The state of Rhode Island, officially named Rhode Island and Providence Plantations, is working to change its name because of its connection to slavery.
“Many of the State's residents find it painful that a word so closely associated with slavery should appear in the official name of the State," Raimondo wrote.
“I urge the voters to approve the name change in November but will take all measures now that are within my control to eliminate the name from my official communications and those of my executive agencies,” Raimondo said.
As reported by NPR, theologian Roger Williams, a founder of the Rhode Island settlement, added “Providence Plantations” to its name.
Rhode Island Senate President Dominick Ruggiero and Speaker of the House Nicholas Mattiello advocated for the revision in a joint statement
"We both support placing on the ballot this November the decision whether to remove the word 'and Providence Plantations' from the state's name," the legislative leaders wrote.
