Join us! Lecture with Reverend Dr. Robert Gomes @ Plymouth Public Library 9/16/25
The Community Art Collaborative, in partnership with the Plymouth Public Library, is honored to host the second lecture in our ongoing series highlighting local history and storytelling.
On September 16th, the Reverend Dr. Robert Gomes will lead a powerful lecture focusing on Parting Ways — a historic settlement in Plymouth, Massachusetts, founded by formerly enslaved African Americans who fought in the Revolutionary War. This community became home to four Black veterans and their families, creating a lasting legacy of resilience, freedom, and cultural identity.
This lecture continues our exploration of how local history shapes our present, while amplifying voices and stories that deserve to be remembered and honored.
As part of this initiative, the Community Art Collaborative will also be announcing an upcoming public art project inspired by Parting Ways. We are issuing a Call for Artists to local creatives who are interested in learning more about this remarkable history and contributing artwork that will help illuminate and celebrate the story of Parting Ways for future generations.
We invite you to:
* Attend the lecture and engage in meaningful dialogue.
* Learn about opportunities to participate in our upcoming project.
* Share this invitation with artists, historians, and community members who may be interested.
Date: September 16th, 2025 @ 6:30pm
Location: Plymouth Public Library
Together, let’s preserve history, uplift community voices, and create art that speaks across generations.
Warmly,
Meclina Gomes
Community Art Collaborative
Rev. Dr. Robert Gomes, a distinguished scholar and spiritual leader, has dedicated his work to uncovering and honoring the overlooked narratives of African American veterans of the Revolutionary War.
Dr. Gomes is one of the early founders of the 1970's Parting Ways non-profit organization. He holds three degrees in theology and has served in ministry for over 35 years. Gomes and his wife, Linda were missionaries in Cape Verde. Gomes is currently working as a Chaplain for a hospice community and working to keep the Parting Ways legacy alive.
Furthering his commitment to uncovering and honoring this legacy, Rev. Dr. Gomes partnered with Professor James Deetz of Brown University to initiate an archaeological excavation of the Parting Ways homestead. This groundbreaking dig, conducted in 1975 and 1976, unearthed invaluable artifacts and insights into the lives of the community's founders, shedding light on their resilience and contributions to American history.