online: www.rihumanities.org email: info@rihumanities.org phone: 401-273-2250
A presentation of Colonial Rhode Island's unique role as the center for religious freedom and toleration, while at the same time being home to America's largest slave trading economy. Participants will learn how Rhode Island minority religious groups found a safe haven for free worship while also profiting greatly in the ownership and trade of African slaves. This irony would lead, on the eve of the American Revolution, the Newport Mercury Newspaper in 1768 to state "If Newport had the right to enslaved Negroes, then Great Britain has the right to enslaved the Colonists." The presentation will offer historic images and documents of the time.
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.