PROVIDENCE, RI (Feb. 23, 2009) -- Secretary of State A. Ralph Mollis will mark Black History Month by bringing the original 1784 law that granted Rhode Island slaves their freedom to East Providence High School this Wed., Feb. 25.
“It is crucial to continue to talk about the struggles and accomplishments of African Americans in Rhode Island. In order for students to appreciate the progress we have made on civil rights, they need to be aware of our history,” said Mollis.
Mollis will tell a school assembly about the significance of the 224-year-old law and the importance of learning lessons from the state’s history.The law gave freedom to the children of slaves born in Rhode Island after March 1, 1784.
“The fight for civil rights underscores an important example for youngsters. Working together, it is possible to achieve the seemingly impossible. That is an critical lesson for the next generation of civic leaders,” said Mollis.
The handwritten document states, “… all Men are entitled to Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happinef, yet the holding Mankind in a State of Slavery, as private Property, which has gradually obtained by unrestrained custom and the Permifion of the Laws, is repugnant to this Principle and Subversive of the Happinef of Mankind (sic)…”
Signed into law in 1784, “An Act authorizing the Manumission of Negroes, Mulattos & others, and for the gradual abolition of Slavery” is among thousands of historic documents preserved in the Secretary of State’s State Archives.
Located at 337 Westminster St., Providence, the State Archives is open to the public weekdays from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.