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Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month

 

Rhode Island is a tapestry of different cultures with unique histories and customs coming together over centuries. It’s part of what makes us one of the most diverse and interesting states in the country. You can see evidence of these vibrant cultures everywhere you look, and we celebrate and embrace them year-round.

This month, we want to shine a special light on our Hispanic community as we celebrate National Hispanic Heritage Month (September 15–October 15). For generations, the Ocean State has been home to thriving Dominican, Puerto Rican, Mexican, and Guatemalan communities, among others, and we continue to welcome newcomers with open arms. We’d like to showcase some of the many Hispanic people we’re proud to call Rhode Islanders.  

Sworn into the Providence housing court in 2004, Roberto has the distinction of being Rhode Island’s first Latino judge. He moved to the state from New York City as a senior in high school and was soon accepted into the University of Rhode Island. Ever since, Roberto has been passionately involved in representing the local Hispanic community and ensuring that their voice is heard.   

Rev. Francisco Litardo has been the full-time pastor of Providence’s Iglesia Hispana “El Calvario” since 1974. After taking the position, Rev. Litardo noticed other communities in need of Spanish-speaking services and houses of worship, and for the past 48 years, he has helped start and shepherd dozens of Hispanic congregations across the New England area. His dynamic and stirring services inspire his flock while also helping instill in them a sense of Latino culture.  

Josefina moved to the Ocean State in 1955 and was a beacon of Dominican culture in Providence until her death in 2018. In 1959, she started Fefa’s Market, where fellow Dominicans could find food, newspapers, and other reminders of home. It was out of her market where she began sponsoring local Dominican immigrants and helping them with necessary tasks such as finding jobs, enrolling their children in schools, and getting driver’s licenses. She’s still remembered today as a well-loved and respected Rhode Islander and the “Mother of the Dominican Community.” 

Sabina Matos is a trailblazer on both a local and national scale. She was born in the Dominican Republic and emigrated to the U.S. in 1994. This proud graduate of Rhode Island College went on to become the 70th Lieutenant Governor of the state of Rhode Island. Not only is she the first Dominican American to hold this position in the country, but she’s just the second woman to hold this position in Rhode Island. She has also presided over several organizations, many of which promote Latino representation, culture, and advancement. 

A native of Rhode Island since the age of one, Angel Taveras has wanted nothing more than to help his community, regardless of nationality. After getting an education at Harvard and Dartmouth, Angel returned home to Rhode Island to begin a life of service, establishing an after-school program for children. He then realized he could help people on a bigger scale through politics and ran for mayor of Providence in 2010, winning the race and becoming the first Latino mayor of Providence and the fourth Latino to serve as mayor in the U.S.