Rhode Island Legislative Black and Latino Caucus plans Black History Month event at State House

STATE HOUSE — The Rhode Island Legislative Black and Latino Caucus will sponsor a Black History Month celebration in the State House Library on Tuesday, Feb. 13 at 3 p.m.

Co-Chairs of the Rhode Island Legislative Black and Latino Caucus Rep. Shelby Maldonado (D-Dist. 56, Central Falls) and Rep. Carlos E. Tobon (D-Dist. 58, Pawtucket) will give the opening remarks and introduce the caucus members.

This year’s keynote speaker is Brent Leggs, director of the African American Cultural Heritage Action Fund at the National Trust for Historic Preservation. The fund is a national campaign committed to raising $25 million to preserve and celebrate the contributions of the African American community and make a lasting contribution to the country’s cultural landscape.

Black History Month is a celebration of African-American people and events, and has been celebrated annually in February in the United States since 1976.

The Rhode Island Legislative Black and Latino 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 ultimate goal is to close (and ultimately, to eliminate) disparities that still exist between white and non-white Americans in every aspect of life.

The event will be televised by Capitol Television, which can be seen on Cox on Channel 15 or in high definition on Channel 1013, and on Channel 34 by Verizon and Full Channel subscribers. It will also be streamed at www.rilin.state.ri.us/CapTV.