RI Comic Con weekend – the biggest show in the smallest state

A group of people standing in front of a cake.

by Ann Clanton & Brendan Higgins, contributing writers Rhode Island Comic Con is billed as Rhode Island’s ONLY TRUE and official COMIC CON family fun event. And that is certainly true. Rhode Island Comic Con prides itself on bringing the fans of New England The Biggest Show in the Smallest State and some of the…

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“Simply the Best” comes to PPAC – Ann Clanton

A woman dressed as a lion in a yellow frame.

by Ann Clanton, contributing reporter Tina Turner the Musical Launches Road Tour in Providence Closing last month to rave reviews, with a Tony Award for the lead actress and garnering 11 nominations, “Tina: The Musical” concluded a successful run on Broadway – but for Rhode Island fans there’s no need to worry that they missed…

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Ocean State’s Muse Foundation promotes giving in August, Black Philanthropy Month

Two men talking to each other at a job fair.

By Ann Clanton, Contributing Reporter  Rhode Island’s black population is only 6.9% of the state’s population, yet the need for services and programs amongst African-Americans and persons who identify as Black is extensive. While we often look to our government and community organizations to meet the program and human service needs, the month of August…

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Black Business Expo – TODAY

A group of people talking to each other at an event.

Join Ann Clanton Communications, Fab Living Realty and the Black Leaf Tea & Culture Shop for a Black Business Expo/Observing Juneteenth Networking event on Thursday, June 16, 4-7pm at Venture Café in Providence, 225 Dyer Street in Providence.  Presentations, and link to sign up, format and times are as follows: 4 – 6 PM Black Business…

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Top PC Friar and the political season take center stage at NAACP event – Ann Clanton

A man in a suit is holding an award from the naacp.

by Ann Clanton, “Speak-Up” contributor The 108th annual Freedom Fund Breakfast sponsored by the NAACP Providence Branch took place at the Marriott Hotel on Orms Street Saturday morning. Gubernatorial candidate Ashley Kalus, Mayoral Candidates Nirva LaFortune and Gonzalo Cuervo and former Cranston Mayor and Congressional Candidate Alan Fung led a bevy of candidates who mingled…

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Providence “Y Heroes” event honors staff for resilience among awardees – Ann Clanton

A group of people sitting on chairs in a room.

By Ann Clanton, “Speak-Up” contributing writer Rhode Island leaders in government, law enforcement and the corporate community convened at the Rhode Island Convention Center for the YMCA of Greater Providence’s fifth annual “Y Heroes” awards on Tuesday. Greater Providence YMCA Board Member and award-winning journalist Mike Montecalvo served as emcee. A common theme throughout the…

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Gambia refugee running for US Congress: What’s the possibility? – Ann Clanton

A man in a blue suit sitting in an office.

by Ann Clanton, “Speak-Up” contributing writer Can a refugee from Gambia, in a predominately white, Catholic and Protestant state win a federal election in the Ocean State? Dr. Omar Bah, founder of the Refugee Dream Center and an advocate for Rhode Island’s refugee community, joined a long list of would-be candidates when he announced his…

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Black History Month activities in Rhode Island

A black and white photo of a man in a suit.

by Ann Clanton, “Speak-Up” contributing writer Photo: Langston Hughes An American lawyer and civil rights activist who served as an Associate Justice of the United States Supreme Court once said of Black History Month, that it’s “recognizing the humanity of our fellow beings, we pay ourselves the highest tribute.” Rhode Island’s humanities, arts, and civil…

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Hispanic business expansion nationwide the message at Cafe Con Leche – Ann Clanton

The ushc logo with a man in a suit and tie.

by Ann Clanton, “Speak-Up” contributing writer Leroy Cavazos, U.S. Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Vice President of Government Affairs delivered a message to the Rhode Island and Hispanic Small Business community, during his visit to Rhode Island last week. Hispanic businesses are the fastest-growing segment of U.S. small businesses, up 34% in the last 10 years.…

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