James and the Fireburn: An Anti-bullying and Human Rights Story Inspired by Caribbean History

Angela Golden Bryan, an acclaimed storyteller, and actress grew up on the beautiful island of St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands, in a culture rich in oral tradition. She experienced what are still long-held traditions today, including the recitation of folktales in homes and at family gatherings, and more formal poetic recitations in schools and churches. As a child, she listened in fascination to stories about Anansi, the mischievous spider; became scared to death by the goatfoot woman; and later was amazed at the bravery of her great-great-grandmother, Moriah, who took part in the history-making event, Fireburn. Eventually, Bryan became the one to tell the stories to her family, and later to her own children. Naturally, she always dreamed of sharing the St. Croix Fireburn story with all of her extended family, community, country, and beyond. After moving from St. Croix, she lived in southern California, southern Spain, and Hawaii. She earned her Master of Science degree in Counseling Psychology while serving in the U.S. Navy, and also holds a Master of Practical Theology from Wesley Seminary.In her career, Bryan was able to combine her love for entertaining and storytelling to excel as an actress and spokesperson, as well as a certified speaker, trainer, and coach with the John Maxwell Team. She has over 20 years of experience in television, film, theater, voice-overs, and commercials, and is an edutainer-a keynote speaker and trainer providing education and inspiration in an entertaining manner. She has written for the internationally published devotionals, Light from and the Word and Vista.Bryan settled down in South Florida where she lives with her husband. They both look forward to visits from their two adult children as well as traveling and returning to visit her beloved islands whenever possible.