
Highly Respected
Known to Many
Spoke to Many
Sharing the History
Sharing the Knowledge
Black Culture
Family Stories
Passing his Pearls
His Pearls of wisdom
Passing the Torch
Leading the Way
For the generations to follow
That Would be John – John L. Reed
The Griot of Barnstable

