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Now feels like the right time to bring this back.

The first time I realized our waterfront park (built for children) was slavery themed, I was walking with dear friends, sharing some of Bristol’s local history.

This wasn’t supposed to be part of the tour. But as we rounded the dock and reached the park, my jaw dropped.

I was a few steps ahead, so I paused and waited to see how everyone else would take it—especially Abdoulaye, a Senegalese immigrant, as his children ran toward the caravel to play.

He stopped immediately. And proclaimed his disgust and disbelief.

There is no good excuse for a town that built its wealth through trafficking human beings on ships that looked exactly like this to turn that history into a playground.

To soften it and attempt to make it cute. To let children climb on the symbol of other people’s suffering without shining light on the truth.

#rhodeisland #bristolri #bristolrhodeisland #rhodeislandlife #racialjustice

There simply aren’t words to fully explain the impact rum has had on everything around us while most people have no idea. Without rum, this country and much of its wealth would not exist as it does today. Rum was central to the transatlantic slave trade.

It’s estimated that roughly 11,000,000 gallons of Rhode Island rum were traded for Enslaved Africans. This practice continued long after what is often taught as the “end” of slavery, reinforcing how deeply embedded this system was.

Rhode Island’s role wasn’t small. By the 18th century, we had the highest percentage of enslaved people in the North, with numbers rising from an estimated 543 people in 1720 (5%), to 3,347 in 1750 (10%), and 3,761 in 1770 (6%).

The United States is actively causing harm to communities of color, both here and globally, while America 250 is being positioned to increase national pride for a washed version of history.

This event is being shared through internal channels, without context. Most folx do not know the true history of rum in Rhode Island and that is not accidental - this town doesn’t do the work to make it known.

But Rhode Island history is United States history. This is how this country was built. And I guess I just thought we all need to know. Folx should have the full picture before we raise a glass we know nothing about and echo a history of harm in ignorance disguised as innocence.

-

A lot of truth will live in how this post hits folx Id guess that most people don’t know the truth about Rum here… tell me, am I right??

(If I tagged you and you want to collab on this post there are may spots. Please dm me.)
-
#rhodeisland #bristolrhodeisland #mounthopefarm #foryoupage #obrienandbrough

There simply aren’t words to fully explain the impact rum has had on everything around us while most people have no idea. Without rum, this country and much of its wealth would not exist as it does today. Rum was central to the transatlantic slave trade.

It’s estimated that roughly 11,000,000 gallons of Rhode Island rum were traded for Enslaved Africans. This practice continued long after what is often taught as the “end” of slavery, reinforcing how deeply embedded this system was.

Rhode Island’s role wasn’t small. By the 18th century, we had the highest percentage of enslaved people in the North, with numbers rising from an estimated 543 people in 1720 (5%), to 3,347 in 1750 (10%), and 3,761 in 1770 (6%).

The United States is actively causing harm to communities of color, both here and globally, while America 250 is being positioned to increase national pride for a washed version of history.

This event is being shared through internal channels, without context. Most folx do not know the true history of rum in Rhode Island and that is not accidental - this town doesn’t do the work to make it known.

But Rhode Island history is United States history. This is how this country was built. And I guess I just thought we all need to know. Folx should have the full picture before we raise a glass we know nothing about and echo a history of harm in ignorance disguised as innocence.

-

A lot of truth will live in how this post hits folx Id guess that most people don’t know the truth about Rum here… tell me, am I right??

(If I tagged you and you want to collab on this post there are may spots. Please dm me.)
-
#rhodeisland #bristolrhodeisland #mounthopefarm #foryoupage #obrienandbrough

There simply aren’t words to fully explain the impact rum has had on everything around us while most people have no idea. Without rum, this country and much of its wealth would not exist as it does today. Rum was central to the transatlantic slave trade.

It’s estimated that roughly 11,000,000 gallons of Rhode Island rum were traded for Enslaved Africans. This practice continued long after what is often taught as the “end” of slavery, reinforcing how deeply embedded this system was.

Rhode Island’s role wasn’t small. By the 18th century, we had the highest percentage of enslaved people in the North, with numbers rising from an estimated 543 people in 1720 (5%), to 3,347 in 1750 (10%), and 3,761 in 1770 (6%).

The United States is actively causing harm to communities of color, both here and globally, while America 250 is being positioned to increase national pride for a washed version of history.

This event is being shared through internal channels, without context. Most folx do not know the true history of rum in Rhode Island and that is not accidental - this town doesn’t do the work to make it known.

But Rhode Island history is United States history. This is how this country was built. And I guess I just thought we all need to know. Folx should have the full picture before we raise a glass we know nothing about and echo a history of harm in ignorance disguised as innocence.

-

A lot of truth will live in how this post hits folx Id guess that most people don’t know the truth about Rum here… tell me, am I right??

(If I tagged you and you want to collab on this post there are may spots. Please dm me.)
-
#rhodeisland #bristolrhodeisland #mounthopefarm #foryoupage #obrienandbrough

There simply aren’t words to fully explain the impact rum has had on everything around us while most people have no idea. Without rum, this country and much of its wealth would not exist as it does today. Rum was central to the transatlantic slave trade.

It’s estimated that roughly 11,000,000 gallons of Rhode Island rum were traded for Enslaved Africans. This practice continued long after what is often taught as the “end” of slavery, reinforcing how deeply embedded this system was.

Rhode Island’s role wasn’t small. By the 18th century, we had the highest percentage of enslaved people in the North, with numbers rising from an estimated 543 people in 1720 (5%), to 3,347 in 1750 (10%), and 3,761 in 1770 (6%).

