“Though African Americans make up just thirteen percent of the US population, the fatal drowning rate of African American children aged five to fourteen is three times that of white children.” This disturbing statistic comes from a 2013 report* written by historian and former state legislator Ray Rickman when he was first inspired to do …
A series of free events are planned for this weekend to celebrate world-renowned singer, Sissieretta Jones, culminating in the placing of a headstone at her previously unmarked grave. The exhibit “Sissieretta Jones: the Greatest Singer of Her Race” opens tonight at Stages of Freedom, the museum/gift shop co-founded by historian, and former Democratic state representative, …
America’s First Black Diva — Sissieretta Jones At 150 Read More »
(10.27) Take a tour of African American hauntings on College Hill with historian Ray Rickman this Friday at 7pm. Hear master storyteller Robb Dimmick tell about Tuggy Banock, a 19th century Black witch in South County and see Phillis Chace rise from the grave. Tour originates at the RISD Museum on Canal Street and winds …
The Stages of Freedom Shop & Museum is the bricks-and-mortar location for the nonprofit of the same name run by Ray Rickman, a local notable with a prodigious résumé: state rep, deputy secretary of state, corporate consultant, president of the Rhode Island Black Heritage Society, book dealer, local historian, and he is often called on …
Another installment of the Inspired Providence lecture series with former President of the Rhode Island Black Heritage Society Ray Rickman — How Providence Became a City: the Impact of the Hardscrabble and Snowtown Race Riots of 1824 and 1831. Early 19th century Americans viewed their world through the prism of the newspaper. . . . …
Rickman Lecture Thursday — 19th Century Race Riots Read More »