ONI LASANA

HISTORY

LASANA was born and raised in the Strawberry Mansion section of North Philadelphia, and grew up as a lively, creative and culturally conscious child, in the home and community. As a teen growing up in the Civil Rights era, she was deeply effected by the Black Consciousness Movement and decided to persued a life course in bringing positive awareness of the culture to communities worldwide. She landing a major role in a local production of EL HAJ MALIK, a play on the life of Malcolm X. It wouldn't be until years later with a production on Paul Laurence Dunbar poetry, she discovered she was able to educate and teach through the performing arts.

At 19, she left the winter cold of Philadelphia, for the sunny city of Los Angeles. Employed in the fashion industry for the Amber Family. She later moved on to the music industry,in the publishing department, under the supervision of David Mook, and later the promotion department with Chris Clay of Chelsea Records, a division of The Wes Farrell Organization.

The Wes Farrell Organization clients included publishers of the Partridge Family TV show catalogue, English vocalist, LuLu, R&B group, New York City of "I'm Doing Fine Now Without You Baby," and William De Vaughn of "Be Thankful For What You Got."
As A&R assistant, she reviewed submitted materials and discovered "Be Thankful For What You Got" which became a #1 Billboard hit in 1974. Lasana was promoted to A&R, traveling to England, Germany and throughout the Carribean seeking talent for the organization.

Years later, Oni visited her hometown of Philly and met her husband. Due to his career, she was back in the cold! But love is warm, so they settled in a small community outside of Philadelphia. During the years of raising children, she was also active in the schools and the community, developing and directing youth and adult performance troups. She organized community and summer camp Black History programs and festivals, producing events that highlighted the achievements of African American and the culture of the Caribbean.
Oni's natural born gifts, years of self discipline, hands on life experiences, and the devoted support of her husband, led her to step out on faith as a solo Performing Artist. As an enrichment teaching artist, storyteller, poet, historical re-inactor and musician, she offers original storytelling, poetry programs, performances and workshops, and the same on the poetry and stories of Paul Laurence Dunbar.
From associating with the storytelling and poetry community, Oni discovered a basic TRUTH; "GOOD quality entertainment and educational programs are not always seen or heard on commercial TV, stages or radio."

Therefore, Oni moves forward...continuing to tap into her creativity and share it with others, as a radio host & producer, (KPFA-FM (Berkeley, California) "Caribbean Nights" on WCOJ-AM (the voice of Chester County), WCHE AM, "WORD UP" (The Talk Of Chester County), a music publisher (Oni Lasana Music), music arranger & songwriter, (Doin' Dunbar Again!, 'Lias' Mother & Sister Wings! CD's) a writer of plays. Oni Lasana has brought unforgettable joy to many through her educational and entertaining offerings.

ONI SPEAKS ON DOIN' DUNBAR!
I am often asked, how I learned about PAUL LAURENCE DUNBAR.

My introduction to Dunbar was in 1994, when I was invited to study and perform under the direction of Bob Jones, Artistic Director of the COATESVILLE CULTURAL SOCIETY.
As an inter-racial group of artist, we performed Dunbar's works in theater productions and at local schools, throughout Chester County in Pennsylvania as the Bob Jones Dance Ensemble.

The next year, co-founder of the West Chester Community Performers, Dr. Ruby Perkins a English Professor at Cheyney University and presently at Stillman U in Alabama, asked me to present for her English class.
Word is wind...and as I presented to various groups, word spread around from audience's sincere appreciation of my serious and humorous interpretations of Dunbar's poetry, I was motivated to create, produce and finally step out on faith to offer traveling productions such as "'LIAS' MOTHER" and later, "DOWN ON THE FARM WITH GRANNY GOOSE, ALWAYS FREE!,and THE OTHER SIDE OF GONE WIT' DE WIND."

A sincere love for children, and the pure enjoyment of seeing youth express themselves creatively, moved me to developed and guide young students in the "BROTHER DUNBAR POETRY & PERFORMANCE WORKSHOP." The workshop teaches how to perform and to rap Dunbar's poetry. It was well received by the Philadelphia School District at the Paul L. Dunbar Elementary School for 3 years, Tanner Duckrey Elementary School, Peirce Elementary School, and Central East Middle School.

By taking performances, workshops and exhibits on the road in schools and communities, for a uplifitng "in-house cultural experience," it is my desire for many folks to enjoy a unique opportunity to experience Dunbar's lyrical dialect and standard poetry, not only as entertainment, but also for the literary, historical and social value of his works. Dunbar's poetry gave voice to the regular folks of the 18th and 19th century, with lessons on life that ring true today!

What powerful prose Dunbar left for us to enjoy!

Dunbar's beautiful poetry was treasured internationally, over 100 years ago and still carries a positive message of hope, courage and self-determination, especially for myself as a poet, as well as a new generation who love literature, music, history and theater.

Other programs I offer are; SISTER WINGS*!*...A poetic interactive musical journey where I perform classic poetry from the literature books while playing my Ashbory Bass and drum machine.

As a historical re-enactor, I am SOJOURNER TRUTH, doing "Ain't I A Woman" speech; and also "HARRIET TUBMAN, HER STORY." to the delight of many school children and adults.

ONI ON DOIN' ONI
I love caring for my family, cooking, reading and computing. I groove on my bass guitar, write lyrics, poetry, and learning the art of ventriloquism to hit the road with Nyota Kungaa! (see Girlfriends link below) I enjoy meeting people, dropping in on the spoken word and researching slavery in America, wherever I go.

Presently, I'm marinating;-) on a second volume of my CD, SISTER WINGS*!* arranging my spirit driven soul sista' rhymes, reasons & rhythms taken from "Real Tales of Rhymes & Reasons." Some of Oni's Poetry

Oni is a Founding Member of THE COATESVILLE CULTURAL SOCIETY, the NATIONAL STORYTELLING NETWORK, PATCHWORK, A Storytelling Guild, THE WEST CHESTER COMMUNITY PERFORMERS, MISSISSIPPI STORYWEAVERS, and GRIOT CIRCLE OF MARYLAND.


Lastly, but never ever least!
A loving wife, daughter, sister, auntie, mother of three wonderful young adults, and a muse and mentor to many!

Thanks for reading all this!
Positively in Peace & Love!

Oni *!*
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