The History of Hispanics in RI Politics
Marques Coleman, GoLocalProv Contributor
The History of Hispanics in RI Politics
Providence Ward 10 Councilman Luis Aponte, the first latino to win office in RI, weighed in on the history of hispanics in Rhode Island politics. “It’s hard to pinpoint one person who has had the biggest impact on RI politics for the Latino community. It has, in fact, been an evolution in time,” Aponte says.
“People have been making a difference since back in the 1970’s. It’s a great thing how the Latino communities can emerge to become a political power.”
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In fact, it has proven that Aponte, and even Taveras now, are having a huge impact on politics in Rhode Island.
“An interesting dynamic about it now is that the Latinos who have been born and raised here are now running for positions. It’s truly a great thing. There is a sort of civic responsibility that is being fostered now.”
The evolution does, indeed, have some key players. Tony Affigne, esteemed professor at Providence College, was the first latino to run for public office in 1982.
Edward Lopez was the 1998 republican candidate for Secretary of State. Lopez, at the same time, founded the Republican Hispanic Assembly of Rhode Island.
Juan Pichardo became the first Latino State Senator representing Senate District 2, Providence, on January 7, 2003. Pichardo has proved to be both a solid senator and community leader.
It is clear than the Latino community has had its place in Rhode Island politics. It will be very interesting to see how the involvement evolves in the future.