The Rhode Island House of Representatives has introduced a resolution to celebrate Funda Fest 27, an event organized by the Rhode Island Black Storytellers (RIBS), which will take place from January 17th to 26th, 2025. RIBS, a nonprofit organization founded in 1998, is dedicated to promoting Black storytelling through performances and educational experiences. Funda Fest, meaning "to learn or to teach" in Zulu, is the flagship program of RIBS and has reached over 120,000 individuals by showcasing a diverse array of Black storytellers from various backgrounds and career stages.
This year's Funda Fest marks its 27th celebration, providing a platform for Black individuals to narrate their own histories and share their cultural heritage. The event will feature seven public performances across the state, encouraging Rhode Islanders to engage with and learn about generational Black history, values, and traditions through storytelling. The resolution calls on all residents to participate in this cultural experience and highlights the importance of recognizing and appreciating the contributions of Black storytelling in the community. The Secretary of State is tasked with transmitting a certified copy of the resolution to RIBS.