by Abigail Appel | Jul 19, 2020 | Council News, Press Release, Ward-1, Ward-10, Ward-11, Ward-12, Ward-15, Ward-4, Ward-5, Ward-6, Ward-7, Ward-8, Ward-9
We as elected leaders of our community stand against acts of violence and vandalism against our colleagues, their families, and our neighbors.
We condemn the actions that transpired at Councilman Igliozzi’s home over the weekend and hope that whoever is responsible is held accountable.
It’s okay to disagree and to let that dissent be heard at an appropriate forum.
Vandalizing the home and tormenting the family of an elected official, or anyone else for that matter, is crossing the line and will not be tolerated.
We stand with Chairman Igliozzi and will continue to work with all stakeholders to find solutions and condemn intimidation and coercion in all its forms.
We know that these are not the values our city and neighbors uphold.
by Billy Kepner | Jul 17, 2020 | Council News, Press Release, Ward-1, Ward-10, Ward-11, Ward-12, Ward-14, Ward-15, Ward-2, Ward-3, Ward-5, Ward-7, Ward-9
Councilman John Goncalves (Ward 1) and Councilman Pedro Espinal (Ward 10) introduced a resolution at last night’s City Council Meeting calling on the City of Providence to recognize July 18 as Nelson Mandela International Day. The resolution was co-sponsored by Council President Sabina Matos (Ward 15), Majority Leader Jo-Ann Ryan (Ward 5), Majority Whip John J. Igliozzi, Esq. (Ward 7), Deputy Majority Leader Mary Kay Harris (Ward 11), Councilwoman Carmen Castillo (Ward 9), Councilor David A. Salvatore (Ward 14, Councilwoman Nirva LaFortune (Ward 3), Councilwoman Helen Anthony, Esq. (Ward 2), and Councilor Kat Kerwin (Ward 12).
“Nelson Mandela International Day was inspired by President Mandela’s call for the next generation to take on the burden of leadership in addressing the world’s social injustices when he said that ‘it is in your hands now,’ stated Councilman John Goncalves. “Nelson Mandela International Day is more than a celebration of his life and legacy, but it is a global movement to honor his life’s work and to change the world for the better. I believe that those of us in public service should heed that call and all work towards making a better tomorrow for those that come after us. From what we see happening in our own country at this very time, I believe that we can look to the work that President Mandela did and make a real change like he was able to achieve in his lifetime.”
On July 18, 2009 the United Nations declared Nelson Mandela International Day in recognition of the former President of South Africa’s dedication to the creation of a non-racial, non-sexist, and democratic South Africa.
President Mandela was a South African anti-apartheid revolutionary who was imprisoned in 1962 for conspiring to overthrow the anti-apartheid government. He was originally sentenced to life in prison but was released 27 years later. His release came after outcries from world leaders, and due to the civil unrest and the fear of a civil war. For these reasons, President F. W. de Klerk released Mandela in 1990. Together, they worked to negotiate an end to apartheid which resulted in Mr. Mandela being elected the first Black President of South Africa in 1994.
In 1994, Nelson Mandela shared this story, “A friend once asked me how I could reconcile my creed of African nationalism with a belief in dialectical materialism. For me, there was no contradiction, I was first and foremost an African nationalist fighting for our emancipation from minority rule and the right to control our own destiny. But at the same time, South Africa and the African continent were part of the larger world. Our problems, while distinctive and special, were not unique, and a philosophy that placed those problems in an international and historical context of the greater world and the course of history was valuable. I was prepared to use whatever means necessary to speed up the erasure of human prejudice and the end of chauvinistic and violent nationalism.” Time goes on, but still, President Mandela’s words ring true today as they did then.
Mandela served one term as South Africa’s President and left to become a philanthropist who focused on combating poverty and HIV/AIDS through his foundation. In 1993, upon a visit to the United Stated Mandela was awarded one of the United States’ highest honors, the Liberty Medal, by then-President Bill Clinton. The same year he and President F. W. de Klerk were joint recipients of the Nobel Peace Prize.
President Mandela was an ardent supporter of education and education for all. He once stated, “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.” President Mandela died at the age of 95 on December 5, 2013.
Sadly, his youngest daughter, Zindzi Mandela, died at the age of 59 on Monday, July 13, 2020. Ms. Mandela served as South Africa’s ambassador to Denmark.
Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela is world renown for his values and his dedication to the service of humanity, through his work as a humanitarian in the fields of conflict resolution, race relations, promotion and protection of human rights, reconciliation, gender equality and the rights of children and other vulnerable groups, as well as the upliftment of the poor and underdeveloped communities.
