Voices of Uprising: Art, Pride & Protest at 250

Voices of Uprising: Art, Pride & Protest at 250

When: Wednesday, June 10th from 6:00 to 10:00 PM

Newport Pride and the Jamestown Arts Center propose a collaborative community event titled “Voices of Uprising: Art, Pride & Protest at 250,” scheduled for June 10. This gathering will explore the powerful intersection of art, activism, and LGBTQ+ history as the United States approaches its 250th anniversary. The evening will feature a screening of the PBS documentary Stonewall Uprising, which chronicles the pivotal events of the Stonewall Riots that ignited the modern LGBTQ+ rights movement. In addition, guests will have the opportunity to view archival footage from the Rhode Island Historical Society documenting Rhode Island’s first Gay Pride Parade, highlighting the state’s own history of courage, protest, and community organizing.

The program will also feature local spoken word artists sharing poetry and reflections on protest, resilience, and the ongoing pursuit of equality. Through film, historical documentation, and live performance, the event will create a dynamic space for reflection on how protest and artistic expression have shaped both the LGBTQ+ movement and the broader American story. Community members will be invited to gather, connect, and celebrate over shared food and conversation.

This event will be open to the public with a suggested donation, and any proceeds will be shared between Newport Pride and the Jamestown Arts Center to support future community programming. Together, the organizations aim to create an engaging and thought-provoking evening that honors the legacy of LGBTQ+ activism while celebrating the role of art and community in shaping a more inclusive future as the nation approaches its 250th year.