Providence examines role of Black, Indigenous peoples

Posted on September 23, 2020
Providence Mayor Jorge Elorza (at lower left) led an online conference call on September 22, 2020 in the “truth-telling” phase of a city effort that could lead to reconciliation and reparations. Also seen (clockwise) is State Rep. Anastasia Williams, historian Keith Stokes and group leader Shawndell Burney-Speaks.

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP) — Providence has assembled a group of historical groups and community leaders who over the course of four months will create a public education program that details the history of Black and Indigenous people in the city.

The initiative announced Tuesday is the first part of the truth telling and reparations process that Mayor Jorge Elorza launched in July.

“In order to plan a truly equitable future for our city, we need to know our history and reconcile our truths,” Elorza said in a statement.

Groups including the Rhode Island Black Heritage Society, Rhode Island Historical Society, and the 1696 Heritage Group will work with the city’s African American Ambassador Group Truth Telling Committee to collect and analyze historical documents and artifacts.

The goal is to create a program that will be used to supplement the curriculum in city schools.

 

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