Why is he fundraising for it? Biden's inauguration will be virtual. Successfully ending a campaign that began over 10 years ago, a referendum to remove “Providence Plantations” from the state name of Rhode Island passed on … ", The order will shorten the name to "Rhode Island" in official communications from the governor's office, including executive orders and citations, and will also change the state's website. Providence Plantations was the first permanent European American settlement in Rhode Island. NAME CHANGE Rhode Island was incorporated as The State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations when it declared statehood in 1790, and voters are being asked to strip the “and Providence Plantations” wording. The Colony of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations was one of the original Thirteen Colonies established on the east coast of America, bordering the Atlantic Ocean. "Many of the State's residents find it painful that a word so closely associated with slavery should appear in the official name of the State," Raimondo wrote. Thursday, November 5, 2020. STATE NAME CHANGE. PROVIDENCE — With national attention riveted on matters of racism and inequality, some Rhode Islanders are renewing an attempt to remove the word “plantations” from the state’s official name. I understand the issues that Senator Metts raises and respect how feels regarding his proposal to change the full name of our State. Gina Raimondo and other state officials, drew more than 11,000 signatures. The petition has even gotten Gov. In June, Rhode Island — known formally as the State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations — announced that it would drop the second half of its official name … The University changed its official name from “Brown University in Providence in the State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations” to “Brown University,” according to a letter from President Christina Paxson P’19, Provost Richard Locke P’18 and Executive Vice President for Finance and Administration Barbara Chernow ’79 released Sept. 1. Opponents to the state name change, like noted Rhode Island historian Patrick Conley, insists that his opposition is not racist, since at the time … Officially, Rhode Island was incorporated as The State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations when it declared statehood in 1790. The push for the name change had some big supporters. According to a report from the Providence Journal, nearly 78 percent of voters in 2010 rejected an amendment that would have removed "Providence Plantations" from the state's name. Rhode Island Gov. He references images of the plantations in Virginia where his grandmother lived. Down the road, the smallest state obtained the longest name when Rhode Island merged with Providence Plantations. With 100 percent of precincts reporting, the amendment dropping "Providence Plantations" passed with 52.9 percent of the vote, according to unofficial state results. Gina Raimondo signed an executive order to that could lead to “and Providence Plantations” being removed from the state’s official name (Rhode Island and Providence Plantations). Reason for Name Change (be specific): Petitioner Requests a Name Change to: If applicable, the name on the birth record should be changed to: CHANGE OF NAME RIGL 33-22-28 PC-8.1 (Rev. MARY LOUISE KELLY, … The order removed the name from official websites and correspondence, citations, state employee pay stubs and gubernatorial orders, the governor's office said at the time. Name Origins of the name. Officially, the tiniest state's name remains Rhode Island and Providence Plantations. In 2010, the state's voters soundly rejected Question 1, which asked if the official name, "State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations," should be changed to simply "Rhode Island." Nicholas Michael / Herald. And if you're eager to make your own lexicon more inclusive, start by ditching these 7 Common Phrases That You Didn't Know Have Racist Origins. By Caelyn Pender. The question of whether to strike “Providence Plantations” from the state’s official name was on the ballot once before in 2010, but an overwhelming percentage of voters ― nearly 78% ― decided against the change. Proponents of the change argued that the word “plantations” has associations with southern plantations and Rhode Island’s participation in the slave trade. But Metts said he has renewed hope. New U.S. laws for 2021: Virus aid, minimum wage, legal weed, 26 retirees die after visit by COVID-infected Santa, North Korea's Kim sends rare New Year's cards to his people, 2 new cops identified in Black man's death; lawyer rips "coverup", Arrest made in alleged spoiling of hundreds of vaccine doses, Wild brawl erupts at end of Tulsa-Mississippi State bowl game, Biden outlines plan for next round of COVID relief, Biden committed to immigration pledges, advisers say, Biden announces Miguel Cardona as education secretary nominee. A previous effort to strike "Providence Plantations" from the state name met sound defeat in 2010, but Metts said he, Williams and other state legislators have continued to push for the change. Gina Raimondo said it should be up to voters to decide if "Providence Plantations" is