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East Providence forms community advisory board to 'reduce systemic racism'


East Providence formed a community advisor board to "reduce systemic racism," Wednesday, June 3, 2020. (WJAR)
East Providence formed a community advisor board to "reduce systemic racism," Wednesday, June 3, 2020. (WJAR)
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East Providence Mayor Bob DaSilva announced Wednesday that he created a Mayor's Community Advisory Board.

DaSilva said the board was formed to increase communication between communities, promote diversity and inclusion, and "reduce systemic racism and bigotry."

"What I am hoping this does is, we will have a wide group of people from all over the community who can bring issues to us, sit around the table, discuss ways to make it better, how do we fix these problems, so we can implement some changes that would benefit them," DaSilva told NBC 10 News.

The board will meet on a monthly basis and will include 15 East Providence residents from different backgrounds.

East Providence Affirmative Action/Equal Employment Opportunity Officer Elmer Pina was named as the city's new municipal integrity officer, or MIO.

He will be the point of contact for any complaints from residents of "social injustice, systemic racism within the community and any other complaints regarding city operations."

DaSilva said the MIO will be responsible for the intake and investigation of complaints from those who feel they've been mistreated.

The MIO will also connect residents with state and federal organizations who can further address any issues.

"During these challenging and unprecedented times, the City of East Providence has continued to rise and be a leader in the state," said Pina. "I look forward to assisting and addressing issues of inequality."

East Providence residents interested in joining the community advisory board can apply online or contact Pina at epina@eastprovidenceri.gov.


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