Watson on Why the Lack of Diversity in Providence City Government Matters

Watson on Why the Lack of Diversity in Providence City Government Matters

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.