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Presenters Jo Eva Gaines, Michael Browner, and Joyce Williams at the annual commemoration service.

Over a hundred were gathered in tents in yesterday's heat at the Patriots Park memorial just off Rt. 114, as Portsmouth paused to remember the contributions of the Black Regiment. The African-American slaves who earned their freedom by serving in this Continental Army regiment were honored for their service in the fight for America's independence.

"This was not just a victory in the gradual securing of their own freedom," said guest speaker Michael Browner, Jr., a social studies teacher from Newport, "But in the fight for freedom and justice for all Americans."

Browner stressed that the struggle the Black Regiment fought was far from over. "In 2010, we still need a regiment who are willing to work tirelessly to address some of the same hardships as those men we celebrate here today."

And he made an explicit connection to his own work as a teacher. "I am on the front line of the battle for public education," said Browner, stressing the need for committed families, and supportive communities to provide educational opportunities.

He recounted what he had said to two of his former students. "I have a dream that you will stay in school, and I will keep you there by any means necessary," said Browner, adding, "That's a quote from Martin, Michael, and Malcolm."

The yearly event was sponsored by the RI NAACP and The RI Black Heritage Society, VFW Post 4487, the United Veterans Council of Newport County, and American Legion Post 7. Newport school committee chair Jo Eva Gaines was the mistress of ceremonies. The Salve Regina community band played the Battle Hymn of the Republic, and the RI National Guard provided a bugler and rifle salute as the wreath was laid at the memorial by Charles Newton, Capt. Shirley Hill, and NAACP Newport County president Joyce Williams. Williams also presented Browner with thanks from the organization for his speech at the event.

Local Portsmouth figures attending included state Sen. Chuck Levesque, Town Councilor Jim Seveney, and former Councilor Bill West.