( ENSPIRE Entertainment ) Tickets Are Now On Sale For Juneteenth FABA Fest Celebration In Barbados
ENSPIRE Contributor: Madesen Amadeo
Tickets are now on sale for FABA Fest—For Alumni, By Alumni— the first-ever festival celebrating alumni of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). The producers of The Takeover, one of the longest-operating and largest African American travel clubs, are the creators of FABA Fest. They celebrate and illuminate the vast cultural wealth and excellence of the HBCU experience. The Juneteenth gathering is the first-of-its-kind HBCU destination experience, bringing “the Yard” to the shores of the Caribbean, set against a backdrop of African culture.
At the festival, you can expect a community-centered, culturally rich, and impactful travel experience. Alumni will be reuniting while strengthening their global ties to the HBCU network. The weekend will also raise funds for HBCU students, encouraging alumni to “pay it forward,” while elevating HBCUs’ status and significance throughout the Caribbean. The four-day festival takes place on the island of Barbados during the Juneteenth weekend, June 15-18, 2023, with passes starting at $349 per person. For passes and information, visit fabafest.com.
An Alumni Engagement Leadership Summit will kick off the festivities with university administrators and alumni association leaders. This invitation-only, pre-fest is to discuss innovative strategies to increase alumni engagement, with a focus on international outreach. There will be many events for everyone to participate in, including a golf tournament, a Barbadian polo match, and a homecoming-inspired beach party. The weekend’s signature event – the first HBCU Battle of the Boats – is known as a “boat party with a purpose”, to raise funds and awareness for current HBCU students. FABA also promises to shine a light on the cultural significance of Black DJs featuring an impressive roster of the world’s best HBCU alumni DJs. Each DJ is bringing their own unique sound, style, and of course, big HBCU energy to the events throughout the island.
FABA Fest will also include free empowerment sessions for visitors and residents with informative discussions presented by some of the world’s most notable HBCU graduates. “FABA Fest is unlike any other festival experience in the world,” said La Chanda Ricks, the founder of FABA Fest. “This festival is more than a party, it’s a reunion. It’s a celebration of HBCUs and Black excellence. It’s a melding of rich cultures. And most importantly, it’s an opportunity to make an impact.”
“We are ecstatic that Barbados is the host island for this incredible and historic event,” said Eusi Skeete, U.S. director of Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc. “The realization of this festival, one that shines a spotlight on the HBCU experience and celebrates its alumni, further cements Barbados’ commitment to continually sharing Barbados with the Black travel community. This is your island, your ‘home away from home,’ and we look forward to celebrating with you during FABA Fest this Juneteenth weekend.”
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