The United States is actively causing harm to communities of color, both here and globally, while America 250 is being positioned to increase national pride for a washed version of history.

This event is being shared through internal channels, without context. Most folx do not know the true history of rum in Rhode Island and that is not accidental - this town doesn’t do the work to make it known.

But Rhode Island history is United States history. This is how this country was built. And I guess I just thought we all need to know. Folx should have the full picture before we raise a glass we know nothing about and echo a history of harm in ignorance disguised as innocence.

-

A lot of truth will live in how this post hits folx Id guess that most people don’t know the truth about Rum here… tell me, am I right??

(If I tagged you and you want to collab on this post there are may spots. Please dm me.)
-
#rhodeisland #bristolrhodeisland #mounthopefarm #foryoupage #obrienandbrough

There simply aren’t words to fully explain the impact rum has had on everything around us while most people have no idea. Without rum, this country and much of its wealth would not exist as it does today. Rum was central to the transatlantic slave trade.

It’s estimated that roughly 11,000,000 gallons of Rhode Island rum were traded for Enslaved Africans. This practice continued long after what is often taught as the “end” of slavery, reinforcing how deeply embedded this system was.

Rhode Island’s role wasn’t small. By the 18th century, we had the highest percentage of enslaved people in the North, with numbers rising from an estimated 543 people in 1720 (5%), to 3,347 in 1750 (10%), and 3,761 in 1770 (6%).

The United States is actively causing harm to communities of color, both here and globally, while America 250 is being positioned to increase national pride for a washed version of history.

This event is being shared through internal channels, without context. Most folx do not know the true history of rum in Rhode Island and that is not accidental - this town doesn’t do the work to make it known.

But Rhode Island history is United States history. This is how this country was built. And I guess I just thought we all need to know. Folx should have the full picture before we raise a glass we know nothing about and echo a history of harm in ignorance disguised as innocence.

-

A lot of truth will live in how this post hits folx Id guess that most people don’t know the truth about Rum here… tell me, am I right??

(If I tagged you and you want to collab on this post there are may spots. Please dm me.)
-
#rhodeisland #bristolrhodeisland #mounthopefarm #foryoupage #obrienandbrough

There simply aren’t words to fully explain the impact rum has had on everything around us while most people have no idea. Without rum, this country and much of its wealth would not exist as it does today. Rum was central to the transatlantic slave trade.

It’s estimated that roughly 11,000,000 gallons of Rhode Island rum were traded for Enslaved Africans. This practice continued long after what is often taught as the “end” of slavery, reinforcing how deeply embedded this system was.

Rhode Island’s role wasn’t small. By the 18th century, we had the highest percentage of enslaved people in the North, with numbers rising from an estimated 543 people in 1720 (5%), to 3,347 in 1750 (10%), and 3,761 in 1770 (6%).

The United States is actively causing harm to communities of color, both here and globally, while America 250 is being positioned to increase national pride for a washed version of history.

This event is being shared through internal channels, without context. Most folx do not know the true history of rum in Rhode Island and that is not accidental - this town doesn’t do the work to make it known.

But Rhode Island history is United States history. This is how this country was built. And I guess I just thought we all need to know. Folx should have the full picture before we raise a glass we know nothing about and echo a history of harm in ignorance disguised as innocence.

-

A lot of truth will live in how this post hits folx Id guess that most people don’t know the truth about Rum here… tell me, am I right??

(If I tagged you and you want to collab on this post there are may spots. Please dm me.)
-
#rhodeisland #bristolrhodeisland #mounthopefarm #foryoupage #obrienandbrough

There simply aren’t words to fully explain the impact rum has had on everything around us while most people have no idea. Without rum, this country and much of its wealth would not exist as it does today. Rum was central to the transatlantic slave trade.

It’s estimated that roughly 11,000,000 gallons of Rhode Island rum were traded for Enslaved Africans. This practice continued long after what is often taught as the “end” of slavery, reinforcing how deeply embedded this system was.

Rhode Island’s role wasn’t small. By the 18th century, we had the highest percentage of enslaved people in the North, with numbers rising from an estimated 543 people in 1720 (5%), to 3,347 in 1750 (10%), and 3,761 in 1770 (6%).

The United States is actively causing harm to communities of color, both here and globally, while America 250 is being positioned to increase national pride for a washed version of history.

This event is being shared through internal channels, without context. Most folx do not know the true history of rum in Rhode Island and that is not accidental - this town doesn’t do the work to make it known.

But Rhode Island history is United States history. This is how this country was built. And I guess I just thought we all need to know. Folx should have the full picture before we raise a glass we know nothing about and echo a history of harm in ignorance disguised as innocence.

-

A lot of truth will live in how this post hits folx Id guess that most people don’t know the truth about Rum here… tell me, am I right??

(If I tagged you and you want to collab on this post there are may spots. Please dm me.)
-
#rhodeisland #bristolrhodeisland #mounthopefarm #foryoupage #obrienandbrough

There simply aren’t words to fully explain the impact rum has had on everything around us while most people have no idea. Without rum, this country and much of its wealth would not exist as it does today. Rum was central to the transatlantic slave trade.

It’s estimated that roughly 11,000,000 gallons of Rhode Island rum were traded for Enslaved Africans. This practice continued long after what is often taught as the “end” of slavery, reinforcing how deeply embedded this system was.

