Black History Month

Black in Rhode Island Map: Points of interest for Black History Month and beyond

Find the corresponding numbered icons below for an approximate location of the place of interest to you.
Historic SitesDetailsAddress
1. Sissieretta Jones PlaqueHistorical plaque honoring the great 19th century soprano. Read more about her here.28 S Court St, PVD
2. Grace Church CemeteryWhere Sissieretta Jones was laid to rest. The headstone includes a memory medallion that visitors may scan to learn more about her life, and on the back of the headstone is a memorial for her mother Henrietta Everett Joyner Crenshaw.10 Elmwood Ave, PVD
3. Congdon Street Baptist ChurchThe most historic Black church in Rhode Island. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1971 for its architectural significance.17 Congdon St, PVD
4. Edward Bannister StatueOil painter, activist, and founding member of the Providence Art Club and an original board member of the Rhode Island School of Design.7 Providence River Greenway
17 Canal Walk, PVD
5. Hardscrabble Riot of 1824 PlaqueThe site of the first riot between Black and white residents of Providence. Several hundred white residents tore down about 20 homes occupied by Black residents in a mixed neighborhood, and took what furniture remained and sold it at auction. Some houses were set on fire.Near 142 Providence Pl, PVD
6. Snowtown Riot of 1831 PlaqueThe site of a second riot between Black residents of Providence and white workers. A white mob terrorized Black neighborhoods for four days, five people died, and 18 buildings were damaged or destroyed. The Rhode Island state militia eventually intervened.North End of Roger Williams National Memorial, PVD
7. Monument to the 1st RI RegimentKnown as the “Black Regiment” because it was comprised mostly of Black enlistees. Some regard it as the first Black military unit in the US.Patriots Park, Portsmouth
ArtDetailsAddress
1. “Tray (Depicting Reverend Lemuel Haynes in the pulpit)”Oil on papier-mâché painting of the first Black ordained minister in America, Reverend Lemuel Haynes.RISD Museum
20 N Main St, PVD
2. “Portrait of Christiana Carteaux Bannister” by Edward BannisterOil-on-canvas painting of Edward Bannister’s wife Christiana, a prominent business woman born in Providence of African American and Narragansett descent. She worked as a hairdresser and was active in artistic and abolitionist circles. Read more about their loving marriage here.RISD Museum
20 N Main St, PVD
3. “Portrait of Thomas Howland” by John BlanchardOil-on-wood painting of Rhode Island’s first Black elected official – Thomas Howland, warden of Providence’s Third Ward in 1857.Rhode Island Historic Society
110 Benefit St, PVD
4. “Salt Water” by Garden of Journey AKA George Nakima35’ x 110’ mural featuring two figures representing creative and destructive energy in an Afrofuturism style that is characteristic of the artist’s work.George C. Arnold Building
94 Washington St, PVD
5. Mixed Magic TheatreTheatre dedicated to bringing diverse stories to the stage. Produces a variety of regular programs, including Rise to Black – a theater series featuring scenes from the works of Black artists and the theatre’s resident choir, the Exult Choir.500 Mineral Spring Ave, Pawtucket
6. Worship Arts Restoration – MPACT!RI’s first federally recognized non-profit organization dedicated to the support and restoration of visual and performing Christian artists and their artistry.25 Maple St, Pawtucket
CommunityDetailsAddress
1. John Hope HouseA community-based organization named for John Hope: an alumnus of Brown University and among the founders of the NAACP.7 Thomas P. Whitten Way, PVD
2. Cape Verdean Progressive Center AKA the CV ClubA space for parties, social gatherings, and performances. Many Cape Verdean artists began performing here early in their careers, including Vickie and Flash Tavares.329 Grosvenor Avenue, East PVD
3. Langston Hughes Community Poetry ReadingCelebrates Langston Hughes’ important contributions to American history, culture, and civic philosophy through annual poetry readings. Events often held at the Providence Public Library. For more information, visit: lhughescpr.org.225 Dyer St, PVD
4. Rhode Island Black StorytellersA non-profit organization dedicated to promoting the awareness, appreciation, and application of Black storytelling in Rhode Island through performance, as well as through educational and cultural experiences.ribs.org
5. Southside Cultural CenterThe heartbeat of the Southside, West End, and Elmwood neighborhoods, SCCRI nurtures the voices of artists of color and cultivates community through the arts.393 Broad St, PVD
6. George Wiley CenterNon-profit dedicated to George Wiley, a Warwick-raised civil rights leader and chemist. Keeping in alignment with the mission of his life’s work, the organization organizes “with low-income Rhode Islanders to advocate for systemic changes aimed at alleviating problems associated with poverty.”32 East Ave, Pawtucket