Fall Fest 2024 Featuring Teen Activist Yolanda Renee King Taking Place at Central Library on November 16

10/31/2024

Fall Fest was founded by The Indianapolis Public Library’s African American History Committee as a celebration of African American culture through interactive programming..

The Indianapolis Public Library’s African American History Committee, in support of the Center for Black Literature & Culture (CBLC), presents Fall Fest 2024 and Slammin’ Rhymes Challenge XVIII. The celebration takes place Saturday, Nov. 16 from noon - 4 p.m. at Central Library.

This year’s family-friendly Fall Fest will feature a powerful conversation with 16-year-old author and activist Yolanda Renee King, the only grandchild of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and Coretta Scott King. Her debut book, “We Dream A World,” draws inspiration from Langston Hughes’ iconic poem “I Dream A World” and serves as a call for unity and equality, inspiring young people to stand up and speak out on issues impacting our world today. Though she never met her grandfather, his legacy of activism lives on in her, making her the perfect embodiment of this year’s Fall Fest theme: Courage. King will engage in conversation with Anais Briscoe-Beuoy, a local youth leader and poet and Regional Scholastic Writing Award Winner.

In addition to Kings’ 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 6-12. The event will also feature performances by the Sirlimitless dance group, Actors Ink Theatre Company, Rightntight Fitness with Ms Sylvia, the Chicago Boyz acrobatic team, and poet Mariah Ivey.

"Fall Fest offers a safe, enjoyable, and free event that introduces young people in our community to inspiring role models," said Cordia Watkins, event organizer and Circulation Manager at The Indianapolis Public Library. "It provides Marion County students with an opportunity to develop their public speaking skills and demonstrate courage while boosting their confidence and character. Attendees also get to experience dynamic performances and hear impactful speakers from both our 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 The Indianapolis Foundation Library Fund and J. Steve & Donna D. Talley Fund through gifts to The Indianapolis Public Library Foundation.