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Based on the number of African Americans who vote in elections, African Americans are more involved in the political process than any other minority group in the country. But does this fact translate into real political and economic power nationally and in the state of Rhode Island?

Six leading figures in the state’s African American community will hold a panel discussion on “African Americans and Politics: Challenges and Opportunities,” hosted by the American Democracy Project at ΢��Ȧ and co-sponsored by the ΢��Ȧ Unity Center and the Dialogue on Diversity Committee.

The forum will be held on Wednesday, April 1, from 2-4 p.m., in Alger Hall 110. This event is free and open to the public.

Moderated by former R.I. State Representative and Deputy Secretary of State Ray Rickman, the panel consists of:

Travis Escobar, community engagement coordinator for Olneyville Housing Corporation and cofounder of Millennial Professional Group of R.I.;

Armeather Gibbs, managing director of Urban Finance and Business Development at the Rhode Island Commerce Corporation and Diversity Implementation Team Coordinator for the Rhode Island Department of Administration;

Ray Hull, R.I. state representative and sergeant of the Providence Police Department;

Donald King, vice president of Fete Music and founder of the former Providence Black Repertory Company; and

Lisa Ranglin, vice president at Bank of America and founding president of the Rhode Island Black Business Association.

Author of “African American Politics” and media commentator Kendra King Momon will deliver the keynote. Momons is associate professor of politics at Oglethorpe University and director of the Rich Foundation Urban Program in Atlanta, Ga.

“ADP is very pleased to have such . on this important topic,” said Valerie Endress, ADP coordinator and ΢��Ȧ professor of political communication. “Because the struggle for equality continues, this is an examination that is long overdue and an important discussion to have both nationally and in Rhode Island.”

“It will be an evocative and educational program,” added Unity Center Director Antoinette Gomes. “I hope everyone – from the ΢��Ȧ administration, to students, to community partners – will join us.”

For more information, contact Valerie Endress at 401-456-4781 or email vendress@ric.edu.

The ADP is a campus initiative to promote political engagement throughout the state. ΢��Ȧ is the only college in the state to participate in the ADP and is considered one of the leading programs in the country for political and civic engagement.