Library to host ‘How to Talk About Slavery’ lecture

PORTSMOUTH, R.I. — Ray Rickman will discuss “How to Talk About Slavery” at a special upcoming presentation at the Portsmouth Free Public Library, located at 2658 East Main Road.
The event will take place on Wednesday, Feb. 2, at 6:30 p.m. at the library.
Rickman, the executive director of Stages of Freedom, will combine local history’s relation to the slave trade, and personal anecdotes from his life from childhood through his career as a civil rights’ activist.
He will also draw on knowledge of both Rhode Island and African American history, and culture to highlight the effect slavery had and continues to have on Rhode Island.
Rickman will also explain the economic basis of slavery and its African origins, as well as detailed information on how many Rhode Islanders were involved and how it elevated the entire economy of the state.
Ray Rickman has conducted 300 diversity and race relations workshops for businesses, colleges and government agencies over the past 30 years.
The former executive director of the Providence Human Relations Commission, he was the EEO officer for both Lifespan and the city of Providence. He is also a former president of the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) and is currently the executive director of Stages of Freedom, an organization that promotes black culture for the entire community.
The event is free and open to the public.