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ORAL HISTORY PROGRAM: THE R&B ERA IN RHODE ISLAND Rhythm & Blues, an indigenous African American music tradition and one of the most significant contributions to American culture, is a rapidly disappearing art form, especially in the fading local African American community. In addition to preserving the music style, we are dedicated to closing the gap in state history by collecting R&B oral histories and memorabilia. The Society, In partnership with the RI Historical Society (RIHS), has a R&B section in the library for the collection. The RIHS is open to the public and is located at 121 Hope Street, Providence, RI, 02906 Contact Mr.. Richard Pena at 401 461-7889
INSTRUMENTS FOR CHILDREN SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM The Society holds fund raisers and collects donated instruments. These new and used instruments are provided to underprivileged children to support an afterschool alternative activity and non-profit organizations that provide music programs for underprivileged children . Contact Mrs. Elizabeth Pegg at 401 438 –5886. PUBLIC EDUCATION PROGRAM This program provides R&B public awareness lectures, panel discussions, workshops, information distribution and classroom instructions for adults and school children. Contact Ms Sylvia Ann Soares, Education Director at 401 861-9871.
RIRBPS LINK WITH THE RHODE ISLAND HISTORICAL SOCIETY.
The RIRBPS established a partnership with the Rhode Island Historical Society (RIHS) based on mutual interest in preserving and sharing the history of R&B in Rhode Island. Information and documents collected through the Oral History Project and other sources are archived in the RIRBPS R&B collection housed in the RIHS library located in Providence, RI . The collection is available to the public. RIHS contact is Mrs. Karen Eberhart at 401—273-8107.
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pROGRAMS |
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KEEPING r&b ALIVE |
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Preserving the Heritage Promoting the Music Educating The Public · |
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MEMBERSHIP
RIRBPS is a self-supporting organization that depends on memberships, contributions, grants (PRN) , volunteers and fund raisers to support its various programs.
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY ORGANIZATION.
RIRBPS is an equal opportunity participant in accordance with the applicable Code of Federal Regulations. |
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RIRBPS |
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ORAL HISTORY PROGRAM COMMITTEE Elizabeth Pegg and Rich Pena Photo By: Thomas Santos |
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MUSIC : THE PREAFRRED ALTERNATIVE AFTERSCHOOL ACTIVITY FOR KIDS
Pawtucket Urban Music Project student Johnathan Andrew, age 10, playing the guitar donated by RIRBPS.
Photo by : Richard Pena |
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PRESERVING AND PROMOTING THE R&B LEGACY. |
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RIRBPS INSTRUMENTS FOR CHILDREN PROGRAM
Students at the Music Mansion playing a set of African DJEMBE drums donated by RIRBPS.
Photo by Richard Pena |

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RIRBPS AWARDS PUMP STUDENT A GUITAR!
Mrs. Elizabeth Pegg, Instruments For Children Director (Right) and Mrs. Donna Pena, Assistant Director (Far Left) , award the acoustic guitar to Pawtucket Urban Music Project student Johnathan Andrew, age 10. in the white shirt.
Photo by Richard Pena |
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RIRBPS Instruments For Children Program |
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Kids and Music Go Together Like Peanut Butter and Jelly
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