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Official Statement from RI Pride:
PROVIDENCE, Rhode Island — Rhode Island Pride is in the process of reorganizing and forming a new Board of Directors. Coming out of the global pandemic, the organization is turning to longtime Pride organizer Rodney Davis to lead the charge with a group of committed members of our community. Rodney began his career with Rhode Island Pride as a volunteer in 1991 and began serving on the board in 1993. In addition to his Pride work, he currently serves on the African American Ambassadors Group with the City of Providence and is a co-facilitator of the All Black Lives Matter Mural Project being installed in Kennedy Plaza. We are hopeful that Rodney and a new planning committee will serve the community and promote LGBTQIA+ visibility and diversity in Rhode Island.
The new planning committee is committed to the reorganization, revitalization, and growth of Rhode Island Pride and deeply committed to Pride's mission of visibility, education, and advocacy for the entire LGBTQIA+ community. Mr. Davis stated that “While we, unfortunately, must announce the postponement of our annual PrideFest and Illuminated Night Parade, typically held on the 3rd Saturday in June, we are currently looking to move our celebration later in the year. This will allow us the time to adequately organize and celebrate 20 years of New England's only Illuminated Night Parade. We encourage members of the community to celebrate Pride through other events organized around the state.”
Mr. Davis added, “Rhode Island Pride is thankful to our community for catalyzing a period of reflection and growth for the organization, renewing our passion to fight for equality. Coming out of a pandemic requires that we reconnect with our community and develop the programs and events that support community organizations, businesses, faith communities, BIPOC people, and various groups whose missions are to support and champion the LGBTQIA+ community here in Rhode Island. 2021 marks the 45th anniversary of the first Pride march in Rhode Island and we are honored to be custodians of their courage and pride today!” The journey continues.
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