Marking the Landscape: Saluting Newport’s Black & Indigenous History

Join us for a special Juneteenth event at the Newport Public Library!

On Tuesday, June 17 at 6:00 PM, the Newport Public Library will host a community event in partnership with RI Slave History Medallions (RISHM), ahead of Newport’s own Juneteenth celebration in Washington Square.

Charles Roberts, RISHM’s Founder and Executive Director, will deliver a powerful talk exploring the origins of Juneteenth and its enduring significance today. He will highlight Rhode Island’s Black regiments, Indigenous contributions, and discuss why marking the landscape with historical markers and monuments is so important to honoring past generations and educating future generations.

As a special feature for our library audience, Mr. Roberts will unveil RISHM’s artistic plans to erect Newport’s first monument honoring a person of color—in tribute to George T. Downing, a key figure in our City-by-the-Sea.

Light refreshments will be served. This event is free and open to the public but registration is required.

Then, on Saturday, June 21st from 11:00 AM - 4:00 PM, join the community in Washington Square for Newport’s Juneteenth Celebration, now in its third year—an inclusive, family-friendly event hosted by RISHM.

For more information, contact Ann Amaral at aamaral@newportlibraryri.org.