About RIBHS

Preserving Our History, Ensuring Our Future

The Rhode Island Black Heritage Society records, retains, and interprets the history and accomplishments of people of African descent in Rhode Island.

Historic issue of The Colored American newspaper — History collected, preserved, and shared.

Our purpose

About Rhode Island Black Heritage Society

“The Rhode Island Black Heritage Society is constituted for the purpose of procuring, collecting, and preserving historical material relating to the history of the Blacks of Rhode Island; encouraging and promoting the study of such history; and publishing and diffusing information about that history.”

Our founding mission statement has been expanded: it is the preservation of African Diaspora historical artifacts - books, art, papers and images - as well as facilitating the interpretation of history to enlighten others about our heritage.

RIBHS presents inclusive exhibits, research, and events that share history and open insights into the future that creative survival has made possible for African descendants.

Beyond educating the public, the Society advances culture and documents the contributions of the African Heritage Community in Rhode Island.

Leadership