Rhode Island’s role wasn’t small. By the 18th century, we had the highest percentage of enslaved people in the North, with numbers rising from an estimated 543 people in 1720 (5%), to 3,347 in 1750 (10%), and 3,761 in 1770 (6%).

The United States is actively causing harm to communities of color, both here and globally, while America 250 is being positioned to increase national pride for a washed version of history.

This event is being shared through internal channels, without context. Most folx do not know the true history of rum in Rhode Island and that is not accidental - this town doesn’t do the work to make it known.

But Rhode Island history is United States history. This is how this country was built. And I guess I just thought we all need to know. Folx should have the full picture before we raise a glass we know nothing about and echo a history of harm in ignorance disguised as innocence.

-

A lot of truth will live in how this post hits folx Id guess that most people don’t know the truth about Rum here… tell me, am I right??

(If I tagged you and you want to collab on this post there are may spots. Please dm me.)
-
#rhodeisland #bristolrhodeisland #mounthopefarm #foryoupage #obrienandbrough

There simply aren’t words to fully explain the impact rum has had on everything around us while most people have no idea. Without rum, this country and much of its wealth would not exist as it does today. Rum was central to the transatlantic slave trade.

It’s estimated that roughly 11,000,000 gallons of Rhode Island rum were traded for Enslaved Africans. This practice continued long after what is often taught as the “end” of slavery, reinforcing how deeply embedded this system was.

Rhode Island’s role wasn’t small. By the 18th century, we had the highest percentage of enslaved people in the North, with numbers rising from an estimated 543 people in 1720 (5%), to 3,347 in 1750 (10%), and 3,761 in 1770 (6%).

The United States is actively causing harm to communities of color, both here and globally, while America 250 is being positioned to increase national pride for a washed version of history.

This event is being shared through internal channels, without context. Most folx do not know the true history of rum in Rhode Island and that is not accidental - this town doesn’t do the work to make it known.

But Rhode Island history is United States history. This is how this country was built. And I guess I just thought we all need to know. Folx should have the full picture before we raise a glass we know nothing about and echo a history of harm in ignorance disguised as innocence.

-

A lot of truth will live in how this post hits folx Id guess that most people don’t know the truth about Rum here… tell me, am I right??

(If I tagged you and you want to collab on this post there are may spots. Please dm me.)
-
#rhodeisland #bristolrhodeisland #mounthopefarm #foryoupage #obrienandbrough

There simply aren’t words to fully explain the impact rum has had on everything around us while most people have no idea. Without rum, this country and much of its wealth would not exist as it does today. Rum was central to the transatlantic slave trade.

It’s estimated that roughly 11,000,000 gallons of Rhode Island rum were traded for Enslaved Africans. This practice continued long after what is often taught as the “end” of slavery, reinforcing how deeply embedded this system was.

Rhode Island’s role wasn’t small. By the 18th century, we had the highest percentage of enslaved people in the North, with numbers rising from an estimated 543 people in 1720 (5%), to 3,347 in 1750 (10%), and 3,761 in 1770 (6%).

The United States is actively causing harm to communities of color, both here and globally, while America 250 is being positioned to increase national pride for a washed version of history.

This event is being shared through internal channels, without context. Most folx do not know the true history of rum in Rhode Island and that is not accidental - this town doesn’t do the work to make it known.

But Rhode Island history is United States history. This is how this country was built. And I guess I just thought we all need to know. Folx should have the full picture before we raise a glass we know nothing about and echo a history of harm in ignorance disguised as innocence.

-

A lot of truth will live in how this post hits folx Id guess that most people don’t know the truth about Rum here… tell me, am I right??

(If I tagged you and you want to collab on this post there are may spots. Please dm me.)
-
#rhodeisland #bristolrhodeisland #mounthopefarm #foryoupage #obrienandbrough

There simply aren’t words to fully explain the impact rum has had on everything around us while most people have no idea. Without rum, this country and much of its wealth would not exist as it does today. Rum was central to the transatlantic slave trade.

It’s estimated that roughly 11,000,000 gallons of Rhode Island rum were traded for Enslaved Africans. This practice continued long after what is often taught as the “end” of slavery, reinforcing how deeply embedded this system was.

Rhode Island’s role wasn’t small. By the 18th century, we had the highest percentage of enslaved people in the North, with numbers rising from an estimated 543 people in 1720 (5%), to 3,347 in 1750 (10%), and 3,761 in 1770 (6%).

The United States is actively causing harm to communities of color, both here and globally, while America 250 is being positioned to increase national pride for a washed version of history.

This event is being shared through internal channels, without context. Most folx do not know the true history of rum in Rhode Island and that is not accidental - this town doesn’t do the work to make it known.

But Rhode Island history is United States history. This is how this country was built. And I guess I just thought we all need to know. Folx should have the full picture before we raise a glass we know nothing about and echo a history of harm in ignorance disguised as innocence.

-

A lot of truth will live in how this post hits folx Id guess that most people don’t know the truth about Rum here… tell me, am I right??

(If I tagged you and you want to collab on this post there are may spots. Please dm me.)
-
#rhodeisland #bristolrhodeisland #mounthopefarm #foryoupage #obrienandbrough

There simply aren’t words to fully explain the impact rum has had on everything around us while most people have no idea. Without rum, this country and much of its wealth would not exist as it does today. Rum was central to the transatlantic slave trade.

It’s estimated that roughly 11,000,000 gallons of Rhode Island rum were traded for Enslaved Africans. This practice continued long after what is often taught as the “end” of slavery, reinforcing how deeply embedded this system was.

