Four Events in June Examine Rhode Island’s Deep Involvement in Slavery & Abolition
As the nation observes 400 years of slavery in America, Stages of Freedom takes the opportunity to examine, discuss and commemorate Rhode Island’s long and complicated role in the slave trade and its gradual abolition in a series of four events. The events include:
“Frederick Douglass: Prophet of Freedom” with Pulitzer Prize-winning historian David W. Blight. Wednesday, June 12th at 5:30 pm, Redwood Library, Newport. Blight will discuss his powerful new book on Douglass. When Douglass escaped slavery, his first stop was Newport. Preregistration is required at:
https://redwoodlibrary.org/ SOLD OUT!
“Disowning Slavery: Gradual Emancipation & Race in Rhode Island” with Rhode Island’s leading scholar on Rhode Island slavery, author Dr. Joanne Pope Melish and URI professor Dr. Marcus Nevius. Thursday, June 13th at 5:30pm, Linden Place, Bristol, RI. Bristol was Rhode Island’s largest slave port and James DeWolf, owner of Linden Place, the nation’s most prolific slave trader. Pre-registration is required at:
https://www.lindenplace.org/
“A Concert for Freedom: African American Spirituals” with the Schiller Institute New York City Chorus. Friday, June 14th at 5:30pm, Manning Chapel, Brown University, Providence, RI. The interracial Schiller Institute Chorus is committed to performing African-American spirituals in keeping with the tradition of Hall Johnson, H.T. Burleigh and other Black composers.
Pre-registration is required at:
https://www.stagesoffreedom.org/breakingchains
“A Living History Tour of Slavery and Abolition in Rhode Island” Saturday, June 15th, at 9:45 am. Tour originates at Stages of Freedom, 10 Westminster Street, Providence.
This groundbreaking 7-site tour, with re-enactors and interactive participation, explores escape to freedom, manumission, everyday life, religion, burial rites and more.
The tour is conducted by Ray Rickman, Stages of Freedom executive director and the leading authority on Black life in Providence.
Pre-registration is required at:
https://www.stagesoffreedom.org/breakingchains
More information and registration at:
https://www.stagesoffreedom.org/breakingchains
or (401) 421-0606