With pristine white sand beaches, fresh island fruits—and the birthplace of Fenty mogul Rihanna—Barbados is looking to up the ante in solidifying itself as one of the top island getaways this summer. The Caribbean nation is gearing up to host the first-ever FABA Fest—For Alumni, By Alumni—a Juneteenth celebration that also honors and celebrates HBCU alum.
The event goes down June 15-18, 2023, thanks to the producers of The Takeover, one of the longest operating and largest African American travel clubs, which illuminates 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 thatis steeped in the African diasporic culture.
“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 HBCU and Black excellence. It’s a melding of rich cultures. And most importantly, it’s an opportunity to make an impact.”
While the selling point will be the island itself, Ricks and The Takeover team will also host an Alumni Engagement Leadership Summit. The FABA fest invite-only kick-off event gather university administrators and alumni association leaders attending this to discuss innovative strategies to increase alumni engagement and giving, with a focus on international outreach.
The four-day event will also feature: a golf tournament, Bajan polo match and a homecoming-inspired beach tailgate party. FABA Fest will also include free empowerment sessions for visitors and residents, with informative talks and panel discussions presented by some of the world’s most prominent HBCU graduates.
“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.”
To learn more or to secure your spot for the event, you can visit the website.
