February is Black History Month, so for our latest 12 on 12 Digital Original, we sought to showcase how local people are paying tribute to the past and making a difference today.

From uncovering the use of slave labor in Rhode Island to a new age of football in Westerly and how a store owner is giving back to the community, these are stories of determination and rising above.

In this 12 on 12: Unlocking RI’s hidden history | Store owner providing hope, support | New Central Falls police chief makes history | Westerly football enters new era | More stories

‘We’re trying to tell the unvarnished truth’: Unlocking RI’s hidden history

Support is Key: Store owner offering far more than just clothing

New chief seeks to bridge gap between police, community

How football helped Westerly coach overcome challenges

Further Viewing

12 Town Hall: Race in RI | The Business of Making Change
12 on 12: Perspectives on Race

Around the Country:

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More Honoring Black History on WPRI.com »

Credits

Reporters – Chelsea Jones, Anita Baffoni, Courtney Carter, Rosie Langello, Yianni Kourakis
Executive Producers – Shaun Towne, Jen Quinn
Photographers/Editors – Nick Blair
Graphic Designer – Lisa Mandarini
Digital Content Producers – Lee Dooley, Shaun Towne
Special Thanks – James Bartone, Susan Tracy-Durant, Karen Rezendes