The guest speaker at our meeting was Linda Crotta-Brennan, an award-winning author of children's books, stories and articles. She writes for the educational market, electronic media and magazines and also for the bi-monthly Kid's Page column for the Rhode Island Audubon Report. Her latest book The Black Regiment of the American Revolution, tells the story of the salves in Rhode Island that were offered their freedom in exchange for service in the 1st Rhode Island Regiment. Upon passing muster, they were led through endless drills by their commander, Colonel Christopher Greene, before enetering the war against British.

They served with honor and bravery. Mrs. Crotta-Brennan writes that "after the war the men of the Black Regiment were free, but most of their families were not...{they} worked for years to buy the freedom of their wives and children."

Rhode Island had more slaves than any other state in New England and the last one died in 1959. On January 1, 1863, President Lincoln ended slavery in the United States with the Emancipation Proclamation.

Using a Power Point presentation our speaker told us of the arduous process required in producing a book, a process that involves many individuals as it proceeds from author to artist to publisher. The entire book, as well as the flyleaf, has brillant color throughout - sure to capture the attention of children. Adults will find that the book brings clear understanding of the part that Rhode Island played in the American Revolution and simplifies relating the story to children.

Taken from The Pawtuxet Valley Historian, Volume 19, Issue 10.

Linda's Web Site
Her book at amazon.com
Home Page
PVHistory@yahoo.com