removed from the state's full name due to slavery implications. "It is a hurtful term to so many of us.". The current official name of Rhode Island is the "State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations." Gov. Rhode Island voters will decide on Election Day whether or not to remove the phrase “Providence Plantations” from the state’s official name. Voters in Rhode Island have passed a ballot measure that will drop the words "Providence Plantations" from the official state name. The state legislature signaled it will move forward with the referendum. Now … But, the history of how we got this name is often forgotten. Rhode Island Governor Gina Raimondo signed an executive order on Monday taking the 'first steps' to change the state's full name: 'The State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations.' Gina Raimondo (D) signed an executive order in the summer to change the name from "State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations" to "State … June 24, 2020 / 11:44 AM / CBS News The state of Rhode Island is moving to change its official name — "The State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations" — due … Our state’s official name is The State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations. A previous effort to strike "Providence Plantations" from the state name met sound defeat in 2010, but Metts said he, Williams and other state legislators had continued to push for the change. Over 7,300 people have signed a petition supporting the name change. FILE - This Jan. 21, 2000, file photo shows the seal bearing the official name "State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations" on the floor of the Statehouse rotunda in Providence, R.I. A statewide ballot question in the Nov. 3, 2020, election asks voters whether to shorten the state's official name to drop the plantations reference. It was founded by Roger Williams. Some Rhode Islanders pride themselves on living in the “smallest state with the longest name”. "A decade has passed since the public was asked this question. "The pain that this association causes to some of our residents should be of concern to all Rhode Islanders and we should do everything in our power to ensure that all communities can take pride in our State. Was a beauty queen-turned-teacher murdered by former student? In the nation wide election that took place on November 3, 2020, 52.8% of Rhode Island voters approved a measure to remove the phrase “Providence Plantations” from the end of the state’s official name, MASSLIVE reported. Rhode Island Gov. With 100 percent of precincts reporting, the amendment dropping "Providence Plantations" passed with 52.9 percent of the vote. Today, Rhode Islanders should reflect on that past, and pay their respects by removing “Providence Plantations” from its name. Rhode Island voters drop 'Providence Plantations' from state name With 100 percent of precincts reporting, the amendment dropping "Providence Plantations" passed with … The governor has removed the phrase "Providence Plantations" from official websites and state documents, and legislators agreed the question of changing the name should go to … Name alterations have been attempted before - most recently in 2010, when nearly eight in 10 voters rejected the shorter name in a referendum. June 24, 2020 / 11:44 AM Despite its name, most of Rhode Island is located on the mainland of the United States. Voters will need to choose to amend the Rhode Island Constitution in November before the state's official name can be permanently changed. Name alterations have been attempted before - most recently in 2010, when nearly eight in 10 voters rejected the shorter name in a referendum. The name dates to the 17th century, when the Puritan minister Roger Williams founded plantations on the Providence River that later became the colony — and then the state — of Rhode Island. Providence Plantations became the Colony of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations, which became the State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations after the American Revolution. Rhode Island Governor Gina Raimondo signed an executive order on Monday taking the 'first steps' to change the state's full name: 'The State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations.' ... Officially, Rhode Island was incorporated as "The State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations" when it declared statehood in 1790. June 12, 2020 The state commonly known as Rhode Island has a longer official name: State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations. PROVIDENCE — With national attention riveted on matters of racism and inequality, some Rhode Islanders are renewing an attempt to remove the word “plantations” from the state’s official name. I am very disappointed in the vote to remove our 387-year-old name from the state's nomenclature. Proponents of the change argued that the word “plantations” has associations with southern plantations and Rhode Island’s participation in the slave trade. It will also remove the word "plantations" from all state agency websites and official correspondence, effective "as soon as practicable.". The name change authorizes the official removal of the