Becoming One People: When Stories Threaten Democracy and Freedom of Speech

Val Tutson, Creative Director of Rhode Island Black Storytellers and founder of the annual Funda Fest, Valerie has been telling stories in schools, churches, libraries, festivals, and conferences since 1991. She draws her stories from around the world with an emphasis on African traditions.

Julien P. Ayotte, Born in Woonsocket and a Cumberland resident, Julien worked in the corporate world for most of his career while also teaching at several colleges and universities in the RI/MA area. He was an executive director and chief operating officer of two prominent law firms. His first novel, Flower of Heaven, was published in 2012, followed by Dangerous Bloodlines (2014), A Life Before (2016), and Disappearance (2017). Code Name Lily, his first historical fiction, was released in 2018, followed by Diamond and Pearls (2020).

Shoshana Feinstein, Shoshana has studied and sung the roles of Carmen, Madama Butterfly, Violetta, Lola, Donna Anna and has performed with the Bel Canto Opera Company of Rhode Island, The Opera Company of Boston, and the Kaji Aso Institute for the Arts. In addition to her operatic experience, Shoshana has sung professionally with jazz, rock, and blues bands, teaches singing, has extensive recording experience, and writes her own music.

Erminio Pinque, Erminio is founder & director of BIG NAZO LAB, an international touring group and creature-making studio based in Providence that blends a variety of mask, puppet, performance, and visual styles with live music and audience interaction. He teaches a course in creature creation at RISD and conducts mask-making workshops throughout New England and the USA.