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6/17/2025
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Assembly approves bill to create Rhode Island Greek Heritage plate sponsored by AHEPA
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STATE HOUSE – The General Assembly today approved legislation introduced by Sen. Leonidas P. Raptakis and Rep. Joseph M. McNamara that would create a Rhode Island Greek Heritage license plate in conjunction with the American Hellenic Educational Progressive Association (AHEPA).
“The noble Hellenic community in our state has always emphasized the strong connection between Rhode Island, known for its commitment to independence, and the nation of Greece, which was the birthplace of democracy. Hellenic Rhode Islanders are proud of their heritage and this bill will allow them to further share their rich and historic culture with the rest of the state,” said Senator Raptakis (D-Dist. 33, Coventry, West Greenwich).
“Rhode Island is home to many proud Hellenic people and families, and this bill will allow them to showcase their pride of their rich Greek culture to everyone on our state’s roadways. It’s an honor to introduce this bill for my Hellenic constituents and the rest of Rhode Island’s Greek community,” said Representative McNamara (D-Dist. 19, Warwick, Cranston).
The legislation (2025-S 0155, 2025-H 6148) would empower the Division of Motor Vehicles to make available special motor vehicle registration plates for the American Hellenic Educational Progressive Association.
AHEPA is a fraternal organization founded on July 26, 1922, in Atlanta, Georgia. AHEPA was founded with a focus on civil rights, particularly to counteract the Ku Klux Klan. It is the largest and oldest grassroots association of American citizens of Greek heritage and Philhellenes with more than 400 chapters across the United States, Canada, Australia and Europe.
The mission of AHEPA is to promote the ancient Hellenic ideals of education, philanthropy, civic responsibility, family and individual excellence through community service and volunteerism.
Rhode Island has three AHEPA chapters associated with the Assumption, Annunciation and St. Spyridon Greek Orthodox Churches located in Cranston, Newport and Pawtucket.
The legislation now heads to the governor for consideration.
For more information, contact:
Andrew Caruolo, Publicist
State House Room 20
Providence, RI 02903
(401)222-6124
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