For months I have demanded action from Providence leadership to act quickly with addressing the Columbus statue in Providence. I warned that covid-19 was exasperating existing inequalities and causing harm disproportionately to marginalized groups.

I advised that paying attention to the heart and soul of the people of the city was vital. Now those hearts and souls cry out to be heard.

I have reached out multiple times to Councilwoman Jo-Ann Ryan of Ward 5. Ryan is chairwoman of the ordinance committee and is refusing to introduce the Committee to address Commemorative works which would address the statue's removal.

I have also reached out to Mayor Jorge Elorza multiple times asking that he personally request that the ordinance be addressed.

Today I have reached out to them both. I chided them for ignoring the many signs of social unrest in the city and opportunities to address them. And I warned them that they may be running out of time for the city to make the choice to move the statue. Around the country like in Birmingham Alabama, statues that glorify the subjugation of marginalized groups are being destroyed. However, when a people turn to destruction, it is traumatic. I strongly urged our leadership to act first, to remove the statue immediately as a sign of solidarity with the city's marginalized groups. 

Please sign this petition, share the petition, and email both Councilwoman Ryan and Providence Mayor Jorge Elorza asking that they address the statue with urgency. 

Councilwoman Jo-Ann Ryan can be reached

ward5@providenceri.com

And Mayor Jorge Elorza can be reached

https://www.providenceri.gov/mayor/mayors-office-contact-us/