Black Heritage in Providence

While always acknowledging Providence's legacy of participation in the slave trade, we also want to celebrate the rich history of the Black community from the early days of the Revolution to the present day. From the Rhode Island Black Heritage Society's exhibit on Black entrepreneurs to Stages of Freedom's Museum of African American History, stories of Black excellence and accomplishment are plentiful. Be sure to stop for lunch or dinner at one of Providence's many Black-owned restaurants while you visit the sites on the Early Black History Walking Tour. With a variety of cuisines from Southern soul food to traditional African meals, you're sure to find something you like!

Top Mural: "Salt Water" by Garden of Journey (Georgie Nakima)

Early Black History Self-Guided Walking Tour

Step into Providence's rich and complex early Black history with our self-guided walking tour. Sign up for our mobile guide to explore sites that tell the story of resistance, entrepreneurship, and community building — from the city's earliest days of slavery through emancipation and beyond.

Food & Drink

Black-Owned Restaurants in Providence, Rhode Island

Featuring everything from Southern soul food to traditional African and Caribbean cuisines, Providence is home to a wide variety of Black-owned restaurants, food trucks and even a tea shop. Enjoy one of The District's signature pizzas for dinner or indulge your sweet tooth at brunch with the…

Rhode Island Black Heritage Society

As one of the oldest African heritage organizations in the country, their mission is to preserve African descendant's historical artifacts.

Stages of Freedom

10 WESTMINSTER STREET | PROVIDENCE, RI

Stages of Freedom was founded in 2016 with a goal of building community and advancing racial equity through the arts and humanities. In addition to their signature Swim Empowerment program, which provides free swimming lessons at partner YMCAs for youth of color, they offer a variety of cultural workshops to elevate and empower the BIPOC community. Workshops include Bow Ties for Boys and Girls Tea Party, as well as visits to museums, theater and concerts.Their Westminster St. location is home to a Museum of African American history, which features exhibits, videos and artifacts highlighting stories of Black excellence and accomplishment in Rhode Island. For more info, visit StagesOfFreedom.org.