Please support local news coverage –

Donate Here

This year's ‘Black Regiment’ ceremony in Portsmouth canceled

COVID-19 concerns cited in decision

Posted 8/24/20

PORTSMOUTH — Citing health concerns around the COVID-19 pandemic, the Newport County branch of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) has canceled this …

This item is available in full to subscribers.

Please log in to continue

Log in

Register to post events


If you'd like to post an event to our calendar, you can create a free account by clicking here.

Note that free accounts do not have access to our subscriber-only content.

Day pass subscribers

Are you a day pass subscriber who needs to log in? Click here to continue.


Please support local news coverage –

Donate Here

This year's ‘Black Regiment’ ceremony in Portsmouth canceled

COVID-19 concerns cited in decision

Posted

PORTSMOUTH — Citing health concerns around the COVID-19 pandemic, the Newport County branch of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) has canceled this year’s “Black Regiment” Monument Commemoration Ceremony that was originally scheduled at Patriots Park on Sunday, Aug. 30.

“It is with regret, but out of an abundance of caution for the health and safety of the general public, public officials and Newport County Branch members and supporters that I am announcing the indefinite postponement of this year’s event,” James Winter, Newport NAACP president, stated in a press release.

Since 1967, the NAACP has set aside the last Sunday in August to honor the men from the 1st Rhode Island Regiment, also known as “The Black Regiment,” who fought so valiantly in the Battle of Rhode Island” during the American Revolutionary War.

At that time, the British had occupied Newport and were seeking to take command of the entire Aquidneck Island. On Aug. 29, 1778, the “Black Regiment” won a decisive victory for the American forces at Turkey or Quaker Hill, now known as Patriots Park.

Please support your local news coverage

The COVID-19 pandemic has brought the local economy - and many of the advertisers who support our work - to a near standstill. During this unprecedented challenge, we continue to make our coronavirus coverage free to everyone at eastbayri.com - we believe it is our mission is to deliver vital information to our communities. If you believe local news is essential, especially during this crisis, please consider a tax-deductible donation. 

Donate Here

Thank you for your support!

Matt Hayes, Portsmouth Times Publisher

2024 by East Bay Media Group

Barrington · Bristol · East Providence · Little Compton · Portsmouth · Tiverton · Warren · Westport
Meet our staff
Jim McGaw

A lifelong Portsmouth resident, Jim graduated from Portsmouth High School in 1982 and earned a journalism degree from the University of Rhode Island in 1986. He's worked two different stints at East Bay Newspapers, for a total of 18 years with the company so far. When not running all over town bringing you the news from Portsmouth, Jim listens to lots and lots and lots of music, watches obscure silent films from the '20s and usually has three books going at once. He also loves to cook crazy New Orleans dishes for his wife of 25 years, Michelle, and their two sons, Jake and Max.