Cranston City Council Declares Racism a Public Health Issue
Saturday, October 10, 2020
This week the Cranston City Council unanimously approved a resolution introduced by Councilmembers John Donegan and Aniece Germain, declaring racism as a public health issue in Cranston, and resolving to work towards the elimination of racial disparities and all systems of racism.
“Systemic racism is real and it corrupts our institutions in the ways we see all around us,” said first-term City Councilmember John Donegan, Ward 3. Top Republican members of the City Council joined in supporting the Democratic effort.
Data for the census tracts that comprise part of Ward 3 highlight the inequalities that exist in Cranston. Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) make up a greater percentage of the population in the Ward than they do in the City totals, claims Donegan.
GET THE LATEST BREAKING NEWS HERE -- SIGN UP FOR GOLOCAL FREE DAILY EBLASTIn these census tracts, fewer people obtain a bachelor's degree, the per capita income is lower, more people rely on public health coverage, there are also higher rates of uninsured individuals, lower rates of owner-occupied housing units, and higher rates of unemployment.
Cranston is Rhode Island's second-largest city.
“These inequities run deep into the foundations of this country, and prevent, for too many, the realization of the promises which our nation was founded upon,” said Donegan. “It is incumbent upon elected officials at every level of government to pursue anti-racist policies and eradicate systems of racism within our communities. Passing this resolution is a very small step in the process of working towards undoing systemic racism.”
Racial inequities are widespread in Cranston and not limited to just Ward 3. The data show higher rates of poverty throughout the City in areas with a greater number of people color. Estimates from 2010-2014 show that roughly 5% of White households in Cranston live in poverty, while approximately 14% of Black and Asian households and 18% of Hispanic households live in poverty.
“Approving this resolution affirms our commitment to prioritizing racial equity in our decision-making processes, acknowledges that communities of color have borne the burdens of inequitable social, environmental, and economic policy practices and investments and to recognize that racial equity is realized when and only when race can no longer be used to predict life outcomes,” said City Councilwoman Aniece Germain. “We are committed to this work, and welcome all voices to the table as we seek to undo elements of systemic racism in Cranston.”
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