Wanda Schell, from the Rhode Island Black Storytellers, will perform "No Man Ever Would Have Been Treated So: The Trials of Elleanor Eldridge." Elleanor Eldridge was the first Black woman in America to plead a case in court. This industrious, ingenious, 19th-century Rhode Island native fought to regain her property stolen by an unscrupulous money lender.

Rhode Island Black Storytellers is the only nonprofit organization in Rhode Island dedicated to promoting the awareness, appreciation, and application of the oral arts and traditions of African and African-descended people worldwide. They share their craft through performances, workshops, and cultural, educational, and historical experiences. RIBS tells Black stories and helps others do the same--not just because they believe it is important for Black communities to know their own history and culture, but for everyone to experience Black culture presented by Black people. Wanda Schell is an actress, published playwright, and historical re-enactor. She is a graduate of Rhode Island College, Trinity Rep Conservative, and holds a Master of Arts from SNHU in English, Creative Writing, and Screenwriting. For over 10 years, Wanda worked with students and young adults about social issues and cultural topics through live theatre and other artistic methods. She is currently researching and working on a piece written by, Zora Neale Hurston’s Book, Barracoon, The Story of the Last “Black Cargo.”  

Click below to register. This presentation will be offered via Zoom. You will have the option to join us from home or watch with us in the Community Room!

Individuals requesting interpreter services for the hearing impaired for library programs must contact the Library Director's office 48 hours in advance of the program date.

This series is made possible through funding provided by the Friends of Tiverton Libraries and by a grant from the Rhode Island State Council on the Arts, through an appropriation by the Rhode Island General Assembly, a grant from the National Endowment for the Arts, and private funders.

This series is made possible through funding provided by the Friends of Tiverton Libraries and by a grant from the Rhode Island State Council on the Arts, through an appropriation by the Rhode Island General Assembly, a grant from the National Endowment for the Arts, and private funders.