Many thanks to all who joined us on the Juneteenth Holiday to celebrate the emancipation of African captives in America, and as we honor all those enslaved in this region and on Casey Farm. Learn more about the lives of enslaved people here.
We gathered on Sunday, June 19 from noon – 4pm at Casey Farm, 2325 Boston Neck Road, Saunderstown, R.I. Admission was free, with food for sale.
At this family-friendly day, guests explored the farm on foot and by hayride. All enjoyed music by the Nettukkusqk Singers, the URI African Drummers and Dancers, and Sidy Maiga & Afrimanding.
Lorén Spears of Tomaquag Museum, Casey Farm’s historians, and R.I. Black Storytellers spoke about Indigenous and African American culture. Narrow River Preservation Association provided information about the region.
The highlight of the day was the unveiling of a R.I. Slave History Medallion on the front lawn. The medallion includes a QR code linking to the RISHM website where visitors are invited to learn more about enslaved people in this area.
Sarcastic Sweets sold cupcakes, cookies, brownies, cake bites, gluten-free and vegan desserts.
Incred-a-bowl food truck, a multicultural food company that serves delicious and healthy food with bowled (bold) flavors, such as Cuban chili mango bowl, Spicy kimchi noodles, Liberian bowls, and Korean BBQ beef, was a huge hit with our guests!
Historic records indicate that Southern RI is the site of the largest African slave holdings in New England. For many years, the ‘Narragansett Plantations’ were home to African and Indigenous captives on appropriated land. Learn more about the history of slavery in the area at the event and at RISHM.org.
