Dontavius Williams
Dontavius Williams, proud alumnus of Clinton College (Rock Hill, SC) is the sole proprietor of The Chronicles of Adam. He is not only a storyteller but also a Certified Interpretive Guide who has been trained on the art of interpreting history through various means. Dontavius has been in the field of public history and storytelling for over 10 years and now travels the country interpreting slavery at various historic sites, schools, and churches and community events.
From the beginning of his career in public history, Dontavius has had many opportunities to work with some key people in the industry and worked with various film companies. Among some of his film appearances, Dontavius filmed a segment for a documentary entitled “Slavery and the Making of America” with PBS. Dontavius has also been featured on a PBS television show entitled “Making it Grow” where his work was aired in 2017. Most recently, Dontavius has worked with The National Parks Foundation and the Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad Visitors Center in Church Creek, Maryland as he filmed a mini documentary about the life and legacy of Harriet Tubman with Hip-Hop Icon MC Lyte. Among Dontavius’ personal and professional accomplishments, he is most proud of the work he has done in developing public programming for historic sites and museums, his work as Commissioner to the South Carolina African American Heritage Commission as appointed by the governor of the state of South Carolina, but most of all the work he has done to empower young people to consider careers in the field of public history and education.
Dontavius uses historical documents and primary sources to paint a picture with words and live action to bring to life the life of the enslaved community during the times of slavery. This first person historical interpretation of an enslaved man by the name of Adam is comprised of various accounts, historical facts, and life lessons for viewers of any age to enjoy. Viewers of all ages will be thrust back in time to the 19th Century in Antebellum South Carolina and experience a first-hand conversation with Adam the blacksmith. This powerful performance has been deemed "life changing" and even "spiritual" by viewers young and old.
Dontavius believes in the concept of Sankofa. This is the belief that we must go back to our roots in order to move forward. This belief is based on an African proverb that states "It is not wrong to go back for that which you have forgotten." Therefore, through his interpretation, Dontavius desires to inspire all who experience it to feel moved to learn more about their heritage and teach others.
From the beginning of his career in public history, Dontavius has had many opportunities to work with some key people in the industry and worked with various film companies. Among some of his film appearances, Dontavius filmed a segment for a documentary entitled “Slavery and the Making of America” with PBS. Dontavius has also been featured on a PBS television show entitled “Making it Grow” where his work was aired in 2017. Most recently, Dontavius has worked with The National Parks Foundation and the Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad Visitors Center in Church Creek, Maryland as he filmed a mini documentary about the life and legacy of Harriet Tubman with Hip-Hop Icon MC Lyte. Among Dontavius’ personal and professional accomplishments, he is most proud of the work he has done in developing public programming for historic sites and museums, his work as Commissioner to the South Carolina African American Heritage Commission as appointed by the governor of the state of South Carolina, but most of all the work he has done to empower young people to consider careers in the field of public history and education.
Dontavius uses historical documents and primary sources to paint a picture with words and live action to bring to life the life of the enslaved community during the times of slavery. This first person historical interpretation of an enslaved man by the name of Adam is comprised of various accounts, historical facts, and life lessons for viewers of any age to enjoy. Viewers of all ages will be thrust back in time to the 19th Century in Antebellum South Carolina and experience a first-hand conversation with Adam the blacksmith. This powerful performance has been deemed "life changing" and even "spiritual" by viewers young and old.
Dontavius believes in the concept of Sankofa. This is the belief that we must go back to our roots in order to move forward. This belief is based on an African proverb that states "It is not wrong to go back for that which you have forgotten." Therefore, through his interpretation, Dontavius desires to inspire all who experience it to feel moved to learn more about their heritage and teach others.