phrase from all governor and state correspondence as well as all state agency websites, according to MASSLIVE. Rhode Island considers 'plantation' name change. / CBS News. On June 19, 2020, the mayor of Providence, Jorge Elorza (D), signed an executive order that removed "Plantations" from city documents and oath ceremonies. Gov. PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI) — Rhode Island voters have approved Question 1 to remove the phrase “and Providence Plantations” from the state’s official name, The Associated Press projects. For an optimal experience visit our site on another browser. Portland police declare a riot as protest gets out of control, Minneapolis police shoot and kill man during traffic stop, Cop who witnessed Andre Hill shooting says she didn't see a threat, Louisville police move to fire 2 officers involved in Breonna Taylor raid, DOJ declines to charge officers in Tamir Rice case, California Privacy/Information We Collect. The people have spoken, and the state's full name – The State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations – will be shortened to remove language … Rhode Island To Change State's Controversial Full Name Voters in Rhode Island have passed a ballot measure that will drop the words "Providence Plantations" from the official state name. Senior Staff Writer. Attitudes may have changed substantially, even in the past few years — and even in the past few weeks," Metts said in a statement. Rhode Island’s name will no longer include “plantations” after a referendum passed to remove the word on Tuesday, ending a decade-long push. Down the road, the smallest state obtained the longest name when Rhode Island merged with Providence Plantations. And if you're eager to make your own lexicon more inclusive, start by ditching these 7 Common Phrases That You Didn't Know Have Racist Origins. Rhode Island's official name is "The State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations," and the state may remove that last part, to avoid slavery connotations. Rhode Island is now just ... Rhode Island. Previous attempts to change the state’s name have failed after the issue was put on the ballot. The seal of the State of Rhode Island adorns a lectern at a news conference where Gov. Gina Raimondo said it should be up to voters to decide if "Providence Plantations" is removed from the state's full name due to slavery implications. The state’s official name, “The State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations,” appears on state documents. © 2020 CBS Interactive Inc. All Rights Reserved. ", First published on June 23, 2020 / 3:50 PM. Gov. The Rhode Island Senate unanimously called for a statewide vote on the name change last week after the bill was introduced in part by the state's only Black senator, Harold Metts. The state of Rhode Island is moving to change its official name — "The State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations" — due to its connection to slavery. Rhode Island voters will decide on Election Day whether or not to remove the phrase “Providence Plantations” from the state’s official name. "Whatever the meaning of the term 'plantations' in the context of Rhode Island's history, it carries a horrific connotation when considering the tragic and racist history of our nation. The addition of “and Providence Plantations” happened in 1644 after the colonial merger of Providence, Portsmouth, Newport, and Warwick. PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WLNE)– “The State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations” is the official– though seldom used– full name of the state. i can't tell if this is a bit, but the official name is Rhode Island and Providence Plantations (which, imagine knowing that) and they're gonna change it to remove the plantation part. Gina Raimondo signed an executive order to that could lead to “and Providence Plantations” being removed from the state’s official name (Rhode Island and Providence Plantations). The seal of the state of Rhode Island on a lectern during a news conference in Providence on June 22. This isn't the first time the state has attempted to change its name: When the state tried in 2010, 78% of voters opposed the removal of "Providence Plantations." He references images of the plantations in Virginia where his grandmother lived. A previous effort to strike "Providence Plantations" from the state name met sound defeat in 2010, but Metts said he, Williams and other state legislators have continued to push for the change. But, the history of how we got this name is often forgotten. Copyright © 2021 CBS Interactive Inc. All rights reserved. An online petition this year pointed to the state's history as a slave-trading hub and argued that its name "holds the memory of an economic foundation built on slavery, and only keeps us connected to a shameful past.". IE 11 is not supported. A recent Change.org petition calling for the removal of “and Providence Plantations” from the state’s official name has garnered thousands of signatures. Tim Stelloh is a reporter for NBC News based in California. "Whatever the history of the term is in Rhode Island, it is an unnecessary and painful reminder of our nation's racist past," Metts, who traces his lineage on