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 …
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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.
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