Be a Partner in Celebration, Education, and Liberation
RISHM’s mission is to highlight the overlooked histories of Rhode Island’s free and enslaved African American and Indigenous communities. Through our statewide installation of interactive bronze medallions, research, public programs, and community partnerships, we raise awareness of Rhode Island’s significant role in American slavery, and its lasting legacy to this day.
We’re inviting individuals, organizations, and businesses to endorse and actively support RISHM. Your endorsement signals a commitment to honoring Black freedom, amplifying community voices, and building a future rooted in justice and joy.
RISHM Programs
RISHM General Expenses
Administrative expenses (such as salaries, office supplies, and utilities), fundraising expenses, marketing and outreach, compliance and legal fees, and technology or software costs.
Downing Commemorative Public Art Project
Intended to ensure that the public remembers a key event or person through the representation of an aspect of that person or event In the form of a public artwork. It’s an artistic act of remembrance, All nations have either people or events that helped shape what they are today. George T. Downing was one of those people. Help us build a lastiing memory In Newport to his accomplishments.
Medallion Installations & Public Programs
Bronze medallions are installed at historic sites in honor of RI’s enslaved African and Indigenous people. In partnership with communities, we offer commemorative public programs and the rarely heard stories of their lives and contributions.
Black History Month Programming
Public humanities programs in history, films, music and more, highlight Black history and historical events each year during the month of February.
Newport Juneteenth Celebration
Washington Square comes alive each year with speakers, performing artists, historic militia, children’s activities, vendors and food trucks. Thanks to partners the City of Newport.
Newport Black History Walking Tours
Lost Stories of Resistance and Freedom are shared by tour guides leading participants to historic sites in Newport’s Historic District Hill. Program made possible by a major grant from RI Commerce.
Nonprofit Information
Mailing Address: 98 Kay St. Newport RI 02840 501(c)3 Number: #84-4230962
“We’ve got to be responsible. Someone’s got to be responsible for it."
– George T. Downing
