Day Two
Frederick Douglass in Newport
A Talk with John Rice
Thursday, Nov. 19 at 6:00PM
The Redwood Library & Athenaeum
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Thanks to the over 1,000 people who attended!
Speaker:
Dr. John Rice
Frederick Douglass made his second stop on the road to freedom in Newport in 1838 before settling in nearby New Bedford. In this eye-opening talk, Dr. John Rice, the great-great grandson of Newport's Isaac Rice, a close friend, anti-slavery ally, and regular host of Frederick Douglass, explored the important connections Douglass maintained in Newport, including that of the nation’s foremost Black caterer and activist, George T. Downing. The Rice homestead at 23 Thomas Street, where Douglass stayed, was a site of the Underground Railroad, and has been continuously occupied by the Rice family for over 200 years.
Day Three
Frederick Douglass
Speaks: "What the Black Man Wants"
December 7, 2020
Central Falls High School
Woosocket High School
Paul Cuffee School
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Thanks to the 119 people who attended!
Actor:
Trinity actor, Joe Wilson, Jr. will portray Frederick Douglass delivering his famous speech, "What the Black Man Wants" in this special performance created just for Central Fall High School students.
Our sponsors
Herman H. Rose Civic, Cultural and Media Access rovidence Tourism Fund
Providence City Archives
NAACP Newport County
Lease A. Plimpton
Barbara J. Silvis
Stone Mill Lodge #3 of the Most Worshipful
Prince Hall Masons of Rhode Island
Feedback
“Over the past 8 months of the pandemic I have watched a lot of Zoom webinars and book talks. Without a doubt this talk was
the best I have seen. Professor Blight was sensational. He came through the screen with such passion, with such storytelling command. When he read from the newspaper accounts of people seeing Douglas speak, it was magical. I will definitely bookmark the video for repeat viewing and add the book to my shopping cart for upcoming purchase. I truly enjoyed this evening's event. Thank you so much.” - Gary Ocheltree
