Oral History of College Hill African Americans Re-emerges
Saturday, July 24, 2010
When a collection of African-American residents of College Hill came together in 1999, they shared their stories. Now, more than decade later, a book of their personal reminiscences comes back to public life through the efforts of local historian and activist Ray Rickman.
The compilation, "African Americans on College Hill, 1950-1979," was a special project of the Urban League of Rhode Island and a product of the 1999 convention at the African American Meeting House in Providence. It recounted the recollections and dialogue of 17 men and women.
Rickman, also the narrative's editor, explains the goal of the booklet's public reemergence is "to instill a better understanding of race relations, family values, and traditions core to African Americans on College Hill through first-hand accounts." It offers Rhode Islanders a glimpse into a neighborhood rich in history during such a critical period.
Universal Millennium generously donated a limited supply of the 1999 booklet, now available to the public at The Providence Athenaeum and the Brown University Bookstore. One copy will be on reserve at the Providence Public Library.
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