Newport celebrates 2nd Juneteenth holiday event
NEWPORT, R.I. (WLNE) — Newport held its second annual Juneteenth holiday celebration on Saturday.
The celebration was organized by Rhode Island Slave History Medallions, who said the event was meant to “celebrate all persons’ freedom and honor the enslaved heroes of Rhode Island’s storied 1st RI ‘Black’ Regiment, as well as Newport’s local Black history.”
The event featured reenactments of colonial militia regiments, guest speakers and performances by African and Indigenous tribal members, live music, children’s crafts, a drumming circle, vendors, and food trucks.
Sen. Jack Reed attended the event and said it was important to learn about the historical impact of slavery and the people who fought to abolish it.
The event is set to be followed by an inaugural Black History Walking Tour across Historic Hill.
