Black History Month

The Blood of Kings: How the Pitts-Wileys of Mixed Magic Theatre build love into every aspect of their art

Ricardo and Bernadet Pitts-Wiley of the Mixed Magic Theatre in Pawtucket have been married for 48 years, and have been colleagues in the theatre space for 26. Over the last few years, I’ve noticed how there are so many Black trauma narratives and painful histories being told in different forms of Black art. It’s almost […]

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Telling Stories: A collection of profiles of local Black artists

While gathering profiles of local Black artists, We had far more suggestions from our guest editor and advisors than we could ever hope to cover. Kelly Marino interviewed three RI makers who are making waves around the Ocean State. Stanley Bois Stanley Bois is a Rhode Island–based filmmaker, writer, and editor whose work explores identity, […]

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The Poet of our Times

The Langston Hughes Community Poetry Reading is returning for its 31st consecutive year, to begin black history month. The annual free event will celebrate the powerful work of poet Langston Hughes with community poetry readings as well as live jazz music by Emmanuel Escobar and Avi David, as well as a presentation by guest speaker […]

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Black Excellence in Rhode Island: Support Black-owned businesses throughout Black History Month and every other day

Black excellence is something that should be celebrated every day. Black History Month not only honors that excellence but places it front and center. In that spirit, I invite you to visit one or more places in this directory and take the time to respectfully experience the culture and the beauty it offers the world.  […]

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Being Bad Never Felt So Good: Interview with Black artists and designers of RISD

Although it may seem counterintuitive, some of the most poignant examples of Black history lay in our youth and their efforts to honor the spaces pioneered by their mentors and ancestors. As young as they may be, their fight is centuries old and should hold equal weight. In the spirit of commemorating Black history, join […]

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