UPDATED: I was recently informed that there would be a fairness issue with waiving the lighting fee for the state house for the entire month. Other organizations are required to pay a fee and unless all fees are waived, this wouldn’t be fair for other orgs or even feasible for the state house. I was also informed that the Governor could approve a lighting on a National Holiday. It was recommended to pursue an annual lighting for Martin Luther King Jr (MLK) Day. I am not opposed to the suggestion and would like to amend and forward this effort to get an annual lighting on MLK Day starting 2020.

The previous ask, RHODE ISLAND STATE HOUSE LIT FOR BLACK HISTORY MONTH ANNUALLY
For the past few years a single Rhode Island resident has lead the charge along with fundraising from others and advocated to have our state house lit in red, black & green in honor of black history month. This came with a monetary cost attached each year until this year. There are some members in the community who would like to propose a policy be put in place that would keep the state house lit for the month of February every year at no cost to the community.

Black History month is important for all residents and especially for our youth in the minority communities. Holistically the colors show pride, support, ignite conversation about our heritage and most of all supports unity in the community.

This is an ask for community support to make this happen. With your support we should be able to make a change and have the state house lit every year going forward in honor of black history month. We as a community can utilize this action to educate and motivate our youth to take pride in their history and have this as a reminder each year. Please take this moment to sign this petition to have the lighting of Rhode Island State House in Red, Black and Green each year for the month of February starting in 2020. Thank you in advance.