Fall Fest 2023 Featuring Actress Kim Fields Taking Place at Central Library on November 18

The Indianapolis Public Library’s African American History Committee, in support of the Center for Black Literature & Culture (CBLC), presents Fall Fest 2023 and Slammin’ Rhymes Challenge XVII. The celebration takes place Saturday, Nov. 18 from noon - 4 p.m. at Central Library.

The family-friendly festival will include a dynamic speech from actress and director Kim Fields. Fields is a veteran actress with an eminent household name, starring in two long-running series, NBC's "Facts of Life" and "Living Single" on Fox. As an esteemed and versatile performer in front of and behind the camera, Kim is currently starring in the hit Netflix comedy series, "The Upshaws."

In addition to Fields talk, local youth will perform their winning entries from this year’s Slammin' Rhymes Challenge, a contest for poets, rappers, and spoken word artists in grades 7-12. The event will also feature performances by Naptown Stomp Swing Dancers, The Magic Comic – Jamal Keyes, Phoenix Rising Youth Company, poet Tony Styxx, and dancer Robert Burden Jr.

“Fall Fest provides a safe, fun, and free celebration that exposes the youth in our community to positive role models,” said Cordia Watkins, event organizer, and Circulation Manager at The Indianapolis Public Library. “Local students have a chance to practice public speaking while building their confidence and character, and all attendees enjoy performances and powerful speakers from our local community and beyond.”

Fall Fest was founded by The Indianapolis Public Library’s African American History Committee as a celebration of African American culture through interactive programming. In previous years Fall Fest has included face paintings, local school choirs, fashion shows, youth crafts, live entertainment, and interactive storytelling.

The Indianapolis Public Library’s African American History Committee was formed in November 1979 to increase awareness of the contributions made by African Americans to our society, to encourage more African American programming throughout the Library system, and to present the diverse accomplishments and heritage of African Americans to the general public.

Fall Fest is made possible by Friends of the Library, the J. Steve and Donna D. Talley Fund, Michael & Adelpha Twyman and the Dr. Michael R. Twyman Endowment Fund through gifts to The Indianapolis Public Library Foundation.