News Summary
Dylan Demetyre Pritchett Sr., a celebrated figure in African American storytelling and history, has passed away at age 66. Known for his impactful work at Colonial Williamsburg Foundation and various cultural institutions, Pritchett educated audiences on the African American experience. Remembered for his contributions to storytelling and community initiatives, a celebration of his life is scheduled for September 26.
Williamsburg, VA – Dylan Demetyre Pritchett Sr., a renowned storyteller and influential figure in African American history, passed away on August 16 at the age of 66. Pritchett was celebrated for his dedication to educating audiences about the African American experience through storytelling, performances, and educational programs. His contributions reshaped the presentation of African American history at the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation, where he was the first African American program specialist, a position he held since 1984.
Throughout his career, Pritchett worked with several notable organizations, including the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, PBS, and Smithsonian Museums, enhancing the reach of African American stories to widespread audiences. In addition to his storytelling, he authored two children’s books, “The First Music” and “Yellow-Speckled Black Bird,” further solidifying his legacy as an educator and storyteller.
Pritchett also served as the past president of the National Association of Black Storytellers and received multiple awards for his contributions to the field, including the Zora Neale Hurston Award and the Linda Jenkins Brown Award for Service from NABS. His storytelling often bridged cultural gaps, emphasizing themes of perseverance and teamwork through music and oral histories. Pritchett was deeply involved in community initiatives, including Black History Month celebrations, and was an active member of James City County’s Black History Committee.
Pritchett’s passion for storytelling began at a young age when he joined the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation’s Fife and Drum Corps at 13. His role entailed performing and creating educational content focused on African American history. His commitment also extended to his family, where he instilled a strong appreciation for family history and cultural significance in his children.
His daughter, Shannan Morgan, highlighted the importance Pritchett placed on understanding family heritage, while his son, Dylan Jr., reflected on his father’s ability to mesmerize audiences, recalling how he viewed him as a superhero during his childhood. Despite his frequent travels for work, Pritchett remained engaged in his children’s lives, attending their activities and taking family trips to culturally significant sites as well as Black-owned businesses.
At the time of his passing, Pritchett was scheduled to attend the National Association of Black Storytellers Conference in November, underscoring his continual commitment to the craft. Robert Currie, a vice president at Colonial Williamsburg, referred to Pritchett as a “force of nature” and an inspiring educator who made a significant impact on those around him. Additionally, Jason Purse, an assistant administrator, noted that Pritchett’s passing represents a considerable loss for the community.
Known for his strong faith in God, Dylan Pritchett imparted this value to his children, further exemplifying the significant role he played not only as a storyteller but also as a father and community leader. A celebration of his life will take place at St. John Baptist Church in Williamsburg on September 26 at 3 p.m., allowing family, friends, and the community to honor his considerable legacy and contributions to storytelling and African American history.
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- Pilot Online
- Wikipedia: Dylan Pritchett
- WYDaily
- Google Search: Dylan Pritchett
- Daily Press
- Google Scholar: Dylan Pritchett
- Williamsburg Families
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Dylan Pritchett
- Washington Informer
- Google News: Dylan Pritchett
Author: STAFF HERE WILLIAMSBURG WRITER
WILLIAMSBURG STAFF WRITER The WILLIAMSBURG STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREWilliamsburg.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Williamsburg, James City County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Williamsburg Farmers Market, Yorktown Market Days, and Busch Gardens Food & Wine Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Williamsburg Chamber of Commerce and Colonial Williamsburg Foundation, plus leading businesses in education and hospitality that power the local economy such as College of William & Mary, The Williamsburg Winery, and Sodexo. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREVirginiaBeach.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Virginia's dynamic landscape.
