Welcome To Alexrai Inc.!

In the African American culture there were people who passed down historical events and traditions by way of storytelling. Traditionally, the elders of the tribe passed down the ancestral information for either the tribe or the individual families within the tribes. These people were called  “Griots.” In my family, my father was the griot. When we were children my siblings could not wait to go outside and play, they did not want to hear the boring stories. Me on the other hand, could not wait to hear more. I would run to him so that I could sit at his feet, and I would listen to him till the same stories over and over again. His stories were captivating and joyful. We would laugh and cry in the humor and sadness of the stories. I yearned to experience those feelings; even today.

My grandmother was also instrumental in teaching me by way of storytelling. These two great people inspired me to tell stories to children, just as I was told.

So, my journey began at a very young age. When I was a very small child, my parents would tell me what a wonderful and colorful imagination I had. They would tell me how I could make up stories in “full color”. Picture this, a three or four year old having such a fascination with learning and school. I would begin my stories to capture any willing audience. I would name the teacher, my imaginary friend and make up the activities that we would all venture into for the day. My stories always involves some sort of word organization and reading. I enjoyed talking and even more than that I enjoyed listening. As I grew older, I realized that “you have to be a good listener to be able to hear what the spirit is saying inside a story.“ I was not at all surprised that many years later after entering college and taking storytelling class, I was hooked, I had found my life calling. What better way to reach children and even adults? By storytelling, and not just reading words, but speaking with passion, conviction and spirit. 

The Creator blessed me with the ability of storytelling, the ability to deliver my stories by way of voice and hand; sign language. Sign language is visual and energetic and understood by the deaf. As my journey continues, I am completing an advanced certification in the art of sign language, Alexrai Inc. was developed as a result of this journey.

“African-American Stories & Folktales by Lola Charles.” Stories I tell and sign are stories with positive outcomes, enlightening situations and possess a moral concept. They are stories that are told for all seasons and for all reasons. Audiences from very anxious pre-schoolers, to the less convincing ears of highschoolers; have experienced my storytelling techniques.

A partial listing of my clientele have included: The Detroit Public Schools, Bloomfield Hills Schools, Dearborn Schools, churches, organizations, social events, hospitals, cafes, hotels, reading councils, community events, libraries, museums and even in kitchens amongst family and friends.

My professional experience includes merchandising, marketing, sign language incorporated through storytelling, ASL, and tactile. I enjoy reading, fencing and cycling. Other special interests include  children’s education, special education, healing and mentoring.