Who is Elisha Minter?
Elisha Minter, sometimes known as “Mama Lisa,” was born in Fayetteville, North Carolina on a farm. She has spent decades captivating audiences through the power of oral storytelling.
As a master storyteller, educator, and performer, Minter uses her voice and vibrant personality to preserve and pass down African American folklore, culture, and tradition to younger generations.
Minter holds a Bachelor of Arts in African American Studies from UNC Charlotte and serves as a Road Scholar with the North Carolina Humanities Council.
“I tell stories to people of all ages with the hope of brightening their lives,” Minter said. “Making them aware of how important they are and most importantly how important the history of our culture is and how it impacts our children when they don’t know what rich history they come from.”
"Mother" Minter Career
She spent over 26 years with the Charlotte Mecklenburg Library, where she created programs to promote reading and storytelling.
As a North Carolina Humanities Road Scholar since 2000, she has traveling all throughout North Carolina sharing African American culture and oral traditions through performances and workshops.
She also founded "Mother Minter’s Magical Moments with Children," a program that blends storytelling, music, and education for audiences of all ages.
Her Passion
Her work goes beyond entertainment—it’s educational, cultural, and deeply rooted in community engagement. Through tales of Br'er Rabbit, African proverbs, and stories from the Black South, Minter gives life to characters that teach lessons about resilience, kindness, and wisdom.
She often dons colorful African garments and uses rhythm, call-and-response, and movement in her performances to draw audiences in, keeping them engaged and excited about history.