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Rhode Island Ditches Its ‘Plantations’
The state’s name adjustment is a sign of the anti-racism times
I have to be honest. I had no idea Rhode Island’s full name included the words “Providence Plantations.” I worked in Boston for a long while and often drove to Rhode Island for all-you-can-eat lobster dinner, girls weekends, and to cover storm stories. Not once did the full name of the state register with me as I drove through that scenic countryside.
Now the state has decided to remove the plantation part from its state’s checks. That’s according to Rhode Island General Treasurer Seth Magaziner. Gov. Gina Raimondo took it a step further on June 22, 2020, with this statement:
“This morning I signed an executive order removing the phrase Providence Plantations from gubernatorial orders and citations, all executive branch agency websites, all official correspondence, and state employee pay stubs and paychecks.”
Rhode Island adjusted its stance on slavery in 1784 with the “Gradual Emancipation Act.” Per Brown University: “According to this act, children born to slaves would not remain slaves and masters could manumit healthy slaves between the ages of 21 and 40 without assuming financial responsibility.”
The state’s extensive history with slavery was not mentioned in the press release but it is easily accessible. The treasurer ends the press release with this: “everyone calls us just ‘Rhode Island’ anyway.”
