“It is a tremendous honor to be elected by our peers as the new co-chairs of the RI Legislative Black and Latino Caucus and we are eager to continue the caucus’s work during the new legislative session. There are still so many challenges facing Rhode Island’s community of color and the caucus is committed to working with the General Assembly and all of the dedicated community organizations to continue advocating for the voiceless at the State House, ensuring that every Rhode Islander is treated with dignity, respect and compassion,” said Senator Acosta and Representative Felix.
“I know that both Representative Felix and Senator Acosta will do an incredible job continuing the important work of the caucus over their leadership term. We made great strides over the past two years, in particular when confronting the inequities regarding the pandemic, and I am looking forward to working with both co-chairs to continue the caucus’s positive momentum into 2023,” said Representative Alzate.
In addition to Representatives Felix and Alzate and Senator Acosta, the caucus includes Rep. Marvin L. Abney (D-Dist. 73, Newport, Middletown); Rep. Jose F. Batista (D-Dist. 12, Providence); Rep. Nathan W. Biah (D-Dist. 3, Providence); 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); 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); Sen. Sandra Cano (D-Dist. 8, Pawtucket); Sen. Tiara T. Mack (D-Dist. 6, Providence) and Sen. Ana B. Quezada (D-Dist. 2, Providence).
Reps. Enrique Sanchez (D-Dist. 9, Providence); Cheri L. Cruz (D-Dist. 58, Pawtucket) and Jennifer Stewart (D-Dist. 59, Pawtucket) and Sens. Robert Britto (D-Dist. 18, East Providence, Pawtucket), Victoria Gu (D-Dist. 38, Westerly, Charlestown, South Kingstown) and Linda L. Ujifusa (D-Dist. 11, Portsmouth, Bristol) are the newest members of the caucus.
The Rhode Island Legislative Black and Latino Caucus (RILBLC) 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.