The Rhode Island Black Heritage Society is raising funds to purchase an historical marker to honor the great African American soprano Sissieretta Jones. Sissieretta, born in Portsmouth, Virginia, in 1868, moved to Providence in 1876, where she lived until her death in 1933.

Sissieretta lived on Providence’s east side near Brown University. Her home of 35 years, located at 7 Wheaton Street, no longer exists. The RI Black Heritage Society wants to place an historical marker near the site of Sissieretta’s former home site so all visitors to the College Hill area will be able to learn more about her.

The Society needs your help in order to have the plaque ready by early May for a special unveiling event in conjunction with the publication of Sissieretta Jones, “The Greatest Singer of Her Race,” 1868-1933 by Maureen D. Lee. The book is being published in mid-May by the University of South Carolina Press.

The Society has raised nearly half the money for the plaque. All donations (they’re tax deductible) are welcome and needed. Please make checks out to the RI Black Heritage Society and mail donations to:

 

The Rhode Island Black Heritage Society

101 Dyer Street

Providence, RI  02903

 

For more information, email riblackheritagesociety@gmail.com, or call 401-421-0606.

Thanks!

Maureen D. Lee

author of Sissieretta Jones, “The Greatest Singer of Her Race,” 1868-1933.