R 239

2003 -- S 1134

Enacted 06/10/03

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

PROCLAIMING THE MONTH OF JUNE AS PORTUGUESE AMERICAN MONTH IN THE STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

Introduced By: Senators DaPonte, and Connors

Date Introduced: June 10, 2003

     WHEREAS, June 10th is celebrated around the world as the National Day of Portugal;

and

     WHEREAS, In 1658, 15 Jewish families sailed to Newport from New York after they left

Portugal in order to avoid religious persecution; and

     WHEREAS, Several Portuguese Jewish refugees founded Touro Synagogue in Newport,

which is the oldest synagogue in America; and

     WHEREAS, Between 1830 and 1860, the whaling industry lured ships from Bristol,

Newport, New Bedford and Fall River, to the Azores. There they took on Portuguese sailors,

many of these sailors settled in Providence, Pawtucket, and East Providence working in many of

the textile mills. Others became farmers in Little Compton and Portsmouth; and

     WHEREAS, Like the Irish and Italians, Portuguese people suffered discrimination and

exploitation in employment. Like many ethnic groups migrating to America, the main goal for the

Portuguese people was economic betterment; and

     WHEREAS, The total number of Portuguese people who reside in Rhode Island is

94,650. The majority being from the Providence County area, with Bristol and Newport counties

running second. With such a large percentage, it only seems right that we dedicate the month of

June to this hard working, patriotic and spirited ethnic community; now, therefore be it

     RESOLVED, That this Senate of the State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations

hereby congratulates the Portuguese Community, and proclaims the month of June as Portuguese

American month in the State of Rhode Island.

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LC03420

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