American Irony: Religious Freedom and Slavery in Colonial Newport

The images on exhibit in “Light and Presence: Richard Benson’s The Touro Synagogue” capture the intimacy, grace and detail of one of Newport’s most culturally and historically significant structures. Designed by architect Peter Harrison and completed in 1763, the Touro Synagogue is the oldest synagogue in the United States, and a symbol of the religious tolerance practiced in Rhode Island.

Joining us to consider the larger historical context of colonial Newport is historian Keith Stokes. His presentation “American Irony: Religious Freedom and Slavery in Colonial Newport” will illuminate the simultaneous rise of religious freedom and African heritage people enslavement in Colonial Newport. Using images of documents and artifacts dating back to the early days of Newport, as well as the voices and experiences of enslaved and later free African heritage men, women, and children, Stokes will outline the religious, civic, and commercial evolution of Newport, including the founding of several of the earliest free African heritage education, social and religious institutions in America.

This virtual talk will be followed by a Q&A moderated by Guest Curator Megan Horn. 

Registration is required to receive Zoom link, which will be sent directly to registrants by April 15 at 5pm.

Mr. Stokes is presently Vice President with the 1696 Heritage Group. The 1696 Heritage Group is a historical consulting firm dedicated to helping persons and institutions of color to increase their knowledge and access to the light of truth of their unique American heritage. The firm draws on extensive knowledge and experience in ethnic American historical research, interpretation, program and product development.

Learn more > www.1696heritage.com

Mr. Stokes has a long and distinguished career in business and community development, with degrees from Cornell University and University of Chicago. His past professional positions have included Executive Director of the Rhode Island Economic Development Corporation and Executive Director of the Newport County Chamber of Commerce.

He has also been an Advisor for Rhode Island with the National Trust for Historic Preservation along with serving on numerous regional and national historic preservation boards including Chairman of the Touro Synagogue Foundation, Vice President & Trustee of the Preservation Society for Newport County, and Newport Historical Society. Mr. Stokes is a frequent national, state and local lecturer in community & regional planning, historic preservation and interpretation with an expertise in early African and Jewish American history. Mr. Stokes frequently appears on national historical programs including C-SPAN, Fox News Legends & Lies, and Ted Talk. Mr. Stokes recently travelled to Ghana, Africa to deliver a lecture as part of the 400th Anniversary of the Transatlantic Slave Trade.

He has been the recipient of numerous local, state and national awards including the United State Small Business Administration – Rhode Island Small Business Advocate of the Year Award, American Sail Training Association Leadership Award, Rhode Island Black Heritage Society’s Fredrick Williamson Award Historic Preservation Award, Rhode Island Martin Luther King Keeper of the Dream Award and along with his wife, is the recipient of the Rhode Island Council for the Humanities Prize for Creative Achievement in the Humanities.