PROVIDENCE, R.I. -- February 7, 2002 -- To celebrate Black History Month, the University of Rhode Island’s Providence Campus has joined forces with the Rhode Island Black Heritage Society to present An Eye on Religion and Race, looking at the confluences and conflicts of these two elements in Rhode Island history. All events are free and open to the public. The campus is located at 80 Washington St. in downtown Providence. Here is the schedule:

o Monday, February 11: Noon and 5:30 p.m. in Conference Room 242 – Presenter: Joaquina Bela Teixeira, "Community Spirit," Part II –an illustrated lecture that will examine how the growth and influence of the black churches as active participants in the social and political landscape helped shape local history during the 20th Century.

o Tuesday, February 19: Noon in Conference Room 242 – Presenter: Reverend Roland Mars, a minister in the Narragansett Indian Church of Charlestown who has devoted much of his life ministering to this area’s Native Americans. His lecture includes a perspective of the Christian church and the Narragansett people.

o Tuesday, February 19: 5:30 p.m. in Conference Room 242 – Presenter: Rosalind Wiggins, local historian/author, whose research highlights the community of Quakers in Rhode Island history. Her presentation includes the relationship of the Quakers to black Rhode Islanders and the movement to abolish slavery in the state and nation.

o Monday, February 25: Noon in Conference Room 242 – Presenter: Waleed Muhammad, a student at the URI/Feinstein College of Continuing Education, a prominent member of the R.I. Muslim religious community. His experience spans the early development of the Nation of Islam to the Muslim religious community today. He will discuss his experiences and the growth of Islam in our community.

o Monday, February 25: 5:30 p.m. in Conference Room 242 – Presenter: Keith W. Stokes, a former three-time Newport City Councilman, is now the executive director of the Newport County Chamber of Commerce. Much of his energy is spent researching, preserving, and teaching Newport history. His presentation highlights the role of religion and race.

For Information: Jan Wenzel, 874-2116