Watson on Why the Lack of Diversity in Providence City Government Matters
Thursday, August 03, 2017
Providence Mount Hope community leader Ray Watson appeared on GoLocal LIVE with GoLocal's Kate Nagle on Wednesday, and spoke to GoLocal's investigation which found Providence Mayor Jorge Elorza's leadership ranks are even less diverse, percentage-wise, than the Trump administration -- and why it matters.
A GoLocal story on Wednesday reported that of the more than 30 top appointed positions in the City of Providence by Mayor Jorge Elorza, only five of 31 positions are filled by individuals who are racial minorities. The composition of the leadership sits in stark contrast with the make-up of the population of the City of Providence — which is majority-minority. The most under-represented in the top positions are Latinos — while the Capital city’s population is just under 30 percent Latino, only 6.4 percent of the top city officials are filled by Latinos. Carolyn Arias is the Director of Telecom and Kathy Placencia heads the Board of Canvassers.
Related Slideshow: Male African American Leaders in RI - 2015
GoLocal asked some of the leaders in Rhode Island who are African-American about their experience with police - read what they have to say and their suggestions to improve the relationship.
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