Norma D. Ashong
A life of education, culture, storytelling and service.
Madam Griotte
Master storyteller and cultural educator.
Her life and vision
Norma D. (Bridges) Ashong
June 26, 1951 – November 19, 2025 (age 74)
Norma D. Ashong founded AngelHands-NEO with a conviction that communities become stronger when ordinary people combine their gifts, resources and compassion.
She served as an educator, television producer, community leader and storyteller. Her work brought together schools, churches, volunteers, artists, nonprofit partners and supporters across Northeast Ohio and beyond.
Her guiding phrase—“Lending a Hand Up, Not a Hand Out”—expressed her belief in service that preserves dignity and creates opportunity.
Norma believed that leadership meant serving alongside others. A compassionate activist and hands-on volunteer, she invested herself fully in the work she loved. One example was her Eyeglasses to Africa program, where donated eyeglasses were cleaned, recycled, and given new purpose. Norma personally traveled to Gbawe, Ghana, helping distribute the eyeglasses to those in need. For her, every journey, every act of kindness, and every helping hand reflected her lifelong commitment to restoring dignity, creating opportunity, and improving lives.
Stories that carried history forward
Norma used storytelling to connect generations, celebrate African and African American heritage, and help children understand the power of culture and community.
Educator
She helped young people learn through history, literature, culture and lived experience.
Storyteller
As Madam Griotte, she brought history and tradition to life through performance.
Bridge Builder
She connected people across neighborhoods, organizations and nations.
The story continues through service.
The renewed AngelHands-NEO honors Norma not only by remembering her, but by continuing the work she began: helping people, strengthening dignity and creating opportunities for others to serve.