T-Mobile has announced that Bristol is one of its 25 Hometown Grant recipients for this funding cycle, with the Bristol Middle Passage Port Marker Project being the beneficiary of a $50,000 award.

The grant will go toward installing the Middle Passage Memorial in Independence Park, a historical and educational landmark to honor those affected by Bristol’s participation in the transatlantic human trade, recognizing their contributions to Rhode Island and the nation.

The Bristol Middle Passage Port Marker Project applied for the grant, with board member Keith Maloney writing and refining the application, which asked applicants to present proposals for projects that would better their communities. “It seemed like a perfect fit for this opportunity,” said fellow board member Stephan Brigidi of the Middle Passage Memorial.

The timing of the award was fortuitous also, as it was announced shortly before the Juneteenth celebration that the group held last Wednesday at the St. Michael’s Church Parish Hall, a first for Bristol. It provided a perfect opportunity to hold a check presentation at the beginning of the event, and another reason to celebrate on this historic day.

Each quarter, T-Mobile awards 25 Hometown Grants to small towns with populations of 50,000 or less. Since launching its five-year commitment to small towns in April 2021, T-Mobile has awarded 300 communities across 47 states over $13 million in funding.