“Tomorrow around the world there will be celebrations honoring the extraordinary life and enduring legacy of President Mandela. Let us take a moment here in Providence, especially with all of the division in our world, to come together in unity and solidarity, to reflect and follow in Mandela’s footsteps in advocating for a more peaceful, sustainable and equitable city for all,” stated Councilman John Goncalves.
by Billy Kepner | Jul 16, 2020 | Council News, Press Release, Ward-1, Ward-10, Ward-11, Ward-12, Ward-13, Ward-14, Ward-15, Ward-2, Ward-3, Ward-5, Ward-9
By investing and supporting in structures, programs, and policies that align with the
Just Providence Framework and the City’s Climate Justice Plan
Councilwomen Helen Anthony (Ward 2) and Nirva LaFortune (Ward 3), along with co-sponsors Councilors Rachel Miller (Ward 13), Kat Kerwin (Ward 12), John Goncalves (Ward 1), Pedro Espinal (Ward 10), Council President Sabina Matos (Ward 15), Majority Leader Jo-Ann Ryan (Ward 5), Deputy Majority Leader Mary Kay Harris (Ward 11), Councilwoman Carmen Castillo (Ward 9), and Councilor David A. Salvatore (Ward 14) introduced a resolution at tonight’s City Council meeting calling on the City of Providence to commit to developing an anti-racist institution that prioritizes investment and support structures, that align with the Just Providence Framework and the City’s Climate Justice Plan.
“Climate change impacts our marginalized communities disproportionately, stated Councilor Helen Anthony. The City’s Office of Sustainability in partnership with the Racial and Environmental Justice Committee have done an excellent job creating a plan that addresses the interconnected issues of public health, racism, climate, and environmental sustainability.”
The resolution points out specific markers in history where city leaders repeatedly failed residents of color. Black and Indigenous communities were displaced to build industrial sites, highways, and roads. Schools that serve predominantly students of color lack resources; schools –
Councilwoman Nirva LaFortune stated, “We can not build a just and equitable society without addressing the impacts of climate change on our most vulnerable community members. The Office of Sustainability and the Racial and Environmental committee are committed to working with the community to ensure that climate and sustainability plans recognize the intersection of race and class as an indicator in Environmental Justice assessments. Tonight’s resolution is a movement seeking to rectify policies and structures that failed to acknowledge Black, indigenous and communities of color in climate and other environmental-related initiatives. It is up to all of us to work together to make sustainability and environmental justice a guiding principle in addressing climate change.”
“The Climate Justice Plan is recognized as a national leader and model for community-centered planning, power-shifting, and climate justice. The Office of Sustainability is being tasked with updating existing policies such as zoning, developing new programs such as ‘Green Justice Zones’ in our frontline communities, and creating new policies to help mitigate the climate crisis we are facing, especially in these frontline communities where the crisis is only exacerbating health and economic inequities. As elected officials, it is incumbent on us to support them in this much-needed endeavor,” stated Councilor Rachel Miller.
Tonight’s resolution calls on the City to commit to transforming to an anti-racist institution by following the “Continuum on Becoming an Anti-Racist Multicultural Organization,” to support and invest in structures, programs, and policies that align with the Justice Providence Framework and the Climate Justice Plan.
Councilor Kat Kerwin shared, “Further, this resolution requests that the Office of Sustainability be supported in the FY21 budget so that it may improve the lives of Providence’s BIPOC communities. And that they can continue their work to mitigate long-term climate threats and reduce the loss of life with solutions that result in clean air and water, climate-resistant low-income housing, community health initiatives, environmental justice, youth programs, and economic justice.”
“The time for us to act is now,” stated Councilman John Goncalves. “Our futures depend on the resiliency that we cultivate today so that we may grow a brighter tomorrow for the next generation of all Providence residents. The interconnectedness of climate justice, housing, and economic prosperity for all is dependent on us working together today to address and mitigate the social issues that are caused by an ever-changing climate.”
Finally, the resolution also requests that the City follow the Spectrum of Community Engagement to Ownership outlined in the Climate Justice Plan and move towards a collaborative governance decision-making process that centers those who are most impacted by the current health, environment, and economic crises.
“Our residents and our future residents deserve nothing less,” stated Councilman Pedro Espinal. “The time is now for us to take action, and I believe that we can change the trajectory of our collective history by working together.”
by Abigail Appel | Jun 5, 2020 | Council News, Press Release, Ward-12, Ward-13, Ward-2
Councilors Kat Kerwin (Ward 12), Rachel Miller (Ward 13) and Helen Anthony (Ward 2) proposed a resolution at tonight’s City Council Meeting urging Rhode Island Governor Gina Raimondo to enact a complete eviction moratorium. Additionally, this resolution encourages cancellation of rent and mortgage payments and forgiveness of prior payments and obligations for the duration of the State of Emergency and for 120 days after the order has been lifted.
“Rhode Island courts have been closed since the beginning of the COVID-19 crisis. There is a backlog of eviction cases coinciding with a jump in the state’s unemployment rate from 5% to 17%. It is clear that many Rhode Islanders are facing financial turmoil, and this is not the time to throw them out of their homes,” stated Councilwoman Kat Kerwin. “As legislators it is incumbent upon us to protect the residents of Providence from further financial hardships and displacement. This pandemic has touched the lives of everyone, but it is having the greatest effects on our low-wage and gig earners who have not been able to work due to closures of bars, limited reopening of restaurants and other parts of the service industry.”
