User:JKizzieHumanities/Stages of Freedom

Stages of Freedom is a non-profit organization in Providence, Rhode Island. The primary purpose of the organization is funding swimming lessons primarily for African American children. In addition, the organization supports other initiatives and events related to African Americans in Rhode Island, and operates a bookstore and museum in downcity Providence where sales support the organization's causes.

Stages of Freedom was founded in 2014 by Ray Rickman and Robb Dommick in response to Ray Rickman's work with an African American woman whose son drowned due to long-standing oppression dating back to slavery. The organization supported the Swim Empowerment Report, which examines the history, present conditions, and future of swimming and the black community in 2013. Further, the organization also raised money for the purchase and installation of a headstone for black opera singer Sissieretta Jones in 2018