Just a reminder that Stages of Freedom, the state’s only African American Museum and Bookshop, is right downtown on lower Westminster Street by the river. And, as the sign in the window says, “All for a good cause.” That would be the Swim Empowerment program which provides free swim lessons for low-income BIPOC youth. But …
“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 …
Our complicated history. This vintage kerchief box was spotted recently at Stages of Freedom, the downtown museum/gift shop, established to promote black culture for everyone, preserve local history, and support initiatives like the Swimming Empowerment program. I’m guessing that this item was originally sold at the Mt. Vernon gift shop? Mt. Vernon is of course …
“Do you know how many times a day I answer that question?!” Poor Ray Rickman. I was going to save this piece for next month, but I gotta help the guy out if I can. Last summer, Mr. Rickman, who runs the Stages of Freedom museum and gift shop downtown, spearheaded the effort to finally …
(8.10) This just in. Stages of Freedom is hosting two days of Ella Fitzgerald in a beautiful outdoor setting and the events are free. You should notice significant improvements have been made to the Prospect Terrace park over the past year. Let’s keep it neat and clean. (Facebook event page.) Come one, come all! Jazz …
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 …