Rhode Island’s role wasn’t small. By the 18th century, we had the highest percentage of enslaved people in the North, with numbers rising from an estimated 543 people in 1720 (5%), to 3,347 in 1750 (10%), and 3,761 in 1770 (6%).

The United States is actively causing harm to communities of color, both here and globally, while America 250 is being positioned to increase national pride for a washed version of history.

This event is being shared through internal channels, without context. Most folx do not know the true history of rum in Rhode Island and that is not accidental - this town doesn’t do the work to make it known.

But Rhode Island history is United States history. This is how this country was built. And I guess I just thought we all need to know. Folx should have the full picture before we raise a glass we know nothing about and echo a history of harm in ignorance disguised as innocence.

-

A lot of truth will live in how this post hits folx Id guess that most people don’t know the truth about Rum here… tell me, am I right??

(If I tagged you and you want to collab on this post there are may spots. Please dm me.)
-
#rhodeisland #bristolrhodeisland #mounthopefarm #foryoupage #obrienandbrough

There simply aren’t words to fully explain the impact rum has had on everything around us while most people have no idea. Without rum, this country and much of its wealth would not exist as it does today. Rum was central to the transatlantic slave trade.

It’s estimated that roughly 11,000,000 gallons of Rhode Island rum were traded for Enslaved Africans. This practice continued long after what is often taught as the “end” of slavery, reinforcing how deeply embedded this system was.

Rhode Island’s role wasn’t small. By the 18th century, we had the highest percentage of enslaved people in the North, with numbers rising from an estimated 543 people in 1720 (5%), to 3,347 in 1750 (10%), and 3,761 in 1770 (6%).

The United States is actively causing harm to communities of color, both here and globally, while America 250 is being positioned to increase national pride for a washed version of history.

This event is being shared through internal channels, without context. Most folx do not know the true history of rum in Rhode Island and that is not accidental - this town doesn’t do the work to make it known.

But Rhode Island history is United States history. This is how this country was built. And I guess I just thought we all need to know. Folx should have the full picture before we raise a glass we know nothing about and echo a history of harm in ignorance disguised as innocence.

-

A lot of truth will live in how this post hits folx Id guess that most people don’t know the truth about Rum here… tell me, am I right??

(If I tagged you and you want to collab on this post there are may spots. Please dm me.)
-
#rhodeisland #bristolrhodeisland #mounthopefarm #foryoupage #obrienandbrough

There simply aren’t words to fully explain the impact rum has had on everything around us while most people have no idea. Without rum, this country and much of its wealth would not exist as it does today. Rum was central to the transatlantic slave trade.

It’s estimated that roughly 11,000,000 gallons of Rhode Island rum were traded for Enslaved Africans. This practice continued long after what is often taught as the “end” of slavery, reinforcing how deeply embedded this system was.

Rhode Island’s role wasn’t small. By the 18th century, we had the highest percentage of enslaved people in the North, with numbers rising from an estimated 543 people in 1720 (5%), to 3,347 in 1750 (10%), and 3,761 in 1770 (6%).

The United States is actively causing harm to communities of color, both here and globally, while America 250 is being positioned to increase national pride for a washed version of history.

This event is being shared through internal channels, without context. Most folx do not know the true history of rum in Rhode Island and that is not accidental - this town doesn’t do the work to make it known.

But Rhode Island history is United States history. This is how this country was built. And I guess I just thought we all need to know. Folx should have the full picture before we raise a glass we know nothing about and echo a history of harm in ignorance disguised as innocence.

-

A lot of truth will live in how this post hits folx Id guess that most people don’t know the truth about Rum here… tell me, am I right??

(If I tagged you and you want to collab on this post there are may spots. Please dm me.)
-
#rhodeisland #bristolrhodeisland #mounthopefarm #foryoupage #obrienandbrough

There simply aren’t words to fully explain the impact rum has had on everything around us while most people have no idea. Without rum, this country and much of its wealth would not exist as it does today. Rum was central to the transatlantic slave trade.

It’s estimated that roughly 11,000,000 gallons of Rhode Island rum were traded for Enslaved Africans. This practice continued long after what is often taught as the “end” of slavery, reinforcing how deeply embedded this system was.

Rhode Island’s role wasn’t small. By the 18th century, we had the highest percentage of enslaved people in the North, with numbers rising from an estimated 543 people in 1720 (5%), to 3,347 in 1750 (10%), and 3,761 in 1770 (6%).

The United States is actively causing harm to communities of color, both here and globally, while America 250 is being positioned to increase national pride for a washed version of history.

This event is being shared through internal channels, without context. Most folx do not know the true history of rum in Rhode Island and that is not accidental - this town doesn’t do the work to make it known.

But Rhode Island history is United States history. This is how this country was built. And I guess I just thought we all need to know. Folx should have the full picture before we raise a glass we know nothing about and echo a history of harm in ignorance disguised as innocence.

-

A lot of truth will live in how this post hits folx Id guess that most people don’t know the truth about Rum here… tell me, am I right??

(If I tagged you and you want to collab on this post there are may spots. Please dm me.)
-
#rhodeisland #bristolrhodeisland #mounthopefarm #foryoupage #obrienandbrough

There simply aren’t words to fully explain the impact rum has had on everything around us while most people have no idea. Without rum, this country and much of its wealth would not exist as it does today. Rum was central to the transatlantic slave trade.

It’s estimated that roughly 11,000,000 gallons of Rhode Island rum were traded for Enslaved Africans. This practice continued long after what is often taught as the “end” of slavery, reinforcing how deeply embedded this system was.

