The storyteller of my family...My Griot

1. The griot is a chronicler of history – keeping track of the history and developments of his people over time. They are also the guardians of the knowledge of their people’s ancestry, or genealogy. This history may never be written down so the griot is crucial to keeping the records of the past. Griots are also orators, lyricists and musicians and they train to excel in all three art forms.

2. Alvin Garfield Sealey Born: October 18, 1936 (73 yrs old) Where: Ancon, Panama, Canal Zone To his parents: May Jamieson (passed 5yrs ago at age 87) & Clyde Sealey (now living in Washington, D.C) He’s the 2nd oldest of seven children, three of which were not his mothers. Carmen Alvin(Him) Margarie Elena Sonia Rogelio Aminta

3. Family Married Jean Austin, in 1958, making it 51-years and counting. Out of their marriage, they’ve birthed 6 children: Raymundo Natalia Rafael Alma Migdalia Suzanna

4. Childhood The first 4 years of his life he lived with his parents. Then went to live with his grandparents, on the military base in Ancon, Panama. He grew up in the canal zone (where the Americans controlled everything), and attended an English school until the 4th grade. When they retired, they moved to Panama City, where they only taught Spanish. Since he didn’t know spanish he had to start over from the 1st grade, where he then graduated after the 9th. Reaching his highest level of education.

5. How He Made a Living Started painting at the age of 21: Houses, boats, buses (his last job was the Panama Canal Bridge) He did that until he was 57. Then, he worked in an office for 5 years, and retired at the age of 62.

6. Responsibilities: “Only responsibility I had was to study and try to get the best grades to graduate.Childhood Diseases: “None, I tried not to get sick.” How did you meet Grandma?: “I met her in the area. We lived in the same building.”Why don’t you live in the United States with Grandma?“In 1989 I got my residency. In 1990, we both moved to New York. But I had a permanent job in Panama, and a few more years until I could retire. So, I went back to wait until my retirement, so I wouldn’t lose my years of service. “U.S President’s who have served during your lifetime:“OBAMA! Arnulfo Arias (he ran 3 terms) and Guillermo Endara.” Who ran from 1989-1994

7. How Would You Like To Be Remember?“Someone who is responsible for all my actions. Anything I do, I don’t give an excuse because I’m responsible for all my actions”. – Alvin Garfield Sealey