Sadly, Providence Was Once One of the Safest Cities in America

Sadly, Providence Was Once One of the Safest Cities in America

I remember a time when Providence was once considered one of the safest cities in America. I remember advertisements touting that phrase, "Providence, the safest city in America." It all seems like a dream now, something that was far far away.

It seems like you can't turn on the television news without hearing of gunshots, shootings, stabbings and some kind of violence.  How sad this is for our city of Providence we all love. Providence is the capital city of Rhode Island. It is the anchor city of our state, the anchor that should be holding steady to keep the rest of our state together.

It is the home to approximately 178,000 people of diverse heritages and cultures. Each of its 39 constituent neighborhoods is full of its own landmarks, customs and unique history. Many of the housing was built prior to World War II, making Providence one of the older and most historic cities in the country.

GET THE LATEST BREAKING NEWS HERE -- SIGN UP FOR GOLOCAL FREE DAILY EBLAST

During the 2014 campaign for Mayor of Providence, Candidate Vincent "Buddy" Cianci was quoted during a television debate as follows. " When I was Mayor, Providence was one of the five Renaissance cities of America, according to USA today in those days.  Money magazine said it was the fifth best city to live in in America. In addition to that, All Cities Almanac said in 1994, I believe , that it was the safest city in America."  This quote was ruled true by a Providence Journal PolitiFact article written by Alex Kuffner on October 2, 2014.

As a lifelong Providence resident, I have always felt safe. But the times are changing and there is reason for concern. I don't want to hear that the crime rate goes up in the summer months or that these  are isolated incidents because that doesn't make any of us feel better. I'm saddened when I tell people I live in Providence and they respond with the comment , " I use to live in Providence, but I moved out, it's too violent now. It's changed." The fact is when you talk to many Rhode Islanders they will tell you that their roots stemmed from Providence.  They will tell you they grew up in Federal hill, Mt. Pleasant, Smith Hill, Silver Lake, North end or the  South side etc. Providence was like a big old oak tree and its tree  branches consisted of  many neighborhoods where our ancestors lived in, labored in and built with their blood, sweat and tears. 

I know the Providence Police have their hands full and are trying their best. I don't envy the task that newly elected Mayor Elorza has before him. But I must admit there was a time when I felt Providence was safe and didn't think twice about being safe on our city streets. But that feeling has changed for many of us as we have to stop, look and listen to our surroundings now.

Too many young people are on the streets with illegal guns and do not think twice about using them. Are they gang members who are trying to take over our neighborhoods?  This violent culture has to stop.  Yes, I know  there are advocates out there working with the local gang members and  they are trying to help. But even they do not have all the answers to a problem that is growing and becoming more frequent.

We as Rhode Islanders have a lot to lose.  What starts in Providence, usually ends up in other cities and towns. Our city of Providence is also the home to many fine restaurants, businesses and  opportunities  that start the economic engine in our state. We need people to feel safe so that they will come to our city to enjoy seeing a show at Providence Performing Arts Center and then dining at one of the fine restaurants in Federal Hill or shopping in one of the many neighborhood markets. We need people to feel safe so they will continue to send their children to college here where we host some of the finest colleges and universities in the country. Whether it be Brown University, Providence College, Johnson and Wales, Rhode Island  School of design or Rhode Island college, we are proud that Providence has always been known as a college town with thousands of students coming here from all over the world.

It's not in the city of Providence's or Rhode Island's best interest for Providence to be rumored as unsafe or violent. The responsibility for change encompasses upon  all of us. There is something we can all do to try to stop the violence.

One thing that can be done is to fully cooperate with law enforcement. If you see something wrong or suspect fowl play, report it to Police. Don't bury your head in the sand.  Respect our law enforcement because they will need that respect to do their jobs and protect our communities. 

Attend neighborhood forums and meetings to discuss your concerns and fears about your neighborhood and street. Inform your local elected officials that you want to see their updates on crime statistics in your neighborhood and ask what they are doing to stay on top of the issue.

If you have time, volunteer at a  youth community recreation center as a coach or recreation worker for the summer months.

I was glad to see the resurrection of the Midnight Basketball league in our city announced by the Mayor which was  strongly advocated for by Kobi Dennis founder of Project Night Vision.  Midnight basketball was started years ago under the Cianci administration and youth have been asking for it  back for years. I have always felt that in order to prevent our children from violence, we have to keep them involved in the arts, sports and other projects to cultivate their interest.

Also get to  know your local council person or legislator and ask what progress is being done to ensure safe streets and safe schools. These are simple tasks but important ones.  I love my city of Providence as my parents, grandparents and ancestors did. They settled their roots in Providence to ensure a good safe life for their children and each other.  We owe it to them to preserve the past and pave the way for the future by getting involved in our neighborhoods.

The future of Providence depends on the involvement of the whole community to speak up and pay attention.  We cannot let the thugs and gangs destroy what our ancestors built here to ensure the American Dream.  It's our duty.  It's our right.  It's our neighborhoods.

It's time to stop the violence.

Joanne Giannini served as a RI State Representative from Providence from 1994 to 2010. She has previously written commentaries for the Providence Journal and the Federal Hill Gazette. During her tenure in the General Assembly, she made appearances on CNN, Primetime News, and American Morning regarding legislation she filed in Rhode Island.