Rhode Island’s role wasn’t small. By the 18th century, we had the highest percentage of enslaved people in the North, with numbers rising from an estimated 543 people in 1720 (5%), to 3,347 in 1750 (10%), and 3,761 in 1770 (6%).

The United States is actively causing harm to communities of color, both here and globally, while America 250 is being positioned to increase national pride for a washed version of history.

This event is being shared through internal channels, without context. Most folx do not know the true history of rum in Rhode Island and that is not accidental - this town doesn’t do the work to make it known.

But Rhode Island history is United States history. This is how this country was built. And I guess I just thought we all need to know. Folx should have the full picture before we raise a glass we know nothing about and echo a history of harm in ignorance disguised as innocence.

-

A lot of truth will live in how this post hits folx Id guess that most people don’t know the truth about Rum here… tell me, am I right??

(If I tagged you and you want to collab on this post there are may spots. Please dm me.)
-
#rhodeisland #bristolrhodeisland #mounthopefarm #foryoupage #obrienandbrough

There simply aren’t words to fully explain the impact rum has had on everything around us while most people have no idea. Without rum, this country and much of its wealth would not exist as it does today. Rum was central to the transatlantic slave trade.

It’s estimated that roughly 11,000,000 gallons of Rhode Island rum were traded for Enslaved Africans. This practice continued long after what is often taught as the “end” of slavery, reinforcing how deeply embedded this system was.

Rhode Island’s role wasn’t small. By the 18th century, we had the highest percentage of enslaved people in the North, with numbers rising from an estimated 543 people in 1720 (5%), to 3,347 in 1750 (10%), and 3,761 in 1770 (6%).

The United States is actively causing harm to communities of color, both here and globally, while America 250 is being positioned to increase national pride for a washed version of history.

This event is being shared through internal channels, without context. Most folx do not know the true history of rum in Rhode Island and that is not accidental - this town doesn’t do the work to make it known.

But Rhode Island history is United States history. This is how this country was built. And I guess I just thought we all need to know. Folx should have the full picture before we raise a glass we know nothing about and echo a history of harm in ignorance disguised as innocence.

-

A lot of truth will live in how this post hits folx Id guess that most people don’t know the truth about Rum here… tell me, am I right??

(If I tagged you and you want to collab on this post there are may spots. Please dm me.)
-
#rhodeisland #bristolrhodeisland #mounthopefarm #foryoupage #obrienandbrough

There simply aren’t words to fully explain the impact rum has had on everything around us while most people have no idea. Without rum, this country and much of its wealth would not exist as it does today. Rum was central to the transatlantic slave trade.

It’s estimated that roughly 11,000,000 gallons of Rhode Island rum were traded for Enslaved Africans. This practice continued long after what is often taught as the “end” of slavery, reinforcing how deeply embedded this system was.

Rhode Island’s role wasn’t small. By the 18th century, we had the highest percentage of enslaved people in the North, with numbers rising from an estimated 543 people in 1720 (5%), to 3,347 in 1750 (10%), and 3,761 in 1770 (6%).

The United States is actively causing harm to communities of color, both here and globally, while America 250 is being positioned to increase national pride for a washed version of history.

This event is being shared through internal channels, without context. Most folx do not know the true history of rum in Rhode Island and that is not accidental - this town doesn’t do the work to make it known.

But Rhode Island history is United States history. This is how this country was built. And I guess I just thought we all need to know. Folx should have the full picture before we raise a glass we know nothing about and echo a history of harm in ignorance disguised as innocence.

-

A lot of truth will live in how this post hits folx Id guess that most people don’t know the truth about Rum here… tell me, am I right??

(If I tagged you and you want to collab on this post there are may spots. Please dm me.)
-
#rhodeisland #bristolrhodeisland #mounthopefarm #foryoupage #obrienandbrough

There simply aren’t words to fully explain the impact rum has had on everything around us while most people have no idea. Without rum, this country and much of its wealth would not exist as it does today. Rum was central to the transatlantic slave trade.

It’s estimated that roughly 11,000,000 gallons of Rhode Island rum were traded for Enslaved Africans. This practice continued long after what is often taught as the “end” of slavery, reinforcing how deeply embedded this system was.

Rhode Island’s role wasn’t small. By the 18th century, we had the highest percentage of enslaved people in the North, with numbers rising from an estimated 543 people in 1720 (5%), to 3,347 in 1750 (10%), and 3,761 in 1770 (6%).

The United States is actively causing harm to communities of color, both here and globally, while America 250 is being positioned to increase national pride for a washed version of history.

This event is being shared through internal channels, without context. Most folx do not know the true history of rum in Rhode Island and that is not accidental - this town doesn’t do the work to make it known.

But Rhode Island history is United States history. This is how this country was built. And I guess I just thought we all need to know. Folx should have the full picture before we raise a glass we know nothing about and echo a history of harm in ignorance disguised as innocence.

-

A lot of truth will live in how this post hits folx Id guess that most people don’t know the truth about Rum here… tell me, am I right??

(If I tagged you and you want to collab on this post there are may spots. Please dm me.)
-
#rhodeisland #bristolrhodeisland #mounthopefarm #foryoupage #obrienandbrough

People can feel the gap between what’s being said and what’s actually true and around here, that gap is getting harder to ignore.

Maintaining the cleaned-up story around Mount Hope Farm isn’t harmless. It takes real effort to keep that version of history intact, and you can feel that effort starting to wear thin as the same narratives get recycled through things like America 250and I’m all about encouraging folxto ask better questions in real time. If you ask me… I think this is what happens when a community starts outgrowing the story it’s been given - but let’s be real, nobody is asking me.

