East Providence To Create Community Advisory Board On Race

EAST PROVIDENCE, RI — An East Providence Community Advisory Board has been created in an effort to promote communication within the city and the administration, reduce systemic racism and promote the values of diversity and inclusiveness within the city.

"The creation of this group will help to further the dialogue between the various racial and ethnic groups of our city," Mayor Bob DaSilva said in a statement. "East Providence is a diverse community, and this board will allow our various communities to express their concerns, offer suggestions and create meaningful conversations with each other and the administration."

DaSilva's office said the board will include 15 city residents from a diverse background within the community.

Elmer Pina, the city's Affirmative Action/Equal Employment Opportunity Officer, has also been named the city's new municipal integrity officer. Pina will be the point of contact of any complaints from city residents of social injustice, systemic racism within the community and other complaints.

"I am extremely excited to be appointed by Mayor DaSilva as the Municipal Integrity Officer for the City of East Providence," Pina said. "During these challenging and unprecedented times, the City of East Providence has continued to rise and be a leader in the state. I look forward to assisting and addressing issues of inequality."

Residents who are interested in joining the Community Advisory Board should contact Elmer Pina at epina@eastprovidenceri.gov or apply here.