When most people hear the word Griot, they immediately think of the West African storyteller — the keeper of songs, genealogy, and history passed down through spoken word. And while that’s part of the story, our Griot looked a little different.

Our Griot was our Grandmama.
She sat in the living room with that well-worn Bible, filled with handwritten birthdates, anniversaries, and names you didn’t recognize — until she started telling the stories. She was the family record keeper, the memory holder, the one who knew where we came from and made sure we didn’t forget.

Before there were books with ISBNs or Amazon listings, there was always someone in the family carrying the oral tradition, just like the Griots of old. They didn’t need a microphone or a stage — just a front porch, a Sunday afternoon, and a willing ear.

That’s the spirit behind Griot Publishing.

We chose this name to honor the Native Black American tradition of storytelling — not just as entertainment, but as preservation. Every book we help bring into the world, every website we design, every workshop we lead, is part of that sacred work: helping people remember, reclaim, and retell.

So whether you’re writing a memoir, creating a family heirloom, or launching your first website — know that you’re stepping into a long line of storytellers. And we’re here to walk with you.