-
June 2024 by Kylthia Roberts
Sparkling gem in downtown Providence. Small, but chock full of African American history. So much to see and read. Full of classic books and publications, many signed. Ray and Rob both were very welcoming. Profits support their program to teach inner city youth, especially from the Black community, how to swim. A great place to visit. You could stay all day! Hope to visit when I'm in the area again.
-
June 2024 by Macie Flower
a bookstore for a cause. they sell vintage books in order to pay for swim lessons for the lower income families.
-
May 2024 by Super Mo
Very rude.
-
April 2024 by Tymn Armstrong
I’ve never experienced a more uncomfortable browsing experience. The store clerk was extremely pushy and insisted on getting books for me rather than simply letting me browse. At one point I tried to humor him when he handed me a book and said it was a favorite of his. When I asked what it was about he was at a loss of words. He treats people as if this is their first shopping experience anywhere, ever. And then begging for charity at the end only made it worse. Avoid this place.
-
September 2023 by Anita Maguire
Its more than just a Bookstore. Its a black history museum. They use a lot of the money made for charities.
-
August 2023 by Sandi Abatecola
A man by the name of Ray Rickman.. terribly racist! We are white and he hustled us out within 3 mins. He assumed we weren’t buying anything, told us to leave and followed us out. Left such an “ick” factor as we are such history buffs and wanted to really check out this store. It was really cringe worthy
-
August 2023 by Josh Callahan
?? Do NOT go here! ??The older salesman was SO pushy and basically threw my partner and myself out after we didn’t buy something within 3 min. We intended on buying some books too, I’ll never go back. So gross.
-
May 2023 by christopher parker
Old guy running the store had extremely poor attitude. He doesn’t know how to take no for an answer at all. this whole place feels like a scam as he was trying to guilt trip me into buying things with their supposed donations to swimming classes. he was extremely bitter and horrible to me and my partner. the other guy sitting at the computer was nice and helpful though, i feel bad that he has to work with this psychopath. i absolutely will not ever come back, and i reiterate that this place feels so uncomfortable and wrong. I already know the owner will not respond to this as they do not respond to negative reviews, such a shame.
-
May 2023 by Juliana Carmean
One of the staff members is extremely abrasive and rude. Made me very uncomfortable, I tried to be friendly but he repeatedly verbally opposed me and would not let me look around in peace. Then told the person I was with that I was “pushing back against him without even knowing it” despite the fact that I was being very agreeable but just not agreeing to buy anything. Horrible sales tactic, so pushy and invasive. He complained that they get no business, I think it’s pretty obvious why! Also wouldn’t take me saying no to a donation and immediately shoo’d me out of the door when I declined like I was a waste of his time. Horrible horrible customer service. There was another man at the desk who was very kind and friendly. My advice to him: QUIT!!!!!!
-
May 2023 by Michael McGuigan
Stages of Freedom is not just a fantastic bookstore, it is also where you can sign up for informative walking tours that explore Black history in Rhode Island, you can sign your kids up for free swimming lessons, you can have a long and deep conversation with Ray Rickman about Black art and culture in Providence, and sooooo much more. They also have a small museum dedicated to Christiana and Edward Bannister. Masks are required and provided.
-
October 2022 by josue Antonio
So many optionsthe owner, Ray, is incredibly kind and attentivefull of knowledge and informationmore of an antique shop catered specifically for bookscannot wait to come back
-
September 2022 by Edgar Adams
Walked by a few time when they were closed and was drawn by the unique collection of artifacts in the windows. Hours are limited; but I found it a treasure trove of books, exhibits and second hand items that I could have spent hours exploring. The Stage of Freedom newsletter is full of interesting information about major Black figures in the Arts and Culture as well as events which they sponsor or promote dealing with Black History and Rhode Island History more broadly. Fascinating place! Ray and Rob have created a tremendous resource for the whole Providence Community - and all sales support a worthy cause!
-
August 2022 by Ross Arnold
Weird experience, on the way out the store, one of the staff tries to hard sell me books. When I still don’t want to buy anything after what I thought was a polite conversation, he kinda harasses me - “You don’t want to save a kids life? Alright!” Ok… I didn’t see anything I liked in this tiny book store, so what, trying to guilt trip me into spending money??? You don’t know where else I might donate to, you literally know nothing about me. And I don’t even know what the heck he’s talking about. Kids lives? Just hostile, rude and made me feel extremely uncomfortable. So weird. I would recommend staying away from this place. Those who gave 4 and 5 star reviews must not have encountered this guy.
-
November 2021 by Ronna Sanchez
You don’t know the half of it! This tour is an excellent avenue to begin learning a thing or two about African American history in Providence.
-
March 2020 by Lavina Brown
Good selection of books and the man who runs the shop is very knowledgeable
