2023 -- H 6515

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LC003170

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     STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY

JANUARY SESSION, A.D. 2023

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H O U S E   R E S O L U T I O N

RECOGNIZING THE HONORABLE MARIA LOPES ON RECEIVING A LIFETIME

ACHIEVEMENT AWARD AND THE HONORABLE MARCIA RANGLIN-VASSELL ON

RECEIVING THE LEGISLATIVE CHAMPION AWARD AT THE JUNETEENTH AWARDS

LUNCHEON ON JUNE 17TH, 2023

     Introduced By: Representatives Felix, Shekarchi, Blazejewski, Chippendale, Tanzi,
Diaz, Slater, Kislak, McEntee, and Morales

     Date Introduced: June 12, 2023

     Referred To: House read and passed

     WHEREAS, On June 17th of 2023, BLM RI PAC is holding its first Juneteenth Awards

Luncheon to recognize those individuals whose efforts and accomplishments have had a

significant and positive effect for underrepresented individuals and have fostered inclusivity in

the legislature; and

     WHEREAS, This year’s Lifetime Achievement Award will be presented to Maria Lopes

who was the first Black Woman elected to the Rhode Island State Legislature and served in the

RI House of Representatives from 1989 through 2001; and

     WHEREAS, The Honorable Maria Lopes was a pioneer who opened the door for women

to run and have a stronger voice in the General Assembly, and whose accomplishments brought

light on the issues facing Rhode Island’s minority and underrepresented communities; and

     WHEREAS, This year’s Legislative Champion Award winner is Marcia Ranglin-Vassell,

a former member of the Rhode Island House of Representatives who represented the 5th District

from 2017 through 2022; and

     WHEREAS, During her tenure in the House of Representatives, the Honorable Marcia

Ranglin-Vassell championed legislation in support of an equitable living wage, access and

reimbursement for doula services, bills to prevent gun violence, and support for numerous

education issues; and

     WHEREAS, The Honorable Maria Lopes and the Honorable Marcia Ranglin-Vassell

were true champions who spearheaded numerous initiatives that made a positive difference in the

lives of countless Rhode Islanders; and

     WHEREAS, These two esteemed former colleagues have undoubtedly earned the

gratitude and respect of the people of Rhode Island and are eminently deserving of this

recognition; now, therefore be it

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

recognizes and congratulates the Honorees, Marcia Ranglin-Vassell and Maria Lopes, on

receiving these distinguished Awards and for their diligent and dedicated efforts to represent and

better the lives of so many Rhode Islanders; 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 the Black Lives Matter Rhode Island Political

Action Committee, the Honorable Maria Lopes, and the Honorable Marcia Ranglin-Vassell.

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LC003170

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