HOUSE RESOLUTION CELEBRATING FUNDA FEST 27 AND THE CONTRIBUTIONS OF THE RI BLACK STORYTELLERS (RIBS) FROM JANUARY 17TH-26TH, 2025
Summary
H5149 is a House resolution celebrating Funda Fest 27 and recognizing the Rhode Island Black Storytellers (RIBS), a nonprofit founded in 1998. The resolution describes RIBS’s mission as promoting awareness, appreciation, and application of Black storytelling in Rhode Island through performances and educational and cultural experiences. It highlights Funda Fest as RIBS’s flagship program and notes that the festival has reached more than 120,000 people over the years through statewide public performances and partnerships with local organizations.
The resolution also explains the meaning of “Funda,” a Zulu word meaning “to learn” or “to teach,” and frames the festival as a two-week statewide celebration of Black history, values, and traditions. It urges Rhode Islanders to listen, experience, and learn from Black storytellers and acknowledges the role of storytelling in preserving and sharing generational Black history that is often absent from mainstream literature. The Secretary of State is directed to send a certified copy of the resolution to RIBS.
Impact
As a ceremonial resolution, H5149 does not change state law, create new programs, or impose regulatory requirements. Its practical effect is to formally recognize and commend RIBS and Funda Fest, while encouraging public participation and awareness of Black storytelling and cultural education. The only administrative action required is transmission of the certified resolution to Rhode Island Black Storytellers.
Sentiment
The sentiment surrounding the resolution is strongly supportive and celebratory. The bill was introduced by a broad group of House members and was read and passed without recorded opposition, reflecting consensus around honoring RIBS’s cultural and educational contributions. The language of the resolution emphasizes appreciation, inclusion, and statewide recognition of Black heritage and storytelling.
Contention
There is no notable policy contention in the bill text or available legislative history, likely because the measure is commemorative rather than substantive. The resolution’s focus on Black storytelling and cultural education is affirming rather than controversial, and no committee debate or recorded votes indicate disagreement. Any differences in perspective would likely be limited to the broader importance of cultural recognition rather than the resolution’s specific terms.