On Wednesday, February 19th, the BoRIA’s Lecture Series sponsored by a grant from the RI State Legislature (Senator Linda Ujifusa) along with our partners at the Portsmouth Historical Society, the Middle Passage Port Marker Project, Rhode Island Slave History Medallions (RISHM) and NAACP Newport presented a lecture from historian John Dower in honor of Black History Month. Titled “The 1st Rhode Island Regiment of 1778: What was the so-called Black Regiment and what did they do at the Battle of Rhode Island?”

What was the so-called Black Regiment of Rhode Island and how was it created? Who were the men that formed the unit? What was the role of the regiment at the Battle of Rhode Island? Hear the answers to those questions and more at this presentation. Jason Roomes, a 1st RI Regiment reenactor who’s ancestor served in the 1st RI, will be on hand in uniform to answer questions as well.

John Dower, a public historian and Past-President of the Cocumscussoc Association/Smith’s Castle in North Kingstown, Rhode Island, holds an M.A. in American History from Stony Brook University. He is a member of the National Council on Public History and the Organization of American Historians. His extensive research focuses on the First Rhode Island Regiment, also known as the “Black Regiment,” which fought in the American Revolutionary War. This unique military unit was composed of enslaved and free men of color, offering a fascinating glimpse into a lesser-known aspect of American history.

Filmed by David Breton, Graphics added by Paul Martins & Crystal Ship Productions.