Trayvon Martin, Eric Garner, Michael Brown, Tamir Rice
Breonna Taylor, Sandra Bland, George Floyd

For the past 10 years, media has inundated the public with the murders, inequalities, and protests of Black people in America. While communities across our nation have taken this time to re-educate and re-think their biases, Black people have been traumatized and exhausted watching these injustices unfold.

So, how has the Black community still found ways to laugh, create, and persevere through these tough times?

From award winning actors to restaurateurs, mental health advocates, and spoken word artists, each episode of BLACK JOY will bring a unique perspective into how Rhode Island’s Black community draws upon joy as a source of strength. Through food, the arts, and mental health, we will explore the rich history and legacy of joy and how it is not only a place of refuge but also a necessity.

In honor of Black History Month, join Rhode Island PBS and Rhode Island College for the premiere of BLACK JOY, a Rhode Island PBS Original three-part series that shares the history, tradition, and legacy of joy in the Black community. Between the short films, Rhode Island College students will perform on stage at Roberts Auditorium. We wrap with a discussion with Rhode Island PBS producer Brianna Medina and guests from the production.

The event is free, but advance reservations are required. State COVID-19 precautions will be observed.

ALL CAMPUS VISITORS ARE REQUIRED TO:

• Provide contact information through pre-registration or upon arrival
• Provide proof of vaccination, including a booster of Moderna, Pfizer, or Johnson & Johnson.
• If not fully vaccinated, must provide proof of a negative test taken 72 hours before arrival on campus. Tests may be a PCR test taken 72 hours prior or an antigen test taken 6 hours prior.  Home tests are not acceptable.

Due to the uncertainty of COVID-19, this event is subject to change to a virtual event. Please watch for updates on the ripbs.org website.

Register Now!