Rose Robinson

CNN recently published an article on Eroseana “Rose” Robinson.  Her story is rarely discussed in classrooms and has been overlooked for years.  She was a great athlete and a track and field star.  In 1958, Robinson was invited to compete against the Soviet Union, when the Cold War was in full swing.  She didn’t want her athletic skills to represent the government that supported segregation and the war against Communism.  As a result, she declined the offer.  A half a year later she was brought up on tax evasion charges.  Rather than paying the $380 fine and leaving prison, she decided to stay in jail and begin a hunger strike. When newspapers began reporting on her hunger strike she was immediately released. Long before Colin Kaepernick there was Rose Robinson. She never returned to sports following the hunger strike in jail from which she never fully recovered.

1st Rhode Island Regiment

 Discussing segregated military units in the United States armed forces is an important component of American history.  The 1st Rhode Island Regiment was one of the earliest segregated units mobilized. Slaves were offered freedom and wages if they fought in the Continental Army.  Within a four-month period hundreds of formerly enslaved African Americans enlisted to support the fight for personal and national independence.  In December 1776, the British army seized control of Newport and was gaining momentum.  In response, the 1st Rhode Island was assigned to turn back the British and Hessian forces while maintaining strategic positions. After fighting in Rhode Island the regiment many continued to fight in New York and New Jersey.      

Upcoming Presentation

Rockville Centre Public Library

Unsung Heroes: Segregated Military Units

Saturday, May 22nd, 2021

1 P.M.      Virtual 

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