The Rhode Island Black Heritage Society has announced it will host a presentation “FREEDOM IS NOT ENOUGH: The Life and Times of Reverend Mahlon Van Horne" In celebration of the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. state holiday,
By Keith Stokes
Keith Stokes, a resident of Newport, is vice president of the 1696 Heritage Group and a member of The Journal’s advisory group for “Our Hidden History.” Reach him at keithnpt@gmail.com
This past summer we witnessed worldwide Black Lives Matter and social justice protests. This movement dramatically demonstrated for people of African heritage that the right to be heard is part of building a more just society. The struggle for this right has been carried out for centuries, including here in Rhode Island. Before achieving solidarity and action, we need to listen and learn from those who led in that struggle.