Thanks, Theresa, for doing this interview. You have many responsibilities and community commitments and we will get into all of them. Let’s start with the Rhode Island Black Heritage Society or RIBHS. You are the founder and director. Can you please give us an overview of the organization?
Theresa Guzmán Stokes: The Rhode Island Black Heritage Society (RIBHS) has proudly served the state of Rhode Island for over 50 years. Founded in 1975 by Rowena Stewart, its mission is to collect, preserve, and interpret the rich history of African heritage in Rhode Island. Today, RIBHS houses an extensive collection of over 10,000 documents and artifacts that span the state’s history from the colonial era through the late twentieth century. In addition to safeguarding these invaluable resources and ensuring they are accessible to students, scholars, and the general public, RIBHS brings history to life through engaging museum exhibits and informative publications. The society’s youth program, “BirthRiteRI,” plays a pivotal role in guiding students on their journey to adulthood by immersing them in their cultural heritage, fostering pride and self-esteem, and introducing them to the diverse industries that have shaped Rhode Island’s growth.
GWM: Tell us about another organization that you founded and lead, the 1696 Heritage Group.
TGS: The 1696 Heritage Group evolved from an earlier business I founded, The Write Design. Initially, I leveraged my skills as a writer, editor, and website designer. As time passed, my passion for historical interpretation grew, fueled by the exciting projects my husband, Keith Stokes, and I enthusiastically pursued in relation to our shared love for inclusive American history. As our passion for history grew, it became clear that our expertise in this field was in high demand, prompting the transition to a more specialized focus on preserving and interpreting history for a broader audience.
GWM: And what about Historical Writers of America, which you also founded?
TGS: Historical Writers of America (HWA) was founded in 2015 out of a shared frustration—no association or conference brought together both historical fiction and nonfiction writers, despite the fact that many of us worked in both genres. We believed that each form of writing could enrich the other. Over time, HWA expanded to welcome poets and even songwriters, all drawing inspiration from history to shape their craft.
GWM: We found this on 1696 Heritage Group: “Theresa Guzman Stokes inspires and illuminates the complex and woven narratives of African Heritage, Latin American and Jewish Diasporic histories.” Can you please expand?
TGS: The history of the Americas—and even our own country—is not the story of a single people. Coming from an ethnically diverse background, I have always been troubled by the missing narratives that deserve to be heard. While I cannot tell every story that has shaped this history, I focus on the ones I know best and strive to inspire others to share their own.
GWM: How about sharing a bit of your background? Where did you grow up and what schools did you attend?
TGS: I was born in California but returned to Guatemala with my family during high school. After becoming a teacher, I left after a couple of years and joined the Navy, which brought me to Newport. I served on active duty for five years and as an active reservist for seven more years.
GWM: We also found this on one of your sites: “A resident of Newport, Rhode Island with her beloved husband Keith, Stokes is the mother of four and serves on various committees including the City of Newport Planning Board, Newport Historic Cemeteries Commission, and Preserve Rhode Island.” Can you tell us a bit about Keith — and also your positions with the Planning Board, the Newport Historic Cemeteries Commission, and Preserve Rhode Island?
TGS: Many Rhode Islanders likely know Keith professionally, but what they may not see is the devoted father—and now grandfather—he truly is. In fact, he probably changed more diapers than I did! More importantly, he has been my unwavering partner in life—raising our children, researching and writing about the history we both cherish, and offering constant love and support in all that I do.
My involvement in the boards and commissions I currently serve on—along with others—stems from a deep commitment to my community. It is driven by both a love for my city and state’s past and a hopeful vision for their future.
YGWM: ou and Keith co-wrote a book: A Matter of Truth: The Struggle for African Heritage and Indigenous People Equal Rights in Providence, Rhode Island (1620-2020). An overview, please.
TGS: The Matter of Truth Report serves as a foundational document for examining and documenting the roles of the City of Providence and the State of Rhode Island in perpetuating a “Separate and Unequal” reality for individuals of African heritage, Indigenous peoples, and people of color. The Rhode Island Black Heritage Society’s research collected over 650 primary and secondary sources, revealing 400 years of history in Providence and Rhode Island.
The report examines and documents the roles of the City of Providence and the State of Rhode Island in supporting a “Separate and Unequal” existence for individuals of African heritage, Indigenous peoples, and people of color. It begins in the pre-1600s and concludes with the ongoing legacy of African heritage into 2020. The report particularly highlights how race has been manipulated to control enslaved individuals of African heritage, as well as the involvement of institutions and lawmakers in perpetuating discriminatory and racist policies long after the end of slavery.
The report’s findings led to the establishment of the Providence Municipal Reparations Commission. This commission then initiated efforts to strategically invest millions of dollars aimed at closing the racial wealth and equity gap among residents and neighborhoods in Providence today.
GWM: You state that you are a community activist. For what causes?
TGS: Education, Preservation, and our rights as citizens.
GWM: What advice do you have for residents of Rhode Island during these turbulent times?
TGS: Pardon the cliché, but Rhode Island has weathered many storms and emerged stronger each time. While I can’t recall a period as contentious as this, I have faith that we will come together, support those in need, and navigate these challenges with resilience.
GWM: And finally, anything upcoming that you’d like to share?
TGS: Yes! We at the Rhode Island Black Heritage Society are preparing an exhibit on “A Matter of Truth – Newport,” in partnership with the Newport Restoration Foundation. It will be installed at the Vernon House and open to the public on May 30.
Copyright © 2025 Salve Regina University. Originally published by OceanStateStories.org.
