The Thursday Channel: Story of the 1st Rhode Island Regiment

In celebration of our country's 250th Anniversary ("The Semiquincentennial"), this program will explore one of the most unique military units in the American Revolution.  They were the first in American history to be racially integrated (including whites, Blacks and First Peoples), and for those who enlisted who were slaves, it granted manumission.  It also played a crucial role in several important battles in the War for Independence, where its Black members fought with bravery and prowess.

Our guest speaker is Lawrence Greene, a life-long student of African American history, and an historical and nature interpreter.  He is also the founder and lead drummer for Ugata Drum and Dance, is an Artsbridge catalog artist, and a founding member of The Friends of the Plains Mounds.

Sponsored by the Friends of the Athens County Libraries.

* Accompanying image is a detail from a painting by Frank Quagan for the Varnum Armory Museum: "Soldiers in the 1st Rhode Island Regiment".