RI Black and Latino Caucus Congratulates Lt. Gov. Sabina Matos

PAWTUCKET, RI — The Rhode Island Legislative Black and Latino Caucus is offering its congratulations to new Lt. Gov. Sabina Matos, while noting her historic stature as the state's first lieutenant governor of color.

The caucus, chaired by Rep. Karen Alzate (D-Dist. 60, Pawtucket), said today that Matos and her "story of hard-work, determination, and success is a true inspiration to every Black and Latino resident in Rhode Island, and proves what is possible if one is daring enough to dream of better things."

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Matos, the former Providence City Council president was sworn in this morning by Sec. of State Nellie Gorbea, who administered the oath using Matos' family bible. Matos prevailed over a large field of contenders to become Gov. Dan McKee's top choice to serve as the state's 70th lieutenant governor.

A first-generation immigrant, Matos was born in the Dominican Republic and came to the United States in 1994. She lives in Olneyville with her husband and two children, Diego and Annemarie.

Matos served on the Providence City Council since 2015, representing Ward 15. She was the city's first Latina to serve as president pro tempore, and later the first to be elected council president.

"We as a caucus could not be any more proud of her and this incredible accomplishment and we all are looking forward to working with her to better the lives of Rhode Island’s community of color,” said Chairwoman Alzate.

The caucus also includes Rep. Marvin L. Abney (D-Dist. 73, Newport, Middletown); Rep. Jose F. Batista (D-Dist. 12, Providence); Rep. Jean Philippe Barros (D-Dist. 59, Pawtucket); Rep. Nathan W. Biah (D-Dist. 3, Providence); Rep. Liana Cassar (D-Dist. 66, Barrington, East Providence); Rep. Grace Diaz (D-Dist. 11, Providence); Rep. Leonela Felix (D-Dist. 61, Pawtucket); Rep. Joshua Giraldo (D-Dist. 56, Central Falls); Rep. Brianna E. Henries (D-Dist. 64, East Providence); Rep. Raymond A. Hull (D-Dist. 6, Providence, North Providence); Rep. David Morales (D-Dist. 7, Providence); Rep. Ramon A. Perez (D-Dist. 13, Providence, Johnston); Rep. Anastasia P. Williams (D-Dist. 9, Providence); Rep. Marcia Ranglin-Vassell (D-Dist. 5, Providence); Rep. Carlos E. Tobon (D-Dist. 58, Pawtucket); Sen. Jonathon Acosta (D-Dist. 16, Central Falls, Pawtucket); Sen. Sandra Cano (D-Dist. 8, Pawtucket); Sen. Tiara T. Mack (D-Dist. 6, Providence); Sen. Cynthia Mendes (D-Dist. 18, East Providence, Pawtucket); and Sen. Ana B. Quezada (D-Dist. 2, Providence).

The goal of the Black and Latino Caucus is to represent and advocate for the interests of disadvantaged people throughout Rhode Island, said Alzate. It seeks to increase diverse participation and representation in all levels of government. "The goal is to close, and ultimately to eliminate, disparities that still exist between white and non-white Americans in every aspect of life," Alzate wrote.