Rhode Island Council for the Humanities

Faith, Family & Freedom: Lives of Early Jews in Colonial Rhode Island

This presentation recounts the arrival of African teens and children to 18th century Rhode Island as slaves and how they would grow up to become active contributors to the economic, religious and civic life of early Newport, Bristol and Providence. The presentation also includes historic images of African children in Rhode Island.

Keith Stokes is the Executive Director of the Newport County Chamber of Commerce and is a national advisor representing Rhode Island with the National Trust for Historic Preservation. He is also Vice President for the Board of Directors of the Society of Friends of Touro Synagogue

Mr. Stokes is a descendant of Newport's early African American and Jewish families.