Leaders express dismay over federal DEI changes as EP students, officials gather for Black History Month celebration
EAST PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WLNE) — East Providence held its annual Black History Month Celebration Wednesday, where state and local officials took the opportunity to rail against recent federal changes involving diversity, equity, and inclusion.
The city’s affirmative action and equal employment opportunity officer, Elmer Pina kicked off the event at East Providence City Hall.
“We are here to have open and healthy conversations with those who see differently, but we are looking to change people’s perspective on diversity, equity, inclusion because we all know that is one of the most important things and what makes the world, in my opinion, go around,” Pina said.
East Providence students were joined by local and state officials.
Mayor Bob DaSilva discussed black history.
“The historical name for this would be remembered as the Tulsa Race Massacre, where historians estimated between 100 and 300 people were killed, and thousands were left homeless,” DaSilva said.
Last month, DaSilva signed a proclamation declaring the city’s commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion programs.
“Why it’s important to have events like this? Because young people like you can never forget the atrocities that occurred and when you see what’s happening in current events its almost like we’re trying to roll back the clock on progress that we’ve made over 100 years,” DaSilva said.
On January 22, President Donald Trump signed an executive order terminating “radical DEI preferencing in federal contracting and directing federal agencies to relentlessly combat private sector discrimination.”
“No one’s asking to lower the bar because of DEI, we know our brother and sisters can do a great job or if not even better, we’re just asking for a fair shot,” Rhode Island General Treasurer James Diossa said.
At the event, students also performed music and poetry in addition to conversations surrounding the importance of Black History Month.
