Marisa “Leopard Lady” Luse is a proud Black American woman with deep Southern roots, a rich Northern experience, and a profound appreciation for the diverse cultures that fuel her passion for truth-telling, connection, cultural expression, and social change. Born and raised in Roxbury, Massachusetts, she now resides in North Providence, Rhode Island, with her two favorite creatives, embracing life with wonder, purpose, and authenticity.
Kindell Brown, is a Black woman documentary photographer from Providence, RI whose work explores the intersection of identity, culture and social justice. Through powerful imagery she captures the stories of marginalized communities, highlighting their resilience and humanity.
The dynamic and multifaceted Kim Trusty is a powerful and diverse vocalist, songwriter, guitarist and actress. Kim draws on Jazz, Rhythm & Blues, Vocal Improvisation, Soul and Roots, bringing her life, heart and work experiences into unforgettable and unique performances.
Hannah Resseger, also known as B-Mor7 (Blessed Movement & Original Rhymes Divine), is a multi-faceted artivist and educator committed to environmental, racial, and social justice. This is evident in her visual art, spoken word, hip-hop music, and storytelling. Her unique teaching style and approach have allowed her the honor of working with thousands of students of all ages throughout the state of Rhode Island for three decades.
Her passion and background in Africana Studies are reflected in her creative projects, performance pieces, and curriculum, stemming from her master’s research, Inserting the Missing Pieces: African American Representation in U.S. History Textbooks. Although she has known most of the storytellers from RIBS since she was a teenager, it wasn’t until 2024 that she studied with them through their Legacy Academy training program to learn how to become a storyteller.
Her personal mission is very similar to the mission of RIBS; as a result, their work overlaps and complements each other in a variety of settings. As a hip-hop emcee/storyteller, yogi, and Earth Cubs Superhero Teacher, B-Mor collaborates with like-minded teaching artists internationally, empowering her students to create their own artwork, songs, stories, videos, and performance pieces about issues such as sustainability, banned books/history, and cultural identity.
Her current role as a specialist teacher allows her to weave empowering themes throughout her classes, combining music with STEAM, health, and physical education to enhance the overall well-being of her K–5 students.
Honeywood is amped up about storytelling. They sing social justice jams, take deep breaths so as not to defenestrate their 7 year old, try to remember to GO OUTSIDE, and teach High School History in the Boston area.
Elizabeth Anne Keiser fully credits Rhode Island Black Storytellers for being the catalyst to reclaiming one’s dreams. Working alongside master storytellers has equipped her with a greater sense of purpose and clarity.
In addition to storytelling with RIBS through the Legacy Academy, Funda Fest, and the Funda Camp, Keiser offers Play in a Day to libraries, hospitals, parks, and schools. She is currently working toward publishing an anthology of stories titled Short Stories for Short People.
As a budding storyteller, I am excited to share joy and connection through African folk tales and short stories. With each tale, I hope to celebrate our heritage and spark moments of reflection and delight.
Oereishi Aeoma enjoys writing poetry, singing songs, exploring nature, telling tales, and aligning himself with the divine. His goals are to empower and love all while expanding and expoundingupon what resounds atopthe holiest mound.
Amanda Celia DeGrace is a project director from New Bedford, MAand now lives in Providence.She will be sharing a tale about a childhood hero from Puerto Ricoand hopes to remind all that the truth found in folklore is universal.
Alisha is a curator of words - spoken, written, and sung. The Rhode Island native is a national-award winning writer, soul-stirring singer, thought-provoking spoken word artist and equity-focused motivational speaker. This Cape Verdean and Indigenous child of God, community leader and entrepreneur has been featured consistently all over New England, and is unapologetic about letting her vulnerability have its space and place to live freely. Her debut EP and first poetry book is in the works for 2025. Follow her on Instagram: @YourWingsRReady.
Chris Bell is a storyteller from Boston who finds inspiration in everyday moments as a husband, father, and former landlord. He’s a five-time Moth Story Slam winner and the 2024 champion of the Great Hartford Annual Story Slam. Whether he’s sharing a personal story or taking a long walk through the city, Chris connects with life’s simple joys—especially whenpizza is involved.
