Proclaiming February 10, 2026, as "The 3rd Rhode Island Regiment/black Regiment Recognition Day" to Commemorate the Contributions of Black Soldiers During the American Revolutionary War

WHEREAS, It is important to recognize the role of Black people in every aspect of American history since the colonial days; and

WHEREAS, There is little public awareness of the contributions of Black people during the American Revolutionary War; and

WHEREAS, Despite the horrors of enslavement suffered by Black people in America, some fought to gain their freedom, as well as American Independence, by becoming members of the st Rhode Island Regiment during the American Revolutionary War; and

WHEREAS, The st Rhode Island Regiment was an integrated unit composed of Black, White and Indigenous soldiers, who served together from 1778 through the end of the war in 1783; and

WHEREAS, In August of 1778, the st Rhode Island Regiment stood bravely on the right flank of the Continental Army at Portsmouth, Rhode Island, and drove back three Hessian charges and held the line against the British forces to “distinguish itself with deeds of great valor”; and

WHEREAS, The Newport County NAACP, the Newport Middle Passage Port Marker Project, the Bristol Middle Passage Port Marker Project, the Rhode Island Slave History Medallions Project, the Battle of Rhode Island Association, the Portsmouth Historical Society and other historical organizations have been working to educate the public about enslaved people in Rhode Island and their contribution to the establishment of America during the colonial period; and

WHEREAS, This year marks the 250th Anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence in 1776, it is important to ensure that the history and contributions of Black people during the American Revolutionary War not be forgotten; now, therefore be it

RESOLVED, That this Senate of the State of Rhode Island hereby recognizes February 10, 2026, as "The rd Rhode Island Regiment/Black Regiment Day" to commemorate the contributions of Black soldiers during the American Revolutionary War; and be it further

RESOLVED, That this Senate hereby expresses its deep gratitude to the Black soldiers who served in the st Rhode Island Regiment and recognizes that this history must be made more known and never be forgotten; and be it further

RESOLVED, That the Secretary of State be and hereby is authorized and directed to transmit duly certified copies of this resolution to the Honorable Donald Trump, President of the United States, the Rhode Island Congressional Delegation, the Honorable Daniel McKee, Governor of the State of Rhode Island, the Newport County NAACP, the Newport Middle Passage Port Marker Project, the Bristol Middle Passage Port Marker Project, the Rhode Island Slave History Medallions organization, the Battle of Rhode Island Association, and the Portsmouth Historical Society.