Senator Acosta and Representative Felix announce the new Rhode Island Black, Latino, Indigenous, Asian-American and Pacific Islander Caucus, formerly RI Black and Latino Caucus
STATE HOUSE – Sen. Jonathon Acosta (D-Dist. 16, Central Falls, Pawtucket) and Rep. Leonela Felix (D-Dist. 61, Pawtucket) have announced the formation of the Rhode Island Black, Latino, Indigenous, Asian-American and Pacific Islander Caucus (RIBLIA), formerly known as the RI Legislative Black and Latino Caucus.
The new name was voted on by members last night at a caucus meeting. Potential name changes were submitted and voted on by the caucus members, with the RIBLIA Caucus receiving the most votes.
The caucus also voted on and passed new bylaws for the group at the meeting, culminating with the first reading of the new caucus bylaws.
“The name change to the Rhode Island Black, Latino, Indigenous, Asian-American and Pacific Islander Caucus is representative of the evolving values and mission of what was formerly known as the Black & Latino Caucus.
With the largest roster of members in caucus history, including our first Asian American members, the RIBLIA Caucus has modernized for the future and this can be seen throughout our new bylaws and name. We know the caucus is eager to begin working on the issues that are important to the group and we look forward to advocating for the voiceless, disenfranchised and marginalized residents of our state in the coming legislative session,” said Senator Acosta and Representative Felix.
In addition to Representative Felix and Senator Acosta, the caucus includes Rep. Marvin L. Abney (D-Dist. 73, Newport, Middletown); Rep. Karen Alzate (D-Dist. 60, Pawtucket, Central Falls); Rep. Jose F. Batista (D-Dist. 12, Providence); Rep. Nathan W. Biah (D-Dist. 3, Providence); Rep. Cheri L. Cruz (D-Dist. 58, Pawtucket); Rep. Grace Diaz (D-Dist. 11, Providence); Rep. Joshua Giraldo (D-Dist. 56, Central Falls); Rep. Rep. Brianna E. Henries (D-Dist. 64, East Providence, Pawtucket); Rep. Raymond A. Hull (D-Dist. 6, Providence, North Providence); Rep. David Morales (D-Dist. 7, Providence); Rep. Ramon A. Perez (D-Dist. 13, Providence, Johnston); Rep. Enrique Sanchez (D-Dist. 9, Providence); Rep. Jennifer Stewart (D-Dist. 59, Pawtucket); Sen. Robert Britto (D-Dist. 18, East Providence, Pawtucket); Sen. Sandra Cano (D-Dist. 8, Pawtucket); Sen. Victoria Gu (D-Dist. 38, Charlestown, South Kingstown, Westerly); Sen. Tiara T. Mack (D-Dist. 6, Providence); Sen. Ana B. Quezada (D-Dist. 2, Providence) and Sen. Linda L. Ujifusa (D-Dist. 11, Portsmouth, Bristol).
The RIBLIA Caucus represents and advocates for the interests of disadvantaged people throughout the State of Rhode Island.
It seeks to increase a diverse participation and representation in all levels of government.
The goal is to close, and ultimately to eliminate, disparities that still exist between white and non-white Americans in every aspect of life.