Spaces like this hold events but if you look closer you can see that they also choose who gets to participate, who is seen and how big something is allowed to become. When access and narrative are tightly controlled, the market stays small. You can feel it and even better, you can see it. If that grip wasn’t there, our farmers market would have outgrown the property a long time ago, I have deep relationships with local vendors - our farmers market should be spilled into the streets and into the town - there’s no excuse. Reality is, the market reflects the community it aims to serve.
(Continues in comments)
#rhodeisland #mounthope #bristolri #obrienandbrough #heyrhody

People can feel the gap between what’s being said and what’s actually true and around here, that gap is getting harder to ignore.

Maintaining the cleaned-up story around Mount Hope Farm isn’t harmless. It takes real effort to keep that version of history intact, and you can feel that effort starting to wear thin as the same narratives get recycled through things like America 250and I’m all about encouraging folxto ask better questions in real time. If you ask me… I think this is what happens when a community starts outgrowing the story it’s been given - but let’s be real, nobody is asking me.

Spaces like this hold events but if you look closer you can see that they also choose who gets to participate, who is seen and how big something is allowed to become. When access and narrative are tightly controlled, the market stays small. You can feel it and even better, you can see it. If that grip wasn’t there, our farmers market would have outgrown the property a long time ago, I have deep relationships with local vendors - our farmers market should be spilled into the streets and into the town - there’s no excuse. Reality is, the market reflects the community it aims to serve.
(Continues in comments)
#rhodeisland #mounthope #bristolri #obrienandbrough #heyrhody

People can feel the gap between what’s being said and what’s actually true and around here, that gap is getting harder to ignore.

Maintaining the cleaned-up story around Mount Hope Farm isn’t harmless. It takes real effort to keep that version of history intact, and you can feel that effort starting to wear thin as the same narratives get recycled through things like America 250and I’m all about encouraging folxto ask better questions in real time. If you ask me… I think this is what happens when a community starts outgrowing the story it’s been given - but let’s be real, nobody is asking me.

Spaces like this hold events but if you look closer you can see that they also choose who gets to participate, who is seen and how big something is allowed to become. When access and narrative are tightly controlled, the market stays small. You can feel it and even better, you can see it. If that grip wasn’t there, our farmers market would have outgrown the property a long time ago, I have deep relationships with local vendors - our farmers market should be spilled into the streets and into the town - there’s no excuse. Reality is, the market reflects the community it aims to serve.
(Continues in comments)
#rhodeisland #mounthope #bristolri #obrienandbrough #heyrhody

People can feel the gap between what’s being said and what’s actually true and around here, that gap is getting harder to ignore.

Maintaining the cleaned-up story around Mount Hope Farm isn’t harmless. It takes real effort to keep that version of history intact, and you can feel that effort starting to wear thin as the same narratives get recycled through things like America 250and I’m all about encouraging folxto ask better questions in real time. If you ask me… I think this is what happens when a community starts outgrowing the story it’s been given - but let’s be real, nobody is asking me.

Spaces like this hold events but if you look closer you can see that they also choose who gets to participate, who is seen and how big something is allowed to become. When access and narrative are tightly controlled, the market stays small. You can feel it and even better, you can see it. If that grip wasn’t there, our farmers market would have outgrown the property a long time ago, I have deep relationships with local vendors - our farmers market should be spilled into the streets and into the town - there’s no excuse. Reality is, the market reflects the community it aims to serve.
(Continues in comments)
#rhodeisland #mounthope #bristolri #obrienandbrough #heyrhody

People can feel the gap between what’s being said and what’s actually true and around here, that gap is getting harder to ignore.

Maintaining the cleaned-up story around Mount Hope Farm isn’t harmless. It takes real effort to keep that version of history intact, and you can feel that effort starting to wear thin as the same narratives get recycled through things like America 250and I’m all about encouraging folxto ask better questions in real time. If you ask me… I think this is what happens when a community starts outgrowing the story it’s been given - but let’s be real, nobody is asking me.

Spaces like this hold events but if you look closer you can see that they also choose who gets to participate, who is seen and how big something is allowed to become. When access and narrative are tightly controlled, the market stays small. You can feel it and even better, you can see it. If that grip wasn’t there, our farmers market would have outgrown the property a long time ago, I have deep relationships with local vendors - our farmers market should be spilled into the streets and into the town - there’s no excuse. Reality is, the market reflects the community it aims to serve.
(Continues in comments)
#rhodeisland #mounthope #bristolri #obrienandbrough #heyrhody

People can feel the gap between what’s being said and what’s actually true and around here, that gap is getting harder to ignore.

Maintaining the cleaned-up story around Mount Hope Farm isn’t harmless. It takes real effort to keep that version of history intact, and you can feel that effort starting to wear thin as the same narratives get recycled through things like America 250and I’m all about encouraging folxto ask better questions in real time. If you ask me… I think this is what happens when a community starts outgrowing the story it’s been given - but let’s be real, nobody is asking me.

Spaces like this hold events but if you look closer you can see that they also choose who gets to participate, who is seen and how big something is allowed to become. When access and narrative are tightly controlled, the market stays small. You can feel it and even better, you can see it. If that grip wasn’t there, our farmers market would have outgrown the property a long time ago, I have deep relationships with local vendors - our farmers market should be spilled into the streets and into the town - there’s no excuse. Reality is, the market reflects the community it aims to serve.
(Continues in comments)
#rhodeisland #mounthope #bristolri #obrienandbrough #heyrhody

People can feel the gap between what’s being said and what’s actually true and around here, that gap is getting harder to ignore.

