Rhode Island Council for the Humanities

A Visual Remembrance: African Slave Markers in Colonial Newport

While many would recognize that Newport, Rhode Island is home to much of America's original, colonial and gilded age historic structures, few would recognize that Newport is also home to one of America's oldest and largest slave cemeteries. This presentation details Newport's economic, social and religious Colonial history through the lives and deaths of African and African American servants. Participants will learn through images of grave markers that depict the lives of 17th and 18th century Africans that once lived, worked and worshiped in Colonial Newport. The presentation will also provide a direct link to African slaves to their West African tribal customs and origins.

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.