This weekend, Funda Fest continues. From the community storytellers, or griots, of West Africa to American icons like Toni Morrison, Rita Dove and Isabel Wilkerson, the spoken word serves as a fundamental medium for sharing cultural values, history and lessons throughout Black history. Spoken word, called Funda, a Zulu word spoken by the people in South Africa, takes center stage at The Rhode Island Black Storytellers 25th Funda Fest: A Sankofa Celebration of Black Storytelling.

This Thursday, Jan. 26, attend the Community Flavors event. Enjoy Liberian cuisine with Higher Ground International and participate in the Grand March.

On Friday, Jan. 27, enter the Liar's Contest and compete before a panel of judges to tell the biggest “whopper” for a cash prize.

Saturday's programs make for a full day of fun, including drumming and dance workshops, a poetry reading, youth storytelling performances, and a family storytelling concert!

The festival closes out on Sunday with a performance by Brazilian-American storyteller Antonio Rocha.

Programs will be held both in-person and virtually, featuring Haus of Glitter, W.A.R. Higher Ground International, Rhode Island Latino Arts, OUTSPOKEN PVD, Sidy Maiga, Lydia Perez, Mixed Magic Theatre, the Langston Hughes Community Poetry Reading, and Stages of Freedom.

For pricing information and details specific to each event, visit the Funda Fest website. Click here.