ORAL HISTORY PROJECT:  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.

 

pROGRAMS

KEEPING r&b ALIVE

Preserving  the Heritage

Promoting the Music

 Educating The Public

·  

.

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 Code of Federal Regulations.

RIRBPS

ORAL HISTORY PROJECT TEAM

Elizabeth Pegg and

Rich Pena

                            Photo By: Thomas Santos

MUSIC: 

The alternative afterschool activity for kids

 PRESERVING AND PROMOTING THE LEGACY.

RIRBPS INSTRUMENTS FOR CHILDREN PROGRAM

Gina and the Dreamcatchers: Member Gina Wesley.

 

                 Photo provided    

                 By:

                 Gina Wesley 2007

 

VOLUNTEER  MUSIC TEACHERS NEEDED

 

RIRBPS needs musicians willing to volunteer some time during after school hours to teach underprivileged children how to play a musical instrument. Instruments are provided to qualified applicants by the RIRBPS Instruments for Children Program. Musician and child would be matched by instrument, skill level and time available. Interested musicians should email rirbps@aol.com. Subject: Music Teachers.

The women of R&B

 

VOLUNTEER  MUSIC TEACHERS NEEDED

 

RIRBPS needs musicians willing to volunteer some time during after school hours to teach underprivileged children how to play a musical instrument. Instruments are provided to qualified applicants by the RIRBPS Instruments for Children Program. Musician and child would be matched by instrument, skill level and time available. Interested musicians should email rirbps@aol.com. Subject: Music Teachers.