Maintaining the cleaned-up story around Mount Hope Farm isn’t harmless. It takes real effort to keep that version of history intact, and you can feel that effort starting to wear thin as the same narratives get recycled through things like America 250and I’m all about encouraging folxto ask better questions in real time. If you ask me… I think this is what happens when a community starts outgrowing the story it’s been given - but let’s be real, nobody is asking me.

Spaces like this hold events but if you look closer you can see that they also choose who gets to participate, who is seen and how big something is allowed to become. When access and narrative are tightly controlled, the market stays small. You can feel it and even better, you can see it. If that grip wasn’t there, our farmers market would have outgrown the property a long time ago, I have deep relationships with local vendors - our farmers market should be spilled into the streets and into the town - there’s no excuse. Reality is, the market reflects the community it aims to serve.
(Continues in comments)
#rhodeisland #mounthope #bristolri #obrienandbrough #heyrhody

People can feel the gap between what’s being said and what’s actually true and around here, that gap is getting harder to ignore.

Maintaining the cleaned-up story around Mount Hope Farm isn’t harmless. It takes real effort to keep that version of history intact, and you can feel that effort starting to wear thin as the same narratives get recycled through things like America 250and I’m all about encouraging folxto ask better questions in real time. If you ask me… I think this is what happens when a community starts outgrowing the story it’s been given - but let’s be real, nobody is asking me.

Spaces like this hold events but if you look closer you can see that they also choose who gets to participate, who is seen and how big something is allowed to become. When access and narrative are tightly controlled, the market stays small. You can feel it and even better, you can see it. If that grip wasn’t there, our farmers market would have outgrown the property a long time ago, I have deep relationships with local vendors - our farmers market should be spilled into the streets and into the town - there’s no excuse. Reality is, the market reflects the community it aims to serve.
(Continues in comments)
#rhodeisland #mounthope #bristolri #obrienandbrough #heyrhody

People can feel the gap between what’s being said and what’s actually true and around here, that gap is getting harder to ignore.

Maintaining the cleaned-up story around Mount Hope Farm isn’t harmless. It takes real effort to keep that version of history intact, and you can feel that effort starting to wear thin as the same narratives get recycled through things like America 250and I’m all about encouraging folxto ask better questions in real time. If you ask me… I think this is what happens when a community starts outgrowing the story it’s been given - but let’s be real, nobody is asking me.

Spaces like this hold events but if you look closer you can see that they also choose who gets to participate, who is seen and how big something is allowed to become. When access and narrative are tightly controlled, the market stays small. You can feel it and even better, you can see it. If that grip wasn’t there, our farmers market would have outgrown the property a long time ago, I have deep relationships with local vendors - our farmers market should be spilled into the streets and into the town - there’s no excuse. Reality is, the market reflects the community it aims to serve.
(Continues in comments)
#rhodeisland #mounthope #bristolri #obrienandbrough #heyrhody

People can feel the gap between what’s being said and what’s actually true and around here, that gap is getting harder to ignore.

Maintaining the cleaned-up story around Mount Hope Farm isn’t harmless. It takes real effort to keep that version of history intact, and you can feel that effort starting to wear thin as the same narratives get recycled through things like America 250and I’m all about encouraging folxto ask better questions in real time. If you ask me… I think this is what happens when a community starts outgrowing the story it’s been given - but let’s be real, nobody is asking me.

Spaces like this hold events but if you look closer you can see that they also choose who gets to participate, who is seen and how big something is allowed to become. When access and narrative are tightly controlled, the market stays small. You can feel it and even better, you can see it. If that grip wasn’t there, our farmers market would have outgrown the property a long time ago, I have deep relationships with local vendors - our farmers market should be spilled into the streets and into the town - there’s no excuse. Reality is, the market reflects the community it aims to serve.
(Continues in comments)
#rhodeisland #mounthope #bristolri #obrienandbrough #heyrhody

People can feel the gap between what’s being said and what’s actually true and around here, that gap is getting harder to ignore.

Maintaining the cleaned-up story around Mount Hope Farm isn’t harmless. It takes real effort to keep that version of history intact, and you can feel that effort starting to wear thin as the same narratives get recycled through things like America 250and I’m all about encouraging folxto ask better questions in real time. If you ask me… I think this is what happens when a community starts outgrowing the story it’s been given - but let’s be real, nobody is asking me.

Spaces like this hold events but if you look closer you can see that they also choose who gets to participate, who is seen and how big something is allowed to become. When access and narrative are tightly controlled, the market stays small. You can feel it and even better, you can see it. If that grip wasn’t there, our farmers market would have outgrown the property a long time ago, I have deep relationships with local vendors - our farmers market should be spilled into the streets and into the town - there’s no excuse. Reality is, the market reflects the community it aims to serve.
(Continues in comments)
#rhodeisland #mounthope #bristolri #obrienandbrough #heyrhody

They said get a life.
This IS my life.
You’re welcome Bristol.
💅🏽
Doing the Lord’s work one uncomfortable truth at a time.

#mounthopefarm #bristolri #bristolrhodeisland #rhodeisland #heyrhody

They said get a life.
This IS my life.
You’re welcome Bristol.
💅🏽
Doing the Lord’s work one uncomfortable truth at a time.

