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10/12/2021
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Rep. Williams is saddened over the removal of a ‘desegregation’ mural at Robert F. Kennedy Elementary School in Providence
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 STATE HOUSE – Rep. Anastasia P. Williams (D-Dist. 9, Providence) is concerned regarding the recent painting-over of a 1967 student mural celebrating desegregation at Robert F. Kennedy Elementary School in Providence. She issued the following statement:
“I was tremendously saddened and dismayed over the recent removal of the student mural at RFK Elementary School. This mural was created by students in 1967 in an effort to celebrate and promote desegregation and diversity during a contentious time of severe racial tension. It promoted the unconditional love and respect that children demonstrate before they are polluted with the toxic thoughts of adults and others, but now, it is all gone.
“While the justification for the mural’s removal was that there had been complaints that it was racially insensitive and offensive, I, and many other individuals of color, never saw this mural in that light. Instead, we saw it as a loving expression of young children voicing their beliefs that desegregation was not a bad policy and that children of all races loved being at their school together to learn and grow.
“We all know that there is far too much negativity in our world these days and racial issues of discrimination and hate are once again at the forefront of our minds on a daily basis. But, it is disappointing that a true and pure symbol of anti-racism has been destroyed in the name of diversity and tolerance and we must remain vigilant against future reactionary mistakes that accomplish the opposite of what was intended.
“It is my hope that the legacy of this groundbreaking 1967 mural will live on through a display of the mural, as well as a clear history of its creation. The community and I would also love to see an updated mural in the same space that builds upon the legacy of this mural from 1967 so that the students of RFK Elementary School can once again proudly declare that they are a diverse, loving and welcoming student body to all that pass through their school’s doors. We must remember that while discrimination is everywhere, it is not necessarily in everything,” said Representative Williams.
For more information, contact:
Andrew Caruolo, Publicist
State House Room 20
Providence, RI 02903
(401)222-6124
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