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PRESS ADVISORY
RHODE ISLAND Contact: Marie Fraley, Associate Director “PALCUS is recognized at Rhode Island College Tribute” The Portuguese-American Leadership Council of the United States (PALCUS) will be recognized for its support of the Institute for Portuguese and Lusophone World Studies at Rhode Island at its “Tribute to Luso-American Elected Officials in the Rhode Island General Assembly” on October 18th on the Rhode Island College campus. PALCUS has historically been a supporter of Portuguese Studies at Rhode Island College with internships for students and networking support for its projects. Most recently, PALCUS spoke out against President Bush’s comments that a congressional grant proposed by Congressman Patrick Kennedy to provide seed money for the new Institute was an example of a “wasteful project”. A $93,000 congressional grant was awarded to the Institute last May due in part to PALCUS’ voice on the issue. Alda Pettiti, PALCUS Board Treasurer and former Chairwoman will represent PALCUS at the event
A Tribute to Luso-American Elected Officials of the Rhode Island General Assembly The Institute for Portuguese and Lusophone World Studies at Rhode Island College will salute members of the Luso-American community who have served in the Rhode Island General Assembly on Saturday, October 18, 2008 at 6:00 pm in the Donovan Dining Hall on the Rhode Island College campus. Rhode Island holds a special distinction in that its representation of Luso-Americans in the RI General Assembly is comparable to that of its population in the state. Initiated by the research of former General Treasurer Paul Tavares, the Institute has undertaken the “Luso-American Elected Officials Oral History Project” to document and archive the civic participation of this community for future research purposes. To date, approximately 65 Luso-Americans, that is Portuguese-speaking Americans, including those of Portuguese, Cape Verdean or Brazilian ancestry, who have served in the Rhode Island General Assembly have been identified.
Moreover, this year, 2008 marks the 50th continuous year that a Portuguese-American has served in the Senate of the Rhode Island General Assembly representing all or part of East Providence. This unique occurrence in the United States is a testament to civic participation worthy of recognition and documentation. The senators of District #14 (previously #42) that comprise this legacy are: Gilbert T. Rocha William A. Castro John F. Correia Paul J. Tavares Daniel DaPonte
Tickets to the event are available for $40 per person by contacting Marie Fraley, Associate Director at 401-456-8476 or mfraley1@ric.edu
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