Exploring the Life & Legacy of John C. Minkins

The John C. Minkins House is now on the National Register for Historic Places, and we're celebrating!

John Carter Minkins (1859-1969) was arguably the most important Black man in Rhode Island journalism for more than half a century. Among his many contributions to news reporting, Minkins was the nation's first Black editor of a white-owned paper and a lifelong civil rights activist -- proudly using his voice and position to advocate for the rights of Black Americans.

Minkins' newspaper career began in Virginia, but by age 25, he had established himself in Providence and was managing a weekly newspaper. Before long, young Minkins purchased a home on Glenwood Avenue, where he raised a large family and lived for 60 years. The Minkins family home is the only remaining location that physically documents John C. Minkin's extraordinary career and contributions. 

As of April 2025, the Minkins property has been added to the National Register of Historic Places for its significance to Black history. 

Join us on September 24 to learn more! Together with Keith Stokes, Rhode Island Historian Laureate, and the Heritage Alliance of Pawtucket, we'll look at Minkins' life and legacy in Rhode Island. Although he is associated with many buildings in Providence and Pawtucket, very few allowed us to highlight his story. Learn why and how the Minkins family home became the heart of our nomination to the National Register of Historic Places, and why this nomination is significant both locally and nationally. 

This program is free of charge.