05-R353

2005 -- H 6649

Enacted 06/028/05

H O U S E R E S O L U T I O N

PROCLAIMING THE MONTH OF JULY 2005 TO BE "CAPE VERDEAN MONTH" IN THE STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

Introduced By: Representatives O`Neill, Fox, Kilmartin, and Lewiss

Date Introduced: June 28, 2005

     WHEREAS, In the 1740s, whaling ships from New England began to routinely travel to

Cape Verde where they often recruited local men to work the boats. By the late 1800s to early

1900s, many of these men traveled back to New England; and

     WHEREAS, The Cape Verde sailors began to settle in Cape Cod, working the cranberry

bogs. Many also populated Providence's Fox Point neighborhoods, working on the waterfronts

and in the textile mills, and establishing one of the oldest and largest Cape Verdean communities

in America; and

     WHEREAS, More than three generations of Cape Verdeans have been born and raised in

Rhode Island. The population is an active and vital part of the state's culture and diversity,

contributing and participating in all areas of the community through various business, artistic and

cultural contributions; and

     WHEREAS, Rhode Island is a state rich in diversity and steeped in a myriad of cultures.

Exchanges of ideas and commonality has forged bonds of understanding and respect between the

citizenry. Rhode Islanders are not only aware and sensitive to each other's ethnic way of life, but

strive to support, celebrate and embrace the social patterns of all its people; now, therefore be it

     RESOLVED, That this House of Representatives of the State of Rhode Island and

Providence Plantations hereby recognizes Rhode Island's Cape Verdean Community for the

numerous contributions they have generously made to the enrichment of this state and proclaims

the month of July as "Cape Verdean Month" in the State of Rhode Island; and be it further

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

transmit a duly certified copy of this resolution to the Prime Minister of the Republic of Cape

Verde.

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LC03607

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