This year's festival returns to its roots as a Catalyst for Community, as part of a Rhode Island Foundation initiative 25 years ago to support Black artists, arts and community. RIBS and FUNDA engage 10 community partners with shared mission to share stories and culture from the African diaspora. A Community Grant from the Rhode Island Foundation and Ocean Stage Charities Trust makes it possible for these partners: includingHaus of Glitter, Stages of Freedom, Mixed Magic Theatre, W.A.R., Higher Ground, International, the Langston Hughes Community Poetry Reading, Outspoken, Rhode Island Latino Arts, Sidy Maiga Music, Lydia Perez Yoruba 2

Funda is a Zulu word, spoken by the people in South Africa. Long before there were books, the elders and griots and jaliyas—the storytellers- were the keepers of the culture. They passed on stories and songs so the community would learn its history, values, and traditions, in the oral tradition. That’s what we offer here: a place to learn. Not only that, it looks like FUN!

Schedule of Events

January 14, 2023

10:30 -12:30pm: Free Bonus Event: Wake & Create Newport Art Museum at the Griswold House.

For kids ages 4 – 10 and their caregivers. With Rochelle Coleman.

Join us as we celebrate the relaunch of Wake + Create. Actor, singer, and storyteller, Coleman has been performing since he was 9 years old. He travels nationally and internationally sharing stories of Black historical legends such as Nat Love and Cool Papa Bell in shows developed using the research-to-performance method.

Cost: Free Admission: Must Register

5-9PM: Opening Birthday Party Celebration with Haus of Glitter at Roger Williams Park Casino

(Includes full Festival Pass!) This extra event includes a VIP Reception followed by a Dance Party, co-hosted by the Haus of Glitter.

5-7pm: VIP Reception
Cost: $125 VIP Full Pass W/Party

7-9pm: Dance Party!
Cost: $25 Dance Party Only

January 15, 2023

4-6PM: RILA (and RIBS) at Southside Cultural Center of RI
Featuring Magnolia Perez
Ticket includes virtual access (link in ticket email)
Cost: $20 Buy Single Event

January 21, 2023

10AM-7:30PM

Black History Live!
Southside Cultural Center of Rhode Island

10am: Historical Storytelling Workshop with Antonio Rocha

1pm: Cool Papa Bell: A Black Baseball Story with Rochelle Garner Coleman
Rochelle Garner Coleman brings to life Cool Papa Bell of the Negro Leagues. Ticket includes virtual access (link in ticket email)

4pm: The Malaga Ship Story with Antonio Rocha
Antonio Rocha performs his new piece MALAGA, which tells the saga of a slave ship made from wood in ME, which travels to West Africa with captives who end up in Brazil. Ticket includes virtual access (link in ticket email)

7:30 pm: Sissieretta Jones with Becky Bass, presented by Stages of Freedom
Opera diva Sissieretta Jones (1868-1933) grew up in Providence and took the world by storm with her soaring soprano voice. Ticket includes virtual access (link in ticket email)

Cost: $20

January 22, 2023

4-6PM

Words and Music Presented by Outspoken! PVD at Southside Cultural Center of Rhode Island
A New Twist, This Year Includes an Open Mic and a Program Curated by Outspoken PVD

-Rudy Ru
-Ginay
-Open Mic, Food and Cultural Vendors
Ticket includes virtual access (link in ticket email)
Cost: $20

January 26, 2023

5-7PM: Community Flavors with Higher Ground International at Southside Cultural Center of Rhode Island
Features sharing Liberian food provided by HGI, and an invitation to participate in the Grand March, led by the Sweeties.
Cost: $20

January 27, 2023

7-10:30PM: RIBS FIBS Liar's Contest at MPACT Stage Pawtucket

People compete before a panel of judges to tell their biggest "whopper" for cash prizes.
Ticket includes virtual access (link in ticket email)
Time: 7pm: Doors Open, 8pm: Lies Fly
Cost: $20

January 28, 2023

10AM - 4PM: Free Family Fun Day

BLM RI African American Innovation Center, 225 Main St Pawtucket
MPACT Stage Maplestreet Performing Arts Center and Theatre 25 Maple St Pawtucket

10-12 pm: Drumming and Dance Workshops with Sidy Maiga and Lydia Perez

12:00 pm: Art Reception: Sankofa Art and the Langston Hughes Community Poetry Reading, Hosted by Ramona Bass Kolobe

1-2 pm: Youth Storytelling Performance (Raffini organizing and rehearsing youth)

2:30-4pm: Family Storytelling Concert

Vendors Cultural Market Place

7:30PM: Storytelling For Grown Folk at MPACT Theatre
Featuring our Invited National and International Guests
Cost: $20

January 29, 2023

2-4PM: Sacred Storytelling with W.A.R and Mixed Magic Theatre at MPACT Theatre
Storytellers and Dancers, Featuring Exult Choir from Mixed Magic, W.A.R. Artists & Featured Guests
Cost: $20

Date: January 14-29, 2023

Locations: Various Towns in Rhode Island

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