2024 -- S 3142

========

LC006203

========

     STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY

JANUARY SESSION, A.D. 2024

____________

S E N A T E   R E S O L U T I O N

PROCLAIMING AND ACKNOWLEDGING JUNE OF 2024 AS "PORTUGUESE

AMERICAN HERITAGE MONTH" IN THE STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

     Introduced By: Senators de la Cruz, Rogers, Lawson, Britto, Lauria, Pearson, Bissaillon,
Acosta, Felag, and F. Lombardi

     Date Introduced: June 06, 2024

     Referred To: Recommended for Immediate Consideration

     WHEREAS, Rhode Island takes immense pride in its cultural diversity and heritage, and

proudly recognizes the significant contributions of the Portuguese American community since

colonial times; and

     WHEREAS, The Rhode Island Day of Portugal advocates for honoring all Portuguese

Americans by declaring June as Portuguese American Heritage Month in the State of Rhode

Island; and

     WHEREAS, Portuguese Americans constitute a substantial and vibrant segment of

Rhode Island's population, with strong communities in cities including Bristol, East Providence,

Cumberland, Pawtucket, Portsmouth, Tiverton, Warren, Cranston, West Warwick, Newport, and

Providence; and

     WHEREAS, The contributions of Portuguese Americans to Rhode Island are celebrated

annually through cultural events such as the Rhode Island Day of Portugal Heritage Festival and

various church and club festivals, showcasing Portuguese culture, music, dance, food, and

traditions; and

     WHEREAS, The Portuguese American community has played a pivotal role in Rhode

Island's educational, political, and social advancement, with many leaders and citizens of

Portuguese descent serving in public service roles; and

     WHEREAS, The month of June holds significance, as Portugal's National Day on June

10th commemorates the legacy of Luís de Camões, Portugal's national poet, whose works have

left an indelible mark on world literature; and

     WHEREAS, The Portuguese American community in Rhode Island has demonstrated

resilience and hard work, and has contributed significantly to various industries such as whaling,

fishing, textiles, and jewelry, thereby shaping the State's economic landscape; and

     WHEREAS, The historic Our Lady of the Rosary Church in Providence, which was

founded in 1886 by Portuguese immigrants, stands as the oldest continuously active Portuguese

American church in the United States, and symbolizes the enduring legacy of Portuguese

immigration to Rhode Island; and

     WHEREAS, The contributions of early Portuguese Jews, such as Jacob Rodrigues

Rivera, Aaron Lopez, and Isaac Touro, are commemorated by landmarks like the historic Touro

Synagogue in Newport, which symbolizes religious freedom and tolerance in the United States;

and

     WHEREAS, The Portuguese Discovery Monument at Brenton Point celebrates Portugal's

legacy of nautical innovation, honoring Prince Henry's establishment of a nautical school in

Sagres Point in 1419 and the development of the Caravel, a vessel that revolutionized maritime

exploration; now, therefore be it

     RESOLVED, That this Senate of the State of Rhode Island hereby proclaims and

acknowledges June of 2024 as “Portuguese American Heritage Month” in recognition of the

enduring contributions of Portuguese Americans to the State's cultural, economic, and social

fabric; and be it further

     RESOLVED, That the Secretary of State be and hereby is authorized and directed to

transmit duly certified copies of this resolution to Governor Daniel McKee, the Prime Minister of

Portugal, the President of Portugal, the Vice-Consulate of Portugal in Providence, and the Rhode

Island Day of Portugal nonprofit organization.

========

LC006203

========

LC006203 - Page 2 of 2