Washington, D.C. - Rhode Island's federal delegation today cheered the Senate's passage of bipartisan legislation led by Senator Sheldon Whitehouse and Congressman Gabe Amo to posthumously honor America's first Black military unit with the Congressional Gold Medal. Senator Jack Reed and Congressman Seth Magaziner cosponsored and strongly advocated for the legislation.

The bill would provide the First Rhode Island Regiment's Congressional Gold Medal to the Rhode Island State Library for display and research purposes.

"The valiant soldiers of the First Rhode Island Regiment fought for America's independence, then had to fend off re-enslavement and advocate for denied wages after the war," said Whitehouse. "I commend the Senate for passing this long-overdue legislation that honors the unsung heroes of our nation's first Black military unit and secures their rightful place in the history of our state and our country. Senator Reed was essential in helping round up the necessary support."

"Thanks to Senator Whitehouse's leadership, we are one step closer to honoring the nation's first Black military unit and the legacy they built through courage and sacrifice," said Amo. "The story of First Rhode Island Regiment is essential to our history, and this recognition is long overdue. I'm proud to work alongside Senator Whitehouse on this effort and remain committed to getting this bill signed into law."

"This was the very first integrated military unit to fight for the United States. Members of the First Rhode Island Regiment served with distinction in General Washington's Continental Army. They fought to secure our nation's freedom - freedom that Black and Indigenous members of the Regiment would continue to struggle to secure and maintain for themselves long after the war had ceased. I want to thank Senator Whitehouse and Congressman Amo for advancing this legislation to honor these soldiers," said Reed.

"The First Rhode Island Regiment represents the very best of our Nation's history. At a time when the brutality of slavery remained a scourge across our nation, the brave men of the First Rhode Island fought for the promise of a new nation striving for liberty and equality. I celebrate the Senate passage of legislation to award the Congressional Gold Medal, a fitting and long overdue tribute," said Magaziner.

"As our nation prepares to celebrate its 250th anniversary, it is timely and appropriate to ensure that we remember all those who served, struggled, and sacrificed to secure American Independence," said Museum of the American Revolution President and CEO Dr. R. Scott Stephenson. "We owe a debt of gratitude to those Rhode Islanders of color who wore the uniform and saluted the flag of the fledgling United States in spite of the fact that for most of them, equality was an elusive dream."

"The African heritage and Indigenous soldiers who comprised the Rhode Island First fought with unwavering courage, earning a newfound sense of pride and determination," said Theresa Guzman Strokes, Executive Director of the Rhode Island Black Heritage Society. "Their bravery not only shaped their own legacy but also laid the foundation for advancing freedom and equality for all Americans. As we approach the 250th Anniversary of our country, we need to remember and honor ALL those who fought and died to establish it."

"The Newport County Branch-NAACP is most grateful to Senator Sheldon Whitehouse and Congressman Gabe Amo of Rhode Island having introduced legislation that would award the First Rhode Island Regiment with the Congressional Gold Medal," said J. Clement "Bud" Cicilline, Member At Large of the Newport County NAACP. "The Regiment displayed uncommon valor in winning the Battle of Rhode Island in the American Revolutionary War. It is entirely fitting and appropriate to bestow such an honor on this group of courageous soldiers who were willing to fight for liberty and justice. The Congressional Gold Medal would recognize the outstanding service that the Regiment provided to our fledgling country, paving the way to the establishment of the greatest democracy in the world."

Before famous Black military units like the Tuskegee Airmen and Harlem Hellfighters cemented their place in American history, the First Rhode Island Regiment fought courageously for the nation's independence.

In the winter of Valley Forge, from 1777 to 1778, the Continental Army faced long odds and had difficulty recruiting the necessary forces. In Rhode Island, the General Assembly called for the enlistment of an integrated force, including enslaved persons, individuals of mixed race, and Indigenous Americans, to help fill the state's quota. The General Assembly also provided that, upon enlistment, any slave in the new Regiment would be provided their freedom.

By June 1778, men of African and Indigenous descent enlisted to form the First Rhode Island Regiment - now regarded as America's first Black military unit by the Museum of the American Revolution. In August 1778, the Regiment fought valiantly in one of the Revolutionary War's turning points, the Battle of Rhode Island. By early 1784, the last Rhode Island soldiers had been discharged from service.

The Congressional Gold Medal was initially established by the Continental Congress in 1776 to honor high achievement and distinction among Revolutionary military and naval leaders. Enactment would be a fitting honor for this group of men, especially given that many former soldiers had to resist efforts at re-enslavement and fight for back wages owed to them for their years of distinguished service.

The First Rhode Island Regiment Congressional Gold Medal Act is endorsed by the Museum of the American Revolution, RI Black Heritage Society and Newport County Branch - NAACP. The legislation now heads to the House of Representatives.

Full text of the bill is available here.