SENATE RESOLUTION PROCLAIMING FEBRUARY 10, 2026, AS "THE 3RD RHODE ISLAND REGIMENT/BLACK REGIMENT RECOGNITION DAY" TO COMMEMORATE THE CONTRIBUTIONS OF BLACK SOLDIERS DURING THE AMERICAN REVOLUTIONARY WAR

Plain-English Summary

This is a resolution passed by the Rhode Island Senate that officially designates February 10, 2026, as "The 3rd Rhode Island Regiment/Black Regiment Recognition Day." The resolution is a formal public acknowledgment meant to honor and commemorate the role that Black soldiers played in fighting for American independence during the Revolutionary War.

The 3rd Rhode Island Regiment, sometimes called the "Black Regiment," was a military unit formed in 1778 that included a significant number of enslaved and free Black men who were promised freedom in exchange for their military service. The resolution highlights their bravery and contributions to the founding of the United States, recognizing that their efforts have historically received limited public attention.

This type of resolution does not create new laws, spend government money, or require any action from citizens or state agencies. It is a symbolic declaration by the Rhode Island Senate intended to raise public awareness and encourage recognition of this chapter in history. The designation may inspire local events, educational programs, or community gatherings around the February 10, 2026 date.