#mounthopefarm #bristolri #bristolrhodeisland #rhodeisland #heyrhody

They said get a life.
This IS my life.
You’re welcome Bristol.
💅🏽
Doing the Lord’s work one uncomfortable truth at a time.

#mounthopefarm #bristolri #bristolrhodeisland #rhodeisland #heyrhody

They said get a life.
This IS my life.
You’re welcome Bristol.
💅🏽
Doing the Lord’s work one uncomfortable truth at a time.

#mounthopefarm #bristolri #bristolrhodeisland #rhodeisland #heyrhody

New Goree was one of Rhode Island’s earliest free Black communities, established in Bristol by formerly enslaved and free Black residents in the years after the American Revolution. Families lived, worked, built community, and survived there in the shadow of a town whose wealth was deeply tied to their enslavement and trade.

Despite Bristol’s intense pride in preserving history, New Goree remains absent from public markers and narratives which continues the diluted version of history most people are taught about this town.

#rhodeisland #bristolri #relyonrach #foryou #nowyouknow

Public memory carves our understanding of how things came to be. Bristol, Rhode Island has a habit of honoring enslavers while excluding the stories and experiences of the enslaved here and their Revolutionary War memorial is no different.

The deeper I dig into Bristol history, the clearer it becomes that public memory was never about who contributed. It was about whose stories this town sees worth continuing and publicly honoring.

Thank you to historian @cgarrity16 for teaching me about this 💫 let me know what I missed!

#bristolri #bristolrhodeisland #realrhodeislandhistory #rhodeisland #foryou

Somehow making room for harder truths about this town is more harmful than generations of their selective memory… make it makes sense 🙈

A lot of people keep telling me they want Bristol to be more diverse and welcoming, but in practice this town seems to want the aesthetics of diversity without the accountability that comes with listening to people who experience Bristol differently than they do.

#bristolri #bristolrhodeisland #bristol4thofjuly #explorebristol #mounthopefarm

Sometimes telling the truth will cost you comfort, approval, or proximity to people who prefer sugar coated stories or silence.

But sometimes it also opens doors you never expected.

It slowly cracks open a world of connection and sharing research and experience. I know others will begin using their own voice too and I anticipate it.

That is how cultural silence breaks.
One honest person at a time.

Sometimes telling the truth will cost you comfort, approval, or proximity to people who prefer sugar coated stories or silence.

But sometimes it also opens doors you never expected.

It slowly cracks open a world of connection and sharing research and experience. I know others will begin using their own voice too and I anticipate it.

That is how cultural silence breaks.
One honest person at a time.

Sometimes telling the truth will cost you comfort, approval, or proximity to people who prefer sugar coated stories or silence.

But sometimes it also opens doors you never expected.

It slowly cracks open a world of connection and sharing research and experience. I know others will begin using their own voice too and I anticipate it.

That is how cultural silence breaks.
One honest person at a time.

Sometimes telling the truth will cost you comfort, approval, or proximity to people who prefer sugar coated stories or silence.

But sometimes it also opens doors you never expected.

It slowly cracks open a world of connection and sharing research and experience. I know others will begin using their own voice too and I anticipate it.

That is how cultural silence breaks.
One honest person at a time.

Sometimes telling the truth will cost you comfort, approval, or proximity to people who prefer sugar coated stories or silence.

But sometimes it also opens doors you never expected.

It slowly cracks open a world of connection and sharing research and experience. I know others will begin using their own voice too and I anticipate it.

That is how cultural silence breaks.
One honest person at a time.

Sometimes telling the truth will cost you comfort, approval, or proximity to people who prefer sugar coated stories or silence.

But sometimes it also opens doors you never expected.

It slowly cracks open a world of connection and sharing research and experience. I know others will begin using their own voice too and I anticipate it.

That is how cultural silence breaks.
One honest person at a time.

Sometimes telling the truth will cost you comfort, approval, or proximity to people who prefer sugar coated stories or silence.

But sometimes it also opens doors you never expected.

It slowly cracks open a world of connection and sharing research and experience. I know others will begin using their own voice too and I anticipate it.

That is how cultural silence breaks.
One honest person at a time.

Bristol, Rhode Island out here acting like I didnt know we wouldn’t agree 🤷🏻‍♀️

The funniest part of all this is people thinking their arguments and reactions aren’t predictable.

Baby… this is Rhode Island. I knew exactly how fast “we support BIPOC voices” was gonna turn into “but not like that”

The silence from institutions only underlines my point. A lot of places have got performance values down. Far fewer know how to practice them once their comfort is no longer being coddled.

#bristolri #rhodeisland #mounthopefarm #warrenri #foryou

I call it the white people mural 👀 which is actually unfair because there are like 2 brown folx in there - I bet you can spot them.
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This mural really is the epitome of Bristols whole ‘vibes without violence’ historic theatre they have going on
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The Department of Historical Omission was clearly at work here because I can promise you that the entire slave-trade economy isn’t just outside the frame. 👀

#bristolri #rhodeisland #foryou #racialjustice...

You do not have to agree with me. But dismissing BIPOC perspectives in a town shaped by slavery and colonization is part of the problem.🤷🏻‍♀️
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#bristolrhodeisland #bristolri #rhodeisland #foryou #rhodeislandlife

Saturdays are usually very busy for the Director of Selective Memory at Mount Nope Farm, but thankfully she made time to take this important call.

Between protecting comfort, preserving curated charm, and making sure historical atrocities never interrupt a pleasant farmers market experience, her schedule is understandably full.

#Mounthopefarm #bristolri #rhodeisland #foryou #rhori