Maria Lopes is more than just a name in our family; she is my aunt, and a source of immense pride for me personally. Growing up, I have seen firsthand how much she sacrificed to break barriers and open doors for others, particularly for Cape Verdean Americans and Black Rhode Islanders. Maria Lopes carried our family’s name and our community’s hopes and dreams proudly into the halls of the Rhode Island State House, becoming the first Black state representative in Rhode Island's history.

Yet, despite her groundbreaking achievements and her integral role in shaping our local history, the Cape Verdean Museum has not inducted her into their exhibits. This glaring omission does not merely overlook her contributions but actively erases an essential chapter of our shared narrative. It fails to sufficiently acknowledge the influence she has had, not just within our community, but across the state and beyond.

Maria Lopes's election was a significant breakthrough that should be celebrated and remembered. Her hard work and dedication to public service were not just personal accomplishments but victories for every Cape Verdean child who wants to see their history depicted with pride and accuracy. It is disheartening that the Museum, which should serve as a bastion of representation and a custodian of our cultural heritage, has chosen to leave her out.

A museum's role is to curate and uphold history in a way that reflects the diverse and myriad stories of the community it serves. By choosing not to include Maria Lopes, the museum neglects its responsibility to present a complete and truthful account of our heritage. This oversight needs to be corrected, for it does a disservice not only to Maria Lopes but to everyone who looks up to her courage and legacy.

We call on the Cape Verdean Museum Board to rectify this omission. By inducting Maria Lopes into the Museum, they will not only honor her invaluable contributions to our community but also preserve her legacy for future generations. This change will reaffirm the Museum's commitment to inclusion and representation, and ensure that every child who visits can see a reflection of themselves and their potentials in our shared past.

Please sign this petition to urge the Cape Verdean Museum to honor Maria Lopes—our family member, pioneer, and community hero—and enshrine her legacy where it rightfully belongs. Let us work together to ensure that our history is complete and inclusive of all our heroes.