Boycott Allie’s, Says RI State Rep and Veteran — “No Need to Provide Me With a Discount”
Monday, June 08, 2020
Rhode Island State Representative and retired Navy officer Camille Vella-Wilkinson said on Sunday that Allie’s Donuts should be boycotted for denying discounts to police and military, with the business citing racism as the reason.
Vella-Wilkinson stressed however her position was personal — and not political.
“I supported the peaceful demonstrations against violence, racism and discrimination by attending a rally at the Statehouse alongside fellow legislators with quiet dignity,” said Vella-Wilkinson. “I will protest Allie's Donuts with my fellow veterans in the same manner.”
GET THE LATEST BREAKING NEWS HERE -- SIGN UP FOR GOLOCAL FREE DAILY EBLASTVella-Wilkinson's Statement
Vella-Wilkinson said the following on Sunday:
"I understand the right of 'Freedom of Speech.' Having taken an Oath to support and defend the Constitution of the US when I enlisted and later became a Commissioned Officer in the Navy; for each of my three inaugurals for the Warwick City Council and two inaugurals in the RI House of Representatives. The Oath of Office is not 'pomp and circumstance;' it is my promise to our citizens.
While Allie's was frosting donuts during the Cold War, I was trained and served as a Cite Team Leader to respond to Nuclear incidents at Ground Zero; a Division Officer for Guidance Systems and Missile Production; a Courier Officer aboard a Merchant Marine ship and numerous other positions for the protection of our great country. No need to thank me for my service, wear a yellow ribbon or provide me with a discount.
Allie's Inc. represents three generations of bakers and store owners. My family has over six generations of military and law enforcement. We fought to maintain all constitutional rights. No fanfare; no gratitude; no bullshit. And I believe my family is fairly typical of those who have a 'family business' as First Responders.
I supported the peaceful demonstrations against violence, racism and discrimination by attending a rally at the Statehouse alongside fellow legislators with quiet dignity. I will protest Allie's Donuts with my fellow veterans in the same manner.
Allies painted us all with the same wide brush; next time stick with what you do best. #boycottAlliesDonuts"
Diversity in RI
Vella Wilkinson, in an interview with GoLocalProv on Sunday, explained her personal position on Allie’s — and public position on the need for more diversity in Rhode Island government, and especially the judiciary.
“Veterans have reached out to me to say they appreciate that I didn’t stay silent,” said Vella-Wilkinson of her boycott call. “They didn’t understand why veterans were being lumped in with bad actors who were showing violence against people of color.”
Vella-Wilkinson said she “hadn’t heard personally from anyone” who supports Allie’s position, which was announced this weekend and defended by the donut company on Sunday.
“I can remember protesting into the '70s for women’s rights. Gay rights. So that’s why when I put the post on in regard to Allie’s, it was my personal opinion. This isn’t politics. I didn’t want people to feel I said something because this is an election year,” said Vella-Wilkinson.
“My husband and father-in-law are retired police, and they’re good men," said said. "But look, there are good and bad people everywhere. Take nurses. There have been stories of elderly family members neglected in nursing homes. But we have had wonderful nurses out there, too, working hard.”
Vella-Wilkinson spoke to attending the press conference spearheaded by Representative Anastasia Williams last week calling for racial equity in state government.
“With many of the issues that Williams brought up, the equity issues, I signed on as a cosponsor,” said Vella-Wilkinson. “I’ve been on the commission for human rights, which is empowered with the enforcement of anti-discrimination laws.”
Vella-Wilkinson said she supports Williams' call for a more diverse judiciary.
“I agree. We should have greater diversity [on the courts],” said Vella-Wilkinson. “I’ve had this conversation with colleagues. I understand separation of powers, but if we go out of our way to make sure the public schools are a reflection of our diversity — why shouldn’t our courts?”
This story was first published 6/7/20 7:11 PM
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