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Education 1985, graduated, Texas Christian University, Fort Worth, Texas, Bachelors in International Affairs 1981, graduated from University of Titograd, Yugoslavia, Associate in Slavic Languages John studied under a "griot," a professional African storyteller. Griots are the storytellers for kings, he said, and are "walking encyclopedias of history."
Awards 1999 Oklahoma Writers Federation Inc. Honorable Mention...WIGGLY THE WORM, Picture Book 1999 Oklahoma Writers Federation Inc. Second Place...KANGAROO BOXER Middle Reader Book Author of the Month...CONGA short story, HIGHLIGHTS FOR CHILDREN MAGAZINE, December, 1998, Author of the Month...SWIMMING MAGNETS short story, HIGHLIGHTS FOR CHILDREN MAGAZINE, February 1997
Workshops How to use storytelling to pass on family history is one of many workshops John conducts. Artist Residencies: Waco, Texas Nacogdoches, Texas Amarillo, Texas
Other Credits: SMU'S 26TH ANNUAL LITERARY FESTIVAL PRESENTS NOTED WRITERS DALLAS (SMU) -- The 2001 Literary Festival at Southern Methodist University marks the 26th year the student-managed event has brought renowned writers to the campus to unite SMU students, faculty, staff and the Dallas community in a celebration of writing. This year's literary festival featured readings from African storytellers John Owhonda and Babatunde Solarin. Originally from Nigeria, Owhonda draws heavily on his experiences growing up in West Africa for his stories, music and dance presentations.   2001, Writers In Process Conference Tarrant County College Northeast Campus, Hurst, Texas Program sponsored Trinity Writers Workshop, North Texas Professional Writers Association and Tarrant County College. 2001, Fort Worth Public Library Author Series   Akeem and the Golden Wrist Band Screen play by John Owhonda John wrote a screen play for one of his stories, Akeem and the Golden Wrist Band.   This play is suitable for High School and Junior High students.  Akeem was selected as a class project at Duncanville, Texas High School.  Students enthusiastically embraced this opportunity to explore the world of film making.  Transforming the Dallas Nature Center into an African village, students created the costumes and built the sets in addition to performing.
In this day of virtual reality video games and blow-you-out-of-the theater special effects movies, Owhonda has the ability to capture and hold the attention of audiences, young and old, with just his voice and personal charisma. His presentations lead imaginations to take flight and soar, as this dynamic African Griot guides his listeners on mind's eye journeys that have no physical boundaries. Childhood in Port Harcourt John grew up listening to the Griots, or storytellers in Port Harcourt, a city of many ethnic groups including his own Ikwerre clan. Ikwerre children looked forward evenings sitting in the moonlight listening to stories of how their ancestors settled the area, how they lived and the battles they fought. John's mother also told him stories in the evenings. Though he was only a child, she talked to him of when he would someday tell stories to his own children. He remembers the comfort her gentle voice gave him and how her face looked in the light from a wick lamp as she told stories about her childhood and other tales. His father also told him stories--about warriors and battles and how the gallant warriors of old fought and won the hearts of their ladies. He came to understand that imagination is not bound by the physical limitations of man. Imagination can be anything and can go anywhere. As he grew older, ten or so, Owhonda began to spend evenings beneath the stars with the other children, listening to the silver haired village griot. The child never tired of the ritual, the stories, the music, the wisdom in the old man's voice. He wanted to be a teller also. "Your stories must come from your heart," the older man told him when he sought advice. "Use gestures and body language. Like a weaver who carefully chooses his thread, you must weave the fabric of your story with colorful words."