Oni (Oh-Knee), is a natural-born storyteller, poet, musician, vocalist and a people person. She specializes in the spoken word folktales of Paul Laurence Dunbar with one-woman plays and workshops. As a Teaching Artist, her Dunbar workshop "A Poetic Approach To Storytelling" is published in Literacy Development in the Storytelling Classroom on Libraries Unlimited. She can also be heard in the award-winning audiobook, "Hip Hop Speaks To Children" on Sourcebooks, Inc. A historical re-enactor, Oni brings to life, Harriet Tubman, Sojourner Truth, Frances Watkins Harper, and Oney Judge.

Storytelling is a special outlet for her to spread joy, connect people and share "ah-ha" stories, riddles, poems and folktales using various characters. A certified Laughter Yoga Leader she incorporates laughter yoga as a wellness ice breaker for selected programs. Oni Lasana Productions offers a unique variety of storytelling programs to educate, enrich and uplift all ages, for any occasion.

Oni is the host and producer of Aunti Oni Story Village, the writer and storyteller of Kwanzaa Time with Oni Lasana, and on select episodes of African Folktales. These all are available where ever you listen to podcasts.

Travel:CT, MA, ME, NH, NY, RI, VT, Out of Region

Audience:  Pre-K, Elementary, Teens, Families,  Adults

Genre: Folktales, Historical Tales, Humorous Tales

Performance Fee: $300-2,500 - depending on the program. Libraries & non-profits are negotiable.

Awards:

Note: I rarely participate in or compete in competitions to receive any awards. NJSN was my first.
2016 New Jersey Storytelling Network, Story Slam 1st Place

Testimonials:

Dear Ms. Lasana,
On behalf of the Philadelphia Museum of Art, I would like to thank you for your wonderful storytelling on September 19, 2001. It was a pleasure coordinating with you to make the evening such a success. Your professionalism and organization were very much appreciated. I'm sure you'll be pleased to know that the audience feedback to "Oni Lasana Doin' Dunbar" was overwhelmingly positive. We look forward to working with you in the future.

Sincerely,
Laura Henrich
Coordinator of Evening Programs
Philadelphia Museum of Art

*****

"Oni, you rose the bar!"....Denise McCormack, President of Patchwork, A Storytelling Guild

*****

[from National Association of Black Storytellers Conference 2008]

Oni, Keep "Doin' Dunbar" in your own style. You are a gifted performer and a sweet person. You were flawless at NABS. Your Sunday presentation with the children was a masterpiece.

Love & Peace, Janice Greene, Griot Circle of Maryland, President of NABS 2020