Press

Global Citizen's Mention

September 25, 2021

19. Shawn Mendes shared the stage with Fanta Ballo. Alternating between guitar and piano, singer-songwriter Shawn Mendes had the crowd rapt as he went through his hits. In the middle of his set, he brought slam poet Fanta Ballo onto the stage for a rousing poem about resilience. 

Shawn Foundation Grant

December 17, 2020

Fanta Ratty is extremely proud and excited to be the first ever wonder grant grantee and is excited to finish her anthology. She has a story worth telling.

Spectrum News Feature

February 07, 2021

Fanta Ratty was featured on Spectrum News where they highlighted her path to success.

RollingOut feature

January 19, 2021

"Age is not a determining factor of success. Eighteen-year-old college senior and prolific writer Fanta Ballo is evidence of that. The Harlem, New York, native tells the story of her community and identity through spoken word poetry."

UAlbany Today feature

January 26, 2021

 A 19-year-old UAlbany senior is the first recipient of a “Wonder Grant” from a foundation dedicated to supporting those it describes as “creative students who are actively working to change the world with their innovative ideas.”

Commencement Speaker

May 18, 2019

Along with graduating with her Associates degree from Bard College at Simon's Rock, she was also honored to be the commencement speaker.

Fanta's Activism

April 20, 2018

Outside of poetry, Fanta takes pride in her activism and fighting for what's right.