Did you know the first African American newspaper to be published in RI in the 19th century was John Henry Bailou’s Eastern Review? We’ve renamed our newsletter in honor of this early pioneer of the Black Press in Rhode Island.
RISHM has a whole new look, mission and team! In 2024, we’ve been working hard to mark the RI landscape with our interactive historic markers and medallions, hosting Newport’s Juneteenth celebration, researching and hosting the inaugural season of Newport Black History Walking Tours, and creating a Newport Black History Cultural Center on Pelham & Spring Streets on Historic Hill.
Charles Roberts joins the Council of Independent Colleges and Yale Historian/Author David Blight in Memphis for their recent Legacy of American Slavery Conference.
While there, Charles had an opportunity to visit Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s jail cell and the Lorraine Motel (the heritage building where King was assassinated), and liaise with many academics and thought leaders at the CIC who are pioneering this important work.
Cynthia Copeland, Steinhardt School of Culture, Education, and Human Development (NYU) and Andre Perry, Director of Brookings’ Center for Community Uplift (Brookings Institute)
News Flash! RISHM and Newport Will Finally Pay Tribute to George T. Downing Legacy of American Slavery Conference.
RISHM is working to produce and install the first-ever statue of a person of color in Newport! Charles Roberts has just received the green light from the Newport Public Statue Commission and the Newport Tree and Open Space Commission to install a larger than life-size statue of the highly respected Black Businessman and Abolitionist George T. Downing in Touro Park at the corner of Pelham Street and Bellevue Avenue.
The granite Touro Park marker will be moved to the other side of the sidewalk, the life-size bronze statue of George T. Downing will be installed where the Touro Park marker is now.
RISHM extends a sincere Thank You for 2024 grant and funding support
In early October, Charles Roberts was presented with a $4,000 Legislative Grant for achievements which he and RISHM have realized on behalf of their ongoing initiatives to mark the landscape of historic slave trading sites within the Historic Hill district of Newport.
Rhode Island General Assembly Representatives Lauren Carson and Marvin L. Abney presented Roberts with the check at RISHM’s new studios at 73 Pelham Street.
A note of thanks from our Founder and Executive Director, Charles Roberts:
We believe the time for change is now and we’re glad to announce our ground-breaking work was recognized by seven public and private sources and foundations in this past year, through their generous philanthropy.Â
On behalf of RISHM’s Board and Staff, we want to express our deepest gratitude to the following organizations:
• R.I. Commerce in support of the Newport Black History Walking Tours
• The Rhode Island Foundation Black Bannister Fund, Community Gift Fund and Newport County Fund in support of RISHM’s operational needs and Newport Juneteenth program
• State Designated Grant for general operations
• State Senator Lou DiPalma and State Reps Lauren Carson and Marvin Abney for medallion projects
• Prince Charitable Trusts for support of operations, medallions, and public education programs
Please help us to continue uncovering BIPOC history in Rhode Island, sharing an inclusive narrative, and marking the landscape in honor of the enslaved.
To read the full article, click here to head to The Boston Globe’s official site. Not a subscriber? Click here to get one free month of access to all of bostonglobe.com!
RISHM Executive Director Charles Roberts speaking at the National Association of Retired Federal Employees.
Michele Gallagher and Sophie DeLaCour at the RISHM table near Washington Square at the 2024 Broadway Street Fair.
Sophie feels privileged to have this opportunity to support RISHM in all their good works. Â Sophie, originally from Brooklyn, NY, has found a home in Newport, RI where she loves to grow flowers in her little backyard garden.
Michele is a multi-faceted branding, marketing communications and PR executive who has pursued extensive post-MBA degree leadership training, specializing in global diversity and inclusion initiatives
Rachel is a mother of five and an advocate for children. An educator, cultural storyteller, emerging writer and small business owner. Known for her vibrant personality, she enjoys outdoor activities and often eats dessert before dinner.
Rhode Island Slave History Medallions invites the community to a special Juneteenth Semiquincentennial Living History Celebration at Fort Adams State Park in Newport.
Held on the parade grounds inside the fort, this family-friendly event will commemorate Juneteenth while also honoring the anniversary of the Revolutionary War and the history of the Battle of Rhode Island.Â
We invite all visitors to learn more about RISHM’s events and accomplishments in 2025 and support our Annual Campaign, from Giving Tuesday (Dec. 2, 2025) through 401 Gives Day (April 1, 2026).
RISHM relies on the generous support of private donations to continue the underrepresented but important work of marking the landscape of where slave history happened in Rhode Island.
