WEEI Providence

Stages of Freedom, "founded in 2016 has at its core addressing racial inequities in Rhode Island and ensuring that Black Lives Matter" is in the spotlight. Co-Founders Ray Rickman, Executive Director and Robb Dimmick, Program Director zoom in with the latest on programs and events that support free swimming lessons for Black youth. Their non-profit African American Museum & Bookshop in Providence RI "creates a unique synergy of missions"; enriching peoples education of African American life, Rhode Island African American history and saving lives. There's always something interesting when you donate to SOF, i.e. a ticket give away for "Hamilton" at Providence Performing Arts Center (hurry the performance is 12/19). They also work in tandem with organizations such as, Blackstone River Valley National Historical Park highlighting the exhibit at Old Slater Mill "Laboring for Freedom African Americans in the Blackstone River Valley" (through 12/14). Listen as they detail the mystery behind the stolen plaque of Edward Mitchell Bannister, a nineteenth-century artist and one of the founders of the Providence Art Club. We also discuss the importance of Christiana Carteaux Bannister and why her historic marker has been revealed. The Bannister's, Providence's 19th-century Black power couple. Did you know that December is "National Tie Month"? "A time we seize to profile those distinguished men of color who made their mark by wearing one well". Notable names including, Baritone Paul Robeson, and Black Socialogist W.E. Dubois.