2025-98

IN SUPPORT OF ADVANCING THE NEWPORT MIDDLE PASSAGE PORT MARKER MEMORIAL TO DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION PLANNING

WHEREAS, the City of Newport acknowledges its central role in the transatlantic slave trade and supports the public commemoration of that legacy through the establishment of a Newport Middle Passage Port Marker Memorial (NMPPMM); AND

WHEREAS, the Newport Middle Passage Port Marker Project (NMPPMP), a local 501(c)(3) nonprofit and affiliate of a national initiative to mark all U.S. Middle Passage port sites, has worked in collaboration with City staff and community organizations to identify and study viable sites for the Memorial; AND

WHEREAS, this effort culminated in the recommendation of the State-owned traffic island at the intersection of America’s Cup Avenue, Thames Street, and Church Street—a location offering high visibility, accessibility, and symbolic urban context—for which conceptual sketches were submitted to evaluate its feasibility; AND

WHEREAS, the Tree and Open Space Commission, in a letter dated February 25, 2025, expressed its strong support for this location, emphasizing its appropriateness and readiness to collaborate on future planning; AND

WHEREAS, Council endorsement of the Memorial’s concept and proposed location is a necessary next step to enable further fundraising, detailed design development, and construction planning—none of which will entail any current financial obligation by the City of Newport; AND

WHEREAS, it is expressly acknowledged that this resolution constitutes an endorsement of concept and site only, and that any final approval of design and construction plans shall be subject to review and recommendations from the Tree and Open Space Commission and the Public Sculpture Commission, followed by a second Council resolution and coordination with RIDOT; now THEREFORE BE IT

RESOLVED, by the City Council of the City of Newport that it hereby expresses its formal support for the Newport Middle Passage Port Marker Memorial concept and proposed location on the State-owned island at America’s Cup Avenue and authorizes preliminary staff engagement with RIDOT on behalf of the project; and BE IT FURTHER

RESOLVED, that this resolution affirms the Council’s support for advancing the project to the development of comprehensive design and construction plans, in anticipation of future review and action by the relevant commissions and this Council; and BE IT FURTHER

RESOLVED, that the City Council recognizes and commends the Newport Middle Passage Port Marker Project for its work to honor the memory of those who endured the transatlantic slave trade and for fostering public understanding, remembrance, and dialogue as part of Newport’s cultural and civic life.

CHARLES M. HOLDER, JR.
XAY KHAMSYVORAVONG
JEANNE-MARIE NAPOLITANO
STEPHANIE SMYTH
ELLEN PINNOCK

IN COUNCIL
READ AND PASSED
MAY 28, 2025

LAURA C. SWISTAK, CMC
CITY CLERK