The award-winning Black nonprofit Stages of Freedom, in partnership with the RI 250 Commission, presents "A Concert for Freedom: Revolutionary Black and White Voices", a stirring public performance weaving music, spoken word, and American ideals, into a glorious tapestry of history and song as the grand finale of Rhode Island's celebration of our nation's 250th.

 

The program features Revolutionary-era African American spirituals performed by the interracial Schiller Institute Chorus, alongside dramatic readings by prominent Rhode Island leaders, artists, and scholars. Drawing on the words of diverse Rhode Island patriots, writers, and thinkers, this performance explores foundational ideals of liberty, self-determination, and civic responsibility.

 

By entwining powerful music with historic texts, the event amplifies underrepresented voices that shaped America's founding aspirations. This collaborative initiative fosters deep community engagement, promotes cultural equity, and provides vital educational outreach, inviting local residents and regional visitors alike to actively participate in Rhode Island’s Semiquincentennial celebration.

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Our Presenters:

The Schiller Institute Chorus

Secretary of State Gregg Amore

Robb Dimmick

Ray Rickman

Cathy Clasper-Torch

Frank Mathis

Becky Bass

Natasha Astrid Rosario DeChambeau

Lauri Smalls 

Jason Roomes

The Rose Conservatory

Greg Fernandes

Delbert Leon Collins

Edward Wallace

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The Reviews Are In​

A truly a spectacular day.  A powerful day. Pastor Jamie Washam set the tone, and then each act was so well planned out. Each was short and then punctuated by a different method of expression. White, Black, young, old. Honestly, I had a tear in my eye throughout. This was a model of what a community can be. And Stages of Freedom brought us all together. 

 

In terms of filling the church, I can’t count how many times people tried to sit in my row that I was saving for friends.

 

When I heard the ballad for Aaron Briggs I was stunned – I hadn’t known there was a ballad for Aaron Briggs. When I looked closer at the program, I saw that Robb Dimmick created it! May it live on forever and ever, how phenomenal. And the reading of the names of the First Regiment was very moving and Robb and Ray enunciated the names with real power.

 

Both of their performances were unforgettable along with their orchestration of the entire day. Thank you on behalf of the community. 

 

Mary Minow

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WOW!!

 

"A Concert for Freedom: Revolutionary Black & White Voices." 

 

An awesome concert!! Insightful, inspirational texts and readings. Musicians, soloists, readers were all top-notch. 

 

Robb Dimmick's performances were stellar, powerful.

 

This was a beautifully conceived and stunning, significant endeavor.

 

So happy I attended.

 

Thank you.

 

Sylvia Ann Soares

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It was my pleasure to witness such a truly spectacular and masterful event. Alex Gim-Fain

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The program was magnificent. Keep up the great work. - Mildred Nichols

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Thanks for a wonderful afternoon. It was inspiring and entertaining. You put together an amazing program. Bravo.

- Barbara Wigren

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A tremendous show. A Concert for Freedom was simply great. Anne and I walked away saying we were both inspired, entertained and we learned quite a bit. Thank you for everything you both do.

 

- Joe Healy

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What a beautiful event, brilliantly executed and so enthusiastically received. - Stephen Martorella

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On Sunday, October 25, I attended a concert produced by Stages of Freedom in partnership with the Rhode Island 250 Commission: "A Concert for Freedom: Revolutionary Black & White Voices." I found this concert to be deeply moving and a timely presentation that brought history to life through music, spoken word, and the powerful ideas of liberty and self-determination. The Schiller Institute Chorus gave voice to African American spirituals from the Revolutionary era, while Rhode Island Secretary of State Gregg Amore, Ray Rickman, Robb Dimmick, Cathy Clasper-Torch, Frank Mathis, Becky Bass, Lauri Smalls, Jason Roomes, The Rose Conservatory, Greg Fernandes, Delbert Leon Collins, and other presenters brought the words and experiences of those who shaped our nation's founding into sharp focus. Held in the historic First Baptist Church in America, the concert was both a celebration of the American spirit and a compelling reminder that the struggle to make liberty and equality a reality for all Americans remains unfinished. I left feeling inspired by the artistry, the historical perspective, and the enduring relevance of its message. Many thanks and congratulations to all those who made this free concert available to the public.

- Ida Zecco

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Stages of Freedom's production and performance of A Concert for Freedom was incredibly moving. 

 

There isn't a finer public history organization than Stages of Freedom. I was so proud of them. Nobody compares. It truly reminded me of all the good things I love about this city again. - Caleb T. Horton