“The COVID-19 crisis is far from over,” stated Councilor Rachel Miller “Moving forward with evictions would not only be unethical but it would increase homelessness and cause a heightened threat to public health and safety; possibly creating further spread of the COVID-19 virus. The majority of residents in Rhode Island are struggling, and we should be creating safety nets, and doing whatever we can to ensure that no resident faces eviction or foreclosure due to this global pandemic that was out of their control.”
The Councilors are also urging the Rhode Island General Assembly to take up a bill which replicates the language proposed in HR 6515- “Emergency Rent and Mortgage Cancellation Act of 2020”, proposed by Minnesota Congresswoman Ilhan Omar. This resolution would prohibit evictions for nonpayment of rent or mortgages, prohibit fines, fees and debt accrual for nonpayment, enact rent forgiveness and establish a relief fund to assist landlords.
“Our State government must work to support all Rhode Islanders during this difficult time; from renters and homeowners, to landlords. We cannot turn our backs on our neighbors who are struggling now, simply because the courts have reopened or executive orders have expired. The economic effects of COVID-19 remain and our government must continue to work to ensure all Rhode Islanders are able to get back on their feet without the fear of losing their homes or becoming homeless,” stated Councilwoman Helen Anthony.
Upon passage of the resolution, a copy shall be sent to Governor Gina Raimondo, Senate President Dominick Ruggerio, and Speaker of the House Nicholas Mattiello.
by Abigail Appel | Jun 5, 2020 | Council News, Press Release, Ward-12, Ward-13, Ward-2
Councilors Kat Kerwin (Ward 12), Rachel Miller (Ward 13) and Helen Anthony (Ward 2) will introduce a resolution at tonight’s City Council Meeting condemning the cancelation of health insurance benefits for employees by the Omni Hotel in Providence.This is particularly egregious because of the ongoing global COVID-19 public health crisis.
“The Omni Hotel, an integral part of our downtown economy, has benefitted from the hard work provided it’s employees. Additionally, these workers have been disproportionately impacted by COVID-19. Several Omni Hotel employees have tested positive for COVID-19. Taking away their right to healthcare would not only endanger the employees but also add to the ongoing public health threat throughout the City of Providence,” stated Councilwoman Helen Anthony.
This cut to insurance benefits is in direct violation of the contract between the Omni Hotel and UNITE HERE Local 26, the bargaining representative for nearly 200 of the hotel’s employees. Many Omni Hotel employees live in Providence, are low-wage earners, and cannot afford to pay the COBRA premiums being offered by the hotel. Creating further financial strains and barriers to receiving adequate healthcare.
“As our City and State are working so hard to safely re-open the economy, the unethical actions of the Omni Hotel would lead to an increased health threat,” stated Councilwoman Kat Kerwin. “This action by the owners of the Omni could potentially lead to an increase in positive cases of COVID-19, financial hardship due to medical bills, and severe illness for which employees will not be able to receive treatment. This will greatly slow the re-opening of the hotel and endanger not only Omni Hotel employees and guests, but residents throughout the City.”
“In this time of crisis, local employers, especially those like the Omni whose property has received a substantial investment of public money over the years, should be doing everything they can to protect the health and safety of their workers. The actions of the Omni Hotel are unethical and pose a public health threat to the City as a whole. I stand with UNITE HERE Local 26 in solidarity and will continue to advocate for our hard working men and women of the Union to ensure that they get the benefits they need and deserve,” added Councilor Rachel Miller.
The resolution condemns the actions of the Omni Hotel and calls on the hotel leadership to reinstate health insurance benefits to employees immediately. Upon passage a copy of this resolution will be transmitted to the owners of the hotel in the hopes that they will change their current course of action.
by Billy Kepner | May 17, 2020 | Council News, Press Release, Ward-12
I have gotten multiple calls this week from concerned friends and neighbors who have witnessed reckless partying on Eaton Street. The partying, occurring in off-campus housing abutting Providence College comes at a time when the COVID-19 crisis remains extremely dangerous and is taking lives every day.
According to the Rhode Island Department of Health gatherings are still limited to 5 or less, and these students refuse to comply with that and other safety precautions put forth by the Department.
These students endangered my community, a largely low income and black and brown community that has been hit hard by the pandemic. In fact, the “02908”, which is a popular housing company for students, was in the top 5 zip codes in the state for COVID-deaths.
A few days ago, a white student reportedly told a community member to “fall down the stairs” when she voiced her concern about student partying in her neighborhood. This news is especially troubling during a week when we have learned that two innocent, Black Americans lost their lives at the hands of white violence and multiple white police officers issued force when addressing Black and Brown Americans who were not wearing masks in public.
The Providence College community must learn to be more sensitive about their positionally in the community which they continue to gentrify and benefit from. I am disgusted by this behavior and I look forward to an apology from these students and a conversation with the College about how they will remedy this hurt that they have caused Smith Hill and my neighborhood.
To be clear, the problem is not exclusively Providence College students— Johnson and Wales University and Bryant College students also live around the PC campus on the street perpendicular to Eaton. Regardless, they remain the majority of students living in this area.
Kat Kerwin
Providence City Council
Councilwoman – Ward 12