his mother's side to the Speck Plantation near Charlottesville, Virginia, said in a statement. A previous effort to strike "Providence Plantations" from the state name met sound defeat in 2010, but Metts said he, Williams and other state legislators have continued to push for the change. According to a report from the Providence Journal, nearly 78 percent of voters in 2010 rejected an amendment that would have removed "Providence Plantations" from the state's name. “Rhode Island and Providence Plantations” has been the official full name of the state since the colonial era, created by the unification of the original “four towns,” which in order of their dates of founding were Providence (1636), Pocasset/Portsmouth (1638), Newport (1639), and Shawomet/Warwick (1642). Governor Gina Raimondo addresses protesters, saying a prayer with them and telling them she will listen and work with them, after they called for her to come out and hear their demands during a Black Lives Matter rally on the steps of the State House in Providence, Rhode Island on June 5, 2020. Tracking Biden's Cabinet picks as administration takes shape, DACA faces biggest legal test ahead of Biden presidency, Biden taps Deb Haaland to be 1st Native American interior secretary, Biden plans to nominate Michael Regan as EPA chief, Biden announces Pete Buttigieg as pick to lead Transportation Department, Juneteenth: Story behind 155-year-old holiday. "Rhode Island was founded on the principles of acceptance and tolerance, and our state's name — and actions — should reflect those values," she said at the time. A prior campaign to change the name A previous effort to strike "Providence Plantations" from the state name met sound defeat in 2010, but Metts said … Gina Raimondo’s attention – she suggested last week that the issue appear on the 2020 ballot. On June 22, Raimondo signed an executive order calling on voters to amend the state constitution to make the change. Other government officials have already removed "Plantations" from state and local documents. In 1643/1644, the towns were combined under their current name […] But the governor jettisoned the latter phrase from state documents, with a vote on it likely to follow. Senate to vote on overriding Trump's veto of defense bill, U.S. surpasses 20 million cases of coronavirus. Rhode Island Governor Gina Raimondo signed an executive order on Monday to change what appears on government documents, and the state's legislature is moving forward with a bill to alter the name entirely. Riding a national wave of awareness about racial injustice, Rhode Island voters on Tuesday approved shortening the state’s official name and lopping off the centuries-old phrase – … An effort in 2010 to tweak the state's name failed. Voters agreed to strip the words “and Providence Plantations” from Rhode Island’s formal name, approving a statewide referendum that had been revived amid the nation’s reckoning with racial injustice. Our state’s official name is The State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations. But the order would shorten it to just “Rhode Island”. Sophie Lewis is a social media producer and trending writer for CBS News, focusing on space and climate change. Gina Raimondo and General Assembly leaders all struck the word plantations from their official documents … Some Rhode Islanders pride themselves on living in the “smallest state with the longest name”. The name dates to the 17th century, when the Puritan minister Roger Williams founded plantations on the Providence River that later became the colony — and then the state — of Rhode Island. Voters approved a constitutional amendment Tuesday that strips part of what has long been the state's official name — "Rhode Island and Providence Plantations.". Reason for Name Change (be specific): Petitioner Requests a Name Change to: If applicable, the name on the birth record should be changed to: CHANGE OF NAME RIGL 33-22-28 PC-8.1 (Rev. Susan E. Anderson lives in Tiverton. The phrase, which has … Gov. Gina Raimondo announced an executive order removing the … The petition calling for the three-word deletion, which was directed to Gov. The addition of “and Providence Plantations” happened in 1644 after the colonial merger of Providence, Portsmouth, Newport, and Warwick. It was established by a group of colonists led by Roger Williams and Dr. John Clarke who left Massachusetts Bay Colony in order to establish a colony with greater religious freedom. The name change comes as states, cities and institutions continue to grapple with Confederate monuments, a state flag and other symbols that many view as racist and legacies of white supremacy. I understand the issues that Senator Metts raises and respect how feels regarding his proposal to change the full name of our State. An effort in 2010 to tweak the state's name failed, with only 22 percent of voters supporting the measure. A prior campaign to change the name A previous effort to strike "Providence Plantations" from the state name met sound defeat in 2010, but Metts said … "Rhode Island was founded on the principles of acceptance and tolerance, and our state's name – and actions – should reflect those values," Raimondo tweeted Monday. 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