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EX LIBRIS: The Rhode Island Slave History Medallions – Charles Roberts, Providence Atheneum
Charles Roberts will speak on “Rhode Island Slave History Medallions” at the Providence Atheneum, in their EX LIBRIS program on Friday, October 3rd. The speaking portion of the event runs from 5:30pm – 6:45pm, including a Q&A.
Both in-person and virtual options are available. For those attending in-person, there is a pre-program reception with light refreshments from 5 to 5:30pm.
Rhode Island Slave History Medallions works to tell the forgotten stories of Rhode Island’s free and enslaved African American and Indigenous peoples. Through a statewide initiative installing interactive markers at historic sites, RISHM engages in research, presents public educational programs, and builds community partnerships that bring awareness to Rhode Island’s dominant role in the institution of American slavery and the effects of that legacy today.
Join Executive Director Charles Roberts to learn more about how these medallions honor untold stories and the public is invited to engage with Rhode Island’s complex and often overlooked history.
Sponsored by the Richard & Barbara Bell Fund for Social Justice
Ways to participate:
Virtual tickets
Members: free
Non-members: pay-what-you-can – REGISTER HERE
In-person tickets
Members & their guests: $5
Tickets include access to a pre-program reception from 5-5:30pm. – REGISTER HERE
Registration is required for both in-person and virtual events.
For More Information: [email protected]
About Charles Roberts
Charles Roberts is the Founder and Executive Director of Rhode Island Slave History Medallions, Newport, RI, a nonprofit, placed-based statewide education program recognized by the RI General Assembly in House Resolution (2020-H 7643).
Mr. Roberts is a native Rhode Islander whose family has lived in Newport since 1889. He earned his Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from the School of Visual Arts in Manhattan, attended Black Studies classes at City College University of New York, and studied at the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences at CBS in New York City.
He traveled extensively throughout Europe and Africa, before returning to the States to produce and promote concerts for Warner Atlantic Elektra Records in NY (1979-1993). He taught Art and TV production at the Chad Science Academy in Newark, NJ (1994-1995). As a talented visual artist, he incorporated the additional marketing and desktop publishing skills he learned at the RI School of Design and produced gospel concerts at Veteran’s Memorial Hall in 2002 and PPAC in 2006.
Presently he serves as a fellow in the History Department at Rogers William’s University. He is also a member of the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. State Holiday Commission, and he is a member of the semiquincentennial (250th) Commission for the State of Rhode Island.
He was appointed to the RITBA Board by Governor Dan McKee. His present term expires on April 1, 2028.
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The EX LIBRIS program series from the Providence Athenæum features an array of humanities scholars, authors, historians, and thought leaders to illuminate fascinating topics and inspire the intellectually curious. EX LIBRIS programs take place at the Athenæum in front of a live studio audience and are simulcast via Zoom, as well as recorded.