'Providence Plantations' Removed From RI State Documents

PROVIDENCE, RI — Several Rhode Island state leaders committed to removing the phrase "Providence Plantations" from official documents going forward. Gov. Gina Raimondo said that although the state was not named after traditional slave plantations, the phrase is still painful to people of color who live and work in the state.

"It's past time to get rid of it," Raimondo said Monday afternoon. "We can't ignore the image conjured by the name 'plantations.' It's a painful phrase."

Raimondo announced her intention to remove the phrase from gubernatorial citations and orders, official websites, correspondence and paystubs. Following the announcement, General Treasurer Seth Magaziner and the General Assembly agreed to do the same within their departments.

Addressing those who say the full name "The State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations" is reflective of the state's history, and to shorten it would erase that history, Raimondo said that concern is outweighed by the "sense of hurt, pain and grief" felt by state workers who have to see it on their paychecks and on citations from the governor, which are meant to be celebratory or accomplishments.

Last week, the Senate approved a resolution that would place the question on the ballot in November, 10 years after Rhode Island voters overwhelmingly voted in favor of keeping the name intact. Raimondo urged the House of Representatives to approve the measure when the General Assembly reconvenes in July.

"Let's get this on the ballot and get this done in November," she said. "Because words do matter. Symbols matter."

Read more:

• Raimondo To Strike 'Providence Plantations' From State Documents
• Rhode Island: Smallest State With Largest Name Controversy