Mayor Elorza Inducts Three Community Leaders into MLK Hall of Fame

PROVIDENCE, RI – Mayor Jorge O. Elorza joined City Council President David
Salvatore and other Councilors, as well as community and faith leaders to induct
Pilar McCloud, the late City Councilman Philip Addison Jr. and Mary C. Jones into
the City’s Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Hall of Fame. The induction ceremony
was held in the City Council Chamber at City Hall marking the 15th Annual Martin
Luther King Jr. Hall of Fame Awards.

«The people being honored have changed the fabric of our city through strong and
selfless leadership,» said Mayor Jorge O. Elorza. «During a time when it seems as
though the forces that divide us are stronger than ever, it is incredibly important
to celebrate leaders committed to unifying and making our communities stronger.»

The ceremony, sponsored by the Providence Human Relations Commission was hosted by
past inductee and current Human Relations Commissioner Chace Baptista. It featured
performances by the Eastern Medicine Singers, Soraiya Marines and Joe Wilson Jr.

The MLK Hall of Fame recognizes individuals who carry on the legacy of the late
Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. within the community. Inductees have made
substantial contributions to acceptance, social justice, civil rights and equality
in the City of Providence.

Pilar McCloud is the NAACP Providence Youth Works Chairwoman and has dedicated more
than a decade to community service. She is the Founder and Chief Executive Officer
of A Sweet Creation youth organization and serves on Mayor Elorza’s Advisory Council
to Reduce Gun Violence.

Late City Councilman Philip Addison Jr. was the first African American elected to
the Providence City Council. He took office in 1969 after a special election and
represented the Mount Hope neighborhood until he stepped down in 1981. Councilman
Addison passed away in 2006 after devoting his life to public services and helping
others.

Mary C. Jones is a long-time resident of Smith Hill and former Smith Hill librarian.
Throughout her 40 year tenure, Jones brought and developed many programs focusing on
cultural awareness, education, health, and the advancement of marginalized groups.
She served on numerous boards, committees, and commissions such as the Providence
Health Center Board. Jones was a founder of the Smith Hill Community Corporation and
served on its board for close to 20 years.