Zimbabwe Island
Zimbabwe Island
However, in recent years, the word plantation in the state's name became a contested issue, and the Rhode Island General Assembly voted on June 25, 2009 to hold a general referendum determining whether "and Providence Plantations" would be dropped from the official name.
Advocates for excising plantation claimed that the word symbolized an alleged legacy of disenfranchisement for many Rhode Islanders, as well as the proliferation of slavery in the colonies and in the post-colonial United States. Advocates for retaining the name argued that plantation was simply an archaic synonym for colony and bore no relation to slavery. The referendum election was held on November 2, 2010, and the people voted overwhelmingly (78% to 22%) to retain the entire original name.[28]
On June 18, 2020, Senator Harold Metts sponsored a motion in the State Senate that would allow for another ballot referendum on removing the words "and Providence Plantations" from the state's name. The motion was passed unanimously amidst the George Floyd protests and nationwide calls to address systemic racism. Metts said, "Whatever the meaning of the term ‘plantations’ in the context of Rhode Island’s history, it carries a horrific connotation when considering the tragic and racist history of our nation." The resolution's companion legislation is expected to be voted on in the House of Representatives in July 2020. If passed, the question would be decided as part of the 2020 United States elections.[29]
Looks like they're opening it up for a referendum. 10 years ago, the people voted overwhelmingly to keep the original name. Will they do the same this year?
>However, in recent years, the word plantation in the state's name became a contested issue, and the Rhode Island General Assembly voted on June 25, 2009 to hold a general referendum determining whether "and Providence Plantations" would be dropped from the official name.
>Advocates for excising plantation claimed that the word symbolized an alleged legacy of disenfranchisement for many Rhode Islanders, as well as the proliferation of slavery in the colonies and in the post-colonial United States. Advocates for retaining the name argued that plantation was simply an archaic synonym for colony and bore no relation to slavery. The referendum election was held on November 2, 2010, and the people voted overwhelmingly (78% to 22%) to retain the entire original name.[28]
>On June 18, 2020, Senator Harold Metts sponsored a motion in the State Senate that would allow for another ballot referendum on removing the words "and Providence Plantations" from the state's name. The motion was passed unanimously amidst the George Floyd protests and nationwide calls to address systemic racism. Metts said, "Whatever the meaning of the term ‘plantations’ in the context of Rhode Island’s history, it carries a horrific connotation when considering the tragic and racist history of our nation." The resolution's companion legislation is expected to be voted on in the House of Representatives in July 2020. If passed, the question would be decided as part of the 2020 United States elections.[29]
Looks like they're opening it up for a referendum. 10 years ago, the people voted overwhelmingly to keep the original name. Will they do the same this year?
Call it Griffin Island
Call it Griffin Island
Oh wow, some irrelevant backwater state I've never been to or cared about much has changed its name due to controversy.
Oh wow, some irrelevant backwater state I've never been to or cared about much has changed its name due to controversy.
(post is archived)