Bobby Norfolk Brings the Power of Storytelling to Southeast Middle

Students at Hazelwood Southeast Middle School recently embarked on a journey across cultures and traditions through the art of storytelling as acclaimed storyteller, actor, and author Bobby Norfolk visited the school to present “Folktales from Around the World: Stories of Cultural Diversity.”

A familiar and beloved guest throughout the Hazelwood School District, Norfolk has spent years sharing stories that entertain, educate, and connect students to the rich traditions that have shaped communities around the globe. His performances blend theater, humor, music, and audience participation, captivating students of all ages and bringing stories to life in unforgettable ways.

For Norfolk, storytelling is much more than a performance—it is fundamental to how people understand the world. “Everything we see, hear, taste, touch, and smell comes through a story.”

As an African storyteller and historian, Norfolk is passionate about helping young people understand the importance of preserving culture and appreciating the stories that connect generations. “What I want to do as an African storyteller and historian is to let especially our kids, African American children, know the background of how powerful storytelling is and that culture that we came from—from Africa, across the Atlantic to these shores in America—and never lose that concept.”

Norfolk's ability to engage audiences comes from years of studying theater, stand-up comedy, and storytelling. He combines expressive voices, movement, music and rhythm to create experiences that capture students’ imaginations. “I have to use voice intonation, sound effects, the pause, movement, a little bit of music—meter, rhythm, and rhyme. I have to employ all those concepts, and that then captivates the mind.”

Although he performs throughout the region, Norfolk says sharing stories with students in HSD holds special meaning. “It’s my missionary work. I have to come home to Hazelwood as much as possible.”

Throughout his presentation, students were immersed in stories from various cultures, gaining a deeper appreciation for the traditions, values, and experiences that unite people around the world. The program highlighted how stories can build understanding, celebrate diversity, and strengthen connections among communities.

Before concluding his visit, Norfolk offered words of wisdom for young writers, artists, and creatives, sharing lessons he learned from mentors at Sumner High School. “A quitter never wins, and a winner never quits.”

And perhaps his most enduring message: “People who don’t plan to fail, they just fail to plan.”

Through laughter, rhythm and timeless tales, Bobby Norfolk reminded Southeast Middle students that stories are powerful bridges between cultures—and that preserving and sharing those stories helps ensure they continue to inspire future generations.