Stages of Freedom Presents a National Celebration of RI Black Diva Sissieretta Jones

Sissieretta Jones (1868-1933), late of Providence, RI, dazzled audiences in the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries with her beautiful soprano voice. This gifted African American vocalist, whom the press dubbed the “Black Patti,” (a comparison to opera diva Adelina Patti) overcame substantial obstacles of racial bias to build a successful and lucrative 28-year career performing in hundreds of opera houses and theaters throughout North America, Europe and the Caribbean.

In celebration of Sissietretta Jones’ 150th anniversary, Stages of Freedom presents a three-day national conference to resurrect this important Rhode Island icon, whose career paved the way for future Black opera divas. The celebration consists of the following events:

• Thursday, June 7, 5pm: Exhibit Opening – “Sissieretta Jones: The Greatest Singer of Her Race”                                        Stages of Freedom Museum, 10 Westminster Street, Providence
• Thursday, June 7, 7pm: “The Sun is Shining: Sissieretta Jones” A One-Woman Play                                                          The Pavilion at Grace Church, 300 Westminster Street, Providence
• Friday, June 8, 10am: Gallery Talk & Tea – Finding Sissieretta: Creating the Exhibit                                                          Stages of Freedom Museum, 10 West Minster Street, Providence
• Friday, June 8, 5pm: Keynote – Author Maureen Lee & Archivist Gino Francesconi of Carnegie Hall                                   Providence Athenaeum, 251 Benefit Street, Providence
• Saturday, June 9, 9am: Walking Tour of Sissieretta Jones Historic Sites                                                                               Point of Origin: Stages of Freedom, 10 Westminster Street, Providence
• Saturday, June 9, 2pm: Concert: Sissieretta Jones and Her Music                                                                                        Congdon Street Baptist Church, 17 Congdon Street, Providence
• Saturday, June 9, 5pm: The Last Rose of Summer: Headstone Ceremony for Sissieretta’s Unmarked Grave                        Reception: Southside Cultural Center, 393 Broad Street, Providence                                                                                  Procession to Grace Church Cemetery, Broad St. & Elmwood Ave., Providence