PROVIDENCE, RI (Feb. 25, 2009) -- When Secretary of State A. Ralph Mollis visited East Providence High School today with Rhode Island's version of the Emancipation Proclamation, the Providence Journal was there to capture the event on video.
(See the one-minute video for yourself by clicking on the link at the end of this story).
“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.
Students formed a line for the chance to see the original, handwritten law that gave freedom to the children of slaves born in Rhode Island after March 1, 1784. Mollis brought the historic, 225-year-old document to school to inspire the teens to get involved.
“The fight for civil rights underscores an important example for young people. Working together, it is possible to achieve the seemingly impossible. That is an critical lesson for the next generation of civic leaders,” said Mollis.