Founded in Baltimore in 1989, the members include experienced and beginning storytellers and others who are interested in the African oral tradition. With the guidance of Mary Carter Smith, Maryland's official griot, the founders developed an organization that would increase the public's awareness of our African and African American heritage. The Griots' Circle first president, S. Bunjo Butler, provided leadership for the initial activities. In 1990, the first storytelling programs were presented at Baltimore's Enoch Pratt Free Library and Morgan State University. Over 700 people were in attendance at these performances. The audiences enjoyed historical legends, African fables, modern fairytales and ghost stories. Another highlight of our beginnings was the storytelling recording "Griots Gather Round" which was produced by Baba Jamal Koram.