Top 10 of 2010: Angel Taveras

Top 10 of 2010: Angel Taveras

From Head Start to Harvard was the core theme of Mayor-elect Angel Taveras’ campaign for Mayor of Providence. For Providence, the election of Taveras signals the transition of the city from an Italian-American political power-base to a city that's elected its first Hispanic Mayor.

For the tens of thousands of Hispanics who have moved to Providence in the past three decades it signals a monumental period of shared success and a clear indication of “we have arrived.”

In the African-American community in Providence, some have perceived the election of Angel Taveras as a "we got passed over (yet again)" moment. Certainly, the election of Taveras is a major transition from the Roberts, Doorley, Paolino and Cianci eras.

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GoLocalProv’s eight-part series, Providence’s First Hispanic Mayor, Angel Taveras, explored the historical impact of Taveras’ election. With the city facing financial chaos, union unrest, and a school system in need of reform – he faces a range of challenges.

2010 was the year of the first Hispanic Mayor of Providence; the next four years will determine the talent, leadership and skills of Angel Taveras.

Photo credit: Frank Mullin