Detroit-Based Storyteller Tells it Like it Is

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AIKEN, SC (04/25/2018) The University of South Carolina Aiken Library Committee, with the support of the Office of Academic Affairs, presented a Live Literature Series that featured "Brutally Honest Storytelling with Shannon Cason."

This event was the third one in the series and the second event to feature Cason.

The Detroit-based storyteller and podcast host shared multiple personal stories in a style that combined humor with the insight and wisdom of a person who has lived through numerous misadventures.

Cason urged the audience to recognize the importance of their own stories, just as he has done.

"Your stories are the quickest and easiest way for us to connect with each other. Forage your life for stories. Write anything down that might be of importance later on," Cason said.

Cason encouraged conversation between audience members during his performance. He instructed them to think about an issue they were passionate about and discuss it with the people around them.

"For me, it's the issues going on with young black men in our country," Cason said as he resumed his storytelling.

"When I was young, I was in the Boy Scouts of America. I didn't see myself wearing the neckerchief and all that, but the meetings were in a gym, and we convinced our leaders to let us play basketball during the second half of the meetings. The only kid who wore a uniform was our troop leader's son. We tortured him by asking if he sold Girl Scout cookies."

Once, when Cason was on his way to one of these meetings, he was attacked by narcotics officers and accused of selling drugs. Cason described how his life was forever changed in that moment.

"I didn't want to accept the fact that going to the corner store on the way to a Boy Scout meeting meant that I'd be arrested and abused. I didn't accept that as a rite of passage. So, I asked my dad for something-a Boy Scout Uniform."

Each of Cason's stories detailed the way that he was able to emerge from difficult situations and learn from his mistakes. His stories carry a powerful message, one that he was proud to share with the Aiken community.

"Aiken has been one of the friendliest places on earth that I've ever been to yet. I shared stories; I listened to stories; I ate grits, and I made new friends. My family enjoyed the visit as well. We hope to return someday," Cason said.