Owning our history: New book highlights slavery-related business in Rhode Island history

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WLNE) — A series of events are happening this weekend highlighting the history of slavery and slavery-related businesses in the First Unitarian Church.

Authors Peter Laarman and Traci Piacard release report findings, five-years in the making, in their new book “A Church in a Triangle: Race, Religion and Power.”

Laarmen explained how the church is renewing its commitment to anti-racism this weekend.

“This is today a very progressive church and people just kind of assume that it must have been progressive in the early 19th century, and that’s far from the case,” said Laarmen.

“So we are taking responsibility and that’s the meaning of owning our history, taking responsibility going forward in our anti-racism work.”

As the book debuts, the related exhibit “Owning Our History” opens at the Parish House.

The book release and exhibit opening are Friday night at 6 p.m.

On Saturday, scholars and activists will engage in a panel discussion called “No Turning Back,” accompanied by an immersive arts experience.

That’s also at the Parish House from 1-5 p.m.

A dedicated worship service follows Sunday at the meeting house.