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 invite the public to engage with Rhode Island’s complex and often overlooked history.
Sponsored by the Richard & Barbara Bell Fund